Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups: An Easy, Fun Breakfast Twist

Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering how to turn that basic loaf of bread into something special for breakfast? And not just special, but something the kids will actually cheer for? We’ve all been there. That’s the magic of these Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups. They take all the cozy, comforting flavor of your favorite french toast and roll it up into a fun, dippable, totally irresistible package. They’re the perfect solution for a busy weekend morning when you want a hot breakfast without a whole lot of fuss.

Top Reasons To Make It

First off, these roll-ups are a total crowd-pleaser. Kids adore the fun shape and the fact that they get to dip them, and adults love the classic cinnamon sugar flavor. They come together incredibly fast with simple ingredients you probably have on hand right now. No need for a special trip to the store. They’re also way less messy to flip in the pan than traditional french toast, which is a win in my book any day of the week. And finally, they’re endlessly customizable. You can keep it simple or fill them with all sorts of delicious things.

Ingredients

• 8 slices soft sandwich bread (white or wheat works great) – The soft texture makes them easy to roll without cracking.
• 4 oz softened cream cheese – Adds a lovely creamy, tangy filling.
• 2 large eggs – The base of our custard for that classic french toast coating.
• 1/4 cup milk (any kind you like) – Thins the egg mixture for a perfect dip.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that warm, classic flavor we all love.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – The star of the spice show.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – For sweetening our cinnamon sugar coating.
• 2 tbsp butter – For frying until golden and delicious.
• Maple syrup or fruit preserves – For serving and dipping, of course!

Instructions

1. First, use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. This step is key for easy rolling!
2. In a small bowl, stir together the cinnamon and sugar until well combined. Set this aside for later.
3. Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese (about 1/2 tablespoon) onto each flattened slice of bread, leaving a tiny border around the edges.
4. Carefully roll up each slice of bread tightly, like a little jelly roll. Give it a gentle squeeze to help it seal.
5. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. One by one, dip each bread roll into the egg mixture, turning to coat it completely. Let any excess drip off.
7. Melt the butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the roll-ups seam-side down in the pan.
8. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning gently, until they are golden brown and gorgeous on all sides.
9. Immediately roll the warm french toast roll-ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they’re fully coated. Serve right away with your favorite dip!

Variations & Substitutions

Don’t have cream cheese? No problem! A thin layer of nut butter, like almond or peanut butter, would be wonderful. For a dairy-free version, use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and milk. If you want to add a little fruit, try spreading a thin layer of raspberry jam or apple butter before rolling. For a savory breakfast twist, skip the cinnamon sugar. Fill with shredded cheese and a little chopped smoked turkey sausage, then dip in the egg wash and pan-fry. So good.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

These little roll-ups are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a dipping station. Set out small bowls of warm maple syrup, a berry compote, or even a simple yogurt dip. They’re the star of any breakfast buffet spread. For a more complete meal, pair them with some crispy turkey bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a quick scramble of eggs. They’re the perfect quick breakfast idea for feeding a crowd without spending all morning in the kitchen.

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), let them cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. The microwave will work in a pinch, but they will lose their crisp exterior. I don’t recommend freezing them after they’re cooked, as the bread can get a bit soggy when thawed.

Pro Tips For Perfect Roll-Ups

• Really flatten that bread! It seems like a small step, but it makes rolling so much easier and prevents tearing.
• Don’t overfill them. A thin layer of filling is all you need, or you’ll have a leaky situation on your hands.
• Make sure your pan is at a steady medium heat. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is warm.
• Roll them in the cinnamon sugar while they’re still hot from the pan. The heat helps the sugar stick perfectly.
• Honestly, double the batch. You’ll be glad you did when they disappear in five minutes flat.
• Get the kids involved! Let them do the dipping and rolling in sugar. It’s a fun way to make breakfast together.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make these ahead of time for a breakfast buffet? You can prep the roll-ups the night before! Assemble them (roll with filling), place them seam-side down on a plate, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, just dip them in the egg mixture and cook as directed.
• What’s the best bread to use for healthy breakfast recipes like this? I like a classic soft white or wheat sandwich bread, but you can absolutely use whole grain or even a cinnamon swirl bread for extra flavor. Just make sure it’s soft and fresh so it rolls easily.
• Are there other simple breakfast ideas for using this method? Absolutely! This method is so versatile. Try spreading the rolls with a little pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni for a savory lunchbox option. The possibilities are endless and always a hit for morning breakfast ideas.