If you’ve ever wished that cinnamon rolls and French toast could come together in one heavenly bite, this is the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine soft, buttery bread filled with sweet cinnamon-sugar butter, dipped in a classic French toast custard, pan-fried to golden perfection, and finished with a silky cream cheese icing drizzle. The result? A comforting, bite-sized treat that’s crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for weekend brunch, holiday breakfasts, or even as a fun party food idea, these roll-ups deliver all the cozy flavors of homemade cinnamon rolls with the quick convenience of French toast. Each bite bursts with the warm spice of cinnamon, balanced by the richness of butter and the tangy sweetness of cream cheese frosting. It’s comfort food magic you can make in less than 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Fun and kid-approved: The bite-sized rolls are perfect for little hands (and big ones too!).
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Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
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Crispy and gooey: Golden on the outside with a warm cinnamon filling inside.
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Perfect for brunch or dessert: Works as a breakfast treat or a sweet finish to dinner.
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Customizable: Change up the filling, coating, or topping to make it your own.
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Party-friendly: Serve with dipping sauce for a shareable appetizer or snack.
Ingredient Breakdown
Unsalted Butter: Creates the base of the cinnamon spread and gives richness to the bread and icing.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth, caramelizing slightly during cooking.
Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and coziness to every bite.
Bread: Soft, thick slices work best; they roll easily and hold the filling without tearing.
Eggs: Help bind the French toast mixture and add structure when cooked.
Milk: Lightens the custard mixture for dipping, ensuring the bread stays tender.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the custard.
Granulated Sugar + Cinnamon: The coating gives a sweet, crunchy finish to the roll-ups.
Cream Cheese: Key to the icing, adding tang to balance the sweetness.
Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the cream cheese icing for drizzling.
Pro Tips
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Flatten the bread evenly: A rolling pin makes the slices easier to roll tightly without tearing.
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Don’t oversoak in egg mixture: A quick dip is enough—too long and the bread may fall apart.
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Cook over medium heat: Keeps the outside crisp without burning before the inside warms through.
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Work in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning.
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Serve immediately: Roll-ups taste best hot and fresh off the skillet.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Different bread: Use brioche, challah, or Texas toast for a richer flavor.
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Add fruit filling: Spread thinly sliced apples, bananas, or strawberries before rolling.
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Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts inside the cinnamon butter layer.
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Chocolate lovers: Add Nutella or chocolate chips for a decadent variation.
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Dairy-free option: Use vegan butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese.
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Gluten-free: Substitute with gluten-free sandwich bread for a GF-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
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Classic breakfast plate: Serve warm with scrambled eggs and bacon for a balanced brunch.
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Party platter: Arrange on a tray with cream cheese icing, caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce for dipping.
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Sweet dessert: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream.
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Holiday breakfast: Perfect addition to Easter, Christmas, or Mother’s Day brunch spreads.
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Kid-friendly snack: Pair with a small dish of maple syrup for dipping.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Prep ahead: Roll up the bread with cinnamon filling the night before, store covered in the fridge, and cook the next morning.
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Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a skillet for a few minutes or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid the microwave, which can make them soggy.
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Freezing: Freeze uncooked roll-ups after dipping in the egg mixture; thaw overnight in the fridge before pan-frying.
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Icing tip: Store icing separately in the fridge and drizzle just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Cultural or Historical Notes
French toast dates back centuries, often referred to as “poor knights’ pudding” in Europe, made from stale bread dipped in milk and eggs to avoid waste. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, trace their roots to Northern Europe, especially Sweden (“kanelbullar”). This recipe fuses the two classics into a modern American comfort food that delivers nostalgia and innovation in every bite. It’s a playful twist that transforms two beloved traditions into one irresistible dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and roll the bread with the cinnamon filling the night before, then dip and cook the next morning for fresh, warm roll-ups.
2. What bread works best?
Thick, soft sandwich bread, brioche, or Texas toast are ideal since they’re sturdy yet pliable. Avoid overly crusty bread, which cracks when rolled.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Place on a greased baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. How do I make the icing thicker?
Add more confectioners’ sugar until you reach your desired consistency, or chill it for 10 minutes before drizzling.
5. Can I skip the cream cheese icing?
Of course. They’re delicious rolled in cinnamon sugar alone, but the icing adds that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Remove the crusts from the bread and use a rolling pin to flatten each slice into a thin sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon butter mixture evenly on each slice. Roll each piece tightly to form a log.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Quickly dip each roll into the egg mixture, ensuring the entire roll is coated, but don’t soak it.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the rolls, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the rolls are fried, immediately roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat fully. Set aside on a serving plate.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, cream cheese, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Transfer the icing to a piping bag for drizzling, or serve in a small dish as a dip.
