Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
If you’re craving a breakfast that’s both playful and indulgent, you’re in for a treat! This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up on a lazy weekend morning. Imagine the gooey warmth of cinnamon rolls combined with the crispy, golden charm of French toast—rolled up into delightful little bite-sized treasures. Keep reading because I’m sharing all my secrets so you can nail this fan-freaking-tastic recipe every single time.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: Cinnamon and sugar meld beautifully with the buttery bread for that classic, cozy taste.
- Easy, No-Fuss Prep: Using simple ingredients you probably have at home makes this recipe totally approachable.
- Fun &shareable Presentation: These cute roll ups are perfect for family breakfasts or brunch parties where smiles are on the menu.
- Golden, Crispy Texture: Frying in butter creates a perfectly crunchy exterior that contrasts the soft, gooey interior just right.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe plays its part in creating that delightful blend of flavors and textures. Choosing fresh, soft bread and high-quality cinnamon really takes these from good to glow-up worthy, and I’ll share some of my favorite shopping tips along the way.

- White sandwich bread: Go for soft, fresh bread because it’s easier to roll and absorbs the egg mixture just right without falling apart.
- Unsalted butter: I recommend unsalted so you control the saltiness; plus, it browns beautifully for that perfect golden crust.
- Light brown sugar: Adds that deep, caramel-like flavor which feels like the cinnamon roll’s soul in this recipe.
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon is key—avoid pre-ground stuff that’s been sitting around too long for the best aroma and flavor punch.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and provide the rich custard soak that transforms the bread.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but I’ve used almond milk with great results too.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash adds subtle sweetness and warmth that elevates the whole dish.
- Granulated sugar: Mixed with cinnamon to coat the outside for that perfect sweet crunch after frying.
- Maple syrup: The finishing touch—real maple syrup or good-quality pancake syrup adds indulgent sweetness that’s classic.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe is. It’s a perfect base recipe that welcomes all sorts of little tweaks—you can turn it up or down depending on what you and your family prefer. Here’s how I like to mix things up sometimes:
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out white bread for brioche or challah for an extra rich, fluffy texture that no one complains about!
- Healthier twist: Using whole grain bread and swapping brown sugar for coconut sugar can make it a bit more wholesome without losing the magic.
- Extra fillings: I’ve tried adding a thin layer of cream cheese or a smear of Nutella under the cinnamon sugar butter for a decadent surprise inside.
- Flavor play: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice blend in place of cinnamon in fall for seasonal vibes that will wow your crew.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Butter Mixture
Start by taking 2 tablespoons of softened butter and setting it aside for cooking later. Then, in a medium bowl, combine the rest of the butter with light brown sugar and cinnamon until it’s all beautifully incorporated. This sweet cinnamon butter is the heart of the roll ups, so take your time to mix it well and set it aside while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Mix the Coating and Egg Soak
In a small bowl, blend the granulated sugar with cinnamon for that crunchy, sweet coating. Then whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract in a wider dish or bowl; you want this mixture ready for dipping the bread rolls.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread Roll Ups
Remove the crust from each bread slice (this makes rolling easier and prettier), then flatten the bread with a rolling pin just enough to spread the cinnamon butter evenly. Spread a thin layer of your butter-cinnamon mixture on each slice, then roll them up tightly like little scrolls. Trust me, tight rolls hold together better when frying.
Step 4: Cook the Roll Ups
Melt a tablespoon of the reserved butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Now, dip each bread roll quickly into the egg and milk mixture, coating it well on all sides—but don’t let it soak too long or it’ll get soggy inside! Place each roll seam side down in the pan, frying about 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Be mindful to cook them in batches if necessary, adding a little more butter to the pan when needed. After frying, immediately roll the hot toast rolls in the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe
- Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: I learned the hard way that soggy roll ups are no fun—quick dips keep them firm yet tender inside.
- Use a Nonstick Pan: It’s the secret weapon for perfect golden crust without tearing your precious rolls apart.
- Roll Tight, Cook Seam Side Down: This keeps everything together while frying and prevents the filling from escaping.
- Freshly Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: Roll them as soon as they come out of the pan for that irresistible sticky sweetness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it classic with a drizzle of pure maple syrup—there’s just something magical about that syrup soaking into the warm roll ups. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar or add a few fresh berries on the side to brighten things up and add a fresh contrast to all the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pairing these roll ups with crispy bacon or sausages makes breakfast feel like a full-on celebration. On lighter days, a simple fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds balance and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch parties, I like arranging the cinnamon roll French toast roll ups vertically in a tall glass or on a wooden board stacked like little cinnamon logs. It’s a fun, inviting display that gets everyone reaching in. You can even sprinkle some chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips on top for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which, honestly, rarely happens in my house), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for 1–2 days, but I recommend reheating soon so they don’t lose their crispiness and warmth.
Freezing
I like freezing individual roll ups on a baking sheet and then transferring them to a freezer-friendly bag. This way, you can pull out one or two at a time for a quick breakfast fix. They keep well for up to 1 month in the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven to bring back that crisp exterior and warm center. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes make them a little soft, so if you do, add a quick toast to crisp up afterwards.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of bread in this Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe?
Absolutely! While white sandwich bread is easiest to work with because of its softness and shape, you can swap in brioche, challah, or even whole wheat bread for different flavors and textures. Just make sure it’s soft enough to roll without cracking.
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How long should I soak the bread in the egg mixture?
Quickly dip each roll in the egg and milk mixture—just enough to coat evenly. Don’t let them sit soaked or they’ll get soggy and might fall apart during cooking. About 5 seconds per side usually does the trick.
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Can I make the cinnamon butter mixture ahead of time?
Yes! Making the cinnamon butter ahead can save time on busy mornings. Keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge and bring to room temperature before spreading on the bread.
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Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Certainly! Use gluten-free sandwich bread that’s soft and flexible. Just keep in mind that slight texture differences may occur, but the flavor will still be delicious.
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What’s the best way to keep the roll ups crispy when reheating?
Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven rather than the microwave. This method revives the crispness on the outside without making the inside dry or mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups Recipe has earned a special place in my breakfast rotation because it’s simple, comforting, and just pure fun to eat. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, delight your kids, or impress brunch guests, these roll ups hit all the right spots. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) them as much as I do—once you try this recipe, it might just become your new Sunday morning favorite too.
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups combine the flavors of cinnamon rolls and classic French toast in an easy-to-make, bite-sized breakfast treat. Soft white bread is flattened, spread with a cinnamon sugar butter mixture, rolled, dipped in an egg and milk batter, fried to golden perfection, coated with cinnamon sugar, and served with maple syrup for a perfect morning indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 5 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the butter cinnamon mixture: Separate 2 tablespoons of butter and set aside. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining butter with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and light brown sugar until fully combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating: In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and set aside.
- Make the egg batter: In a medium dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
- Prepare the bread roll ups: Remove crusts from each slice of bread. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice. Spread a thin layer of the prepared butter cinnamon mixture over each slice, then roll tightly into a log shape.
- Coat and cook the roll ups: Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Dip each bread roll in the egg and milk mixture, coating well on all sides. Place seam side down in the warm pan.
- Fry until golden brown: Cook the roll ups for about 2 minutes per side, adding more butter if needed to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Fry in batches of four to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Finish and serve: Immediately coat the cooked roll ups with the cinnamon sugar mixture so it sticks well. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.
Notes
- Use soft white bread for easier flattening and rolling.
- A nonstick frying pan prevents the rolls from sticking and breaking apart.
- Remove any leftover butter with a paper towel before adding fresh butter for each batch to keep the rolls golden brown.
- Coat the rolls with cinnamon sugar immediately after frying to ensure the sugar mixture adheres well.
- Fry rolls in batches of four to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Do not soak the bread rolls too long in the egg mixture, as they can become soggy; just coat each side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg


