Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
If you’re a fan of cinnamon rolls and French toast, get ready to meet your new breakfast obsession. This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe combines the best of both worlds into bite-sized, golden rolls that are incredibly easy to make. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them every weekend — they’re that good!
Why This Recipe Works
- Ease and Speed: Prep and cook in just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.
- Balanced Sweetness: The combo of cinnamon sugar inside and on the outside hits that perfect sweet spot without being overwhelming.
- Crunchy Outside, Soft Inside: Rolling the bread thin and frying just right creates a texture you’ll crave again and again.
- Versatile and Fun: These roll ups are great for customizing with your favorite fillings or toppings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is carefully chosen to create a rich, creamy, and cinnamon-packed treat. Here’s why every component matters and some tips to pick the best:

- White sandwich bread: Soft and easy to roll—avoid thick-cut or crusty bread so you get those smooth, pillowy rolls.
- Unsalted butter: For creamy richness without salty overpowering; softened butter spreads easily and browns beautifully when frying.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses note that deepens the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives those warm, comforting vibes—freshly ground if you can for best aroma.
- Eggs: Bind everything and create that custard-worthy coating.
- Milk: Thins the egg mixture so it soaks just right without making the bread soggy.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and depth, balancing the cinnamon perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: For coating the rolls and giving that delightful sugary crunch.
- Maple syrup: The perfect finishing drizzle—real syrup elevates the whole experience.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your liking. You can add fillings, swap spices, or change up the topping to suit your mood or dietary needs — and I definitely recommend experimenting!
- Variation: I love adding a little cream cheese spread mixed with a touch of powdered sugar inside before rolling—it’s like a cream cheese cinnamon roll in a flash.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the milk with almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative to keep it delicious and allergy-friendly.
- Extra Flavor: Sprinkle some nutmeg or even a bit of pumpkin pie spice into the cinnamon sugar mixture for a seasonal twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Butter Mixture
Start by setting aside 2 tablespoons of softened butter—that little bit comes in handy later for frying. Then mix the remaining butter with the brown sugar and cinnamon until it’s all nicely incorporated. This combination is what transforms the simple bread into something magical, so make sure it’s spread evenly!
Step 2: Prepare the Coatings and Egg Mixture
In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon — this will coat the rolls after cooking, giving that signature crunch and sweetness. In another dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth. This egg custard bath is what makes the outside golden and custardy, so don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Roll, Roll, Roll
Remove the crust from each bread slice (don’t skip—crusts make rolling tricky). Then, with a rolling pin, flatten each slice nicely. Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon butter mixture across the surface, then roll them up tightly. I find rolling firmly helps them hold together better in the pan and prevents filling leaks.
Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection
Melt one tablespoon of butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat—this pan choice is key to avoid sticking. Quickly dip each roll in the egg and milk mixture, making sure to coat all sides but don’t soak them too long or they’ll get soggy inside (a quick dip works best!). Lay them seam-side down in the pan, frying about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. You might need to add a little more butter as you cook in batches, but keep an eye so they don’t burn.
Step 5: Coat and Serve Warm
As soon as the rolls come off the pan, toss them gently in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks while warm. Serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and maybe even a dusting of powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Soft Bread Is Key: I’ve found that slightly day-old bread even works better because it’s sturdy yet soft enough to roll without tearing.
- Don’t Over-Dip: Keep your dips into the egg mixture quick to avoid soggy, heavy rolls; a good coat is enough.
- Use a Non-Stick Pan: It really saves you from scrubbing burnt bits and keeps your rolls intact.
- Cook in Batches of Four: This keeps the pan at the right temperature and gives you time to coat and serve the perfect batch every time.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes I add a few fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra special without overpowering those lovely cinnamon flavors.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon roll french toast pairs beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage links if you like a savory balance. A fresh fruit salad or even some stewed apples on the side work wonders for a bright contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, I like to arrange the roll ups on a long platter lined with parchment paper and sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top. You can even set out a little maple syrup bar with whipped cream, nuts, and berries so everyone can customize their own—makes it feel extra festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I suggest layering with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Freezing
These roll ups freeze wonderfully. I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want breakfast, I just pull a few out the night before to thaw in the fridge or microwave them gently that morning.
Reheating
To keep that crispiness, I love reheating them in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes instead of the microwave. This way, they stay warm and retain their golden crust rather than getting soggy.
FAQs
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Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the roll ups the night before and keep them in the fridge ready to fry in the morning. This helps save time on busy days. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out.
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What’s the best bread to use for this recipe?
Soft white sandwich bread works best—it’s easy to roll and soaks up the egg mixture nicely without falling apart. Avoid artisan or crusty bread varieties as they’re harder to roll and may dry out.
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Can I add other fillings to these roll ups?
Absolutely! Cream cheese, chocolate chips, or fruit preserves make delicious additions inside the roll ups. Just be mindful not to overfill, so they roll neatly and cook evenly.
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How do I keep the roll ups from getting soggy?
Don’t soak the bread rolls too long in the egg mixture—just a quick dip per side is enough. Also, using day-old bread or slightly drying the bread on a wire rack before rolling can help maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is one of those happy accidents in my kitchen that became a family favorite overnight. They’re easy, fun to make, and deliver all the cozy cinnamon roll feels without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try them — you’re going to love how they bring that warm, sweet morning magic to your table in under 30 minutes.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast in a fun, bite-sized form. Soft bread slices are coated with a cinnamon butter mixture, rolled tightly, dipped in an egg mixture, fried until golden, then dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with maple syrup for a perfect breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Roll Ups
- 8 slices white sandwich bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Egg Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cinnamon butter mixture: Separate 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining butter with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, mixing until well incorporated. Set aside.
- Make cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Mix egg batter: In a medium dish, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully blended. Set aside.
- Prepare bread slices: Remove crusts from each bread slice. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice gently. Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon butter mixture over each slice, then roll the slices tightly into a cylinder shape.
- Cook the roll ups: Melt 1 tablespoon of the reserved butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Dip each rolled bread piece quickly into the egg mixture, coating evenly on all sides. Place each roll seam-side down in the pan. Fry rolls in batches of four, cooking about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Add more butter as needed to keep rolls from sticking and to achieve a golden crust.
- Finish and serve: Immediately after frying, coat each roll with the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks well. Serve warm rolls drizzled with maple syrup.
Notes
- Use soft white sandwich bread for easier flattening and rolling.
- A nonstick frying pan helps prevent the rolls from sticking during cooking.
- Remove leftover butter and wipe the pan with a paper towel before adding fresh butter for each batch to ensure even, golden browning.
- Coat the rolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture immediately after frying so it adheres nicely.
- Cook the rolls in batches of four to avoid overcrowding and burning.
- Do not soak the rolled bread in the egg mixture too long to prevent sogginess; a quick dip on both sides is sufficient.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg


