Imagine combining the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the beloved breakfast classic of French toast. The result? Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups – a show-stopping breakfast that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. These delightful spirals of sweetness are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness that will make your kitchen smell like a bakery.
Whether you’re planning a special weekend brunch, hosting overnight guests, or simply want to elevate your morning routine, these roll-ups deliver restaurant-quality results with surprisingly simple techniques. The best part? You can prepare them the night before, making busy mornings a breeze while still serving something that looks and tastes impressively gourmet.
What Makes These Roll Ups Special
Traditional French toast is wonderful, but these roll-ups take the concept to new heights. By rolling the bread with a cinnamon-sugar filling before dipping in the custard mixture, you create layers of flavor in every bite. The rolling technique also creates more surface area for that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the interior soft and custardy.
The genius lies in the preparation method. Unlike regular cinnamon rolls that require yeast and hours of rising time, these use regular bread as the base, making them achievable any morning. The rolling process creates those beautiful spiral patterns that make each piece look like a miniature cinnamon roll, but with the rich, eggy goodness of French toast.
Essential Ingredients
For the Roll Ups:
- 8 slices thick-cut white bread (day-old bread works best)
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the French Toast Custard:
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For Cooking and Serving:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for the pan)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Maple syrup for serving
- Fresh berries (optional)
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Preparation Phase
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace Start by gathering all ingredients and setting up your workspace. You’ll need a rolling pin, a shallow dish for the custard mixture, and a clean cutting board. Having everything organized makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Filling In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. The mixture should be well combined with no streaks of butter visible. This filling is what creates those beautiful swirls and provides the signature cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Bread Using a sharp knife, carefully trim the crusts from each slice of bread. This step is crucial as it allows the bread to roll without breaking. Place each slice on your cutting board and gently roll with a rolling pin until the bread is flattened to about 1/4-inch thickness. Be gentle but firm – you want the bread compressed but not torn.
Assembly Process
Step 4: Fill and Roll Spread about 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon filling evenly across each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Starting from one end, carefully roll each slice tightly, creating a spiral log. The filling will naturally distribute as you roll. Place each roll seam-side down on a plate.
Step 5: Prepare the Custard Base In a shallow dish or pie plate, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and well combined. The mixture should be homogeneous with no streaks of egg white visible.
Cooking Process
Step 6: Heat the Pan Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and coat the bottom of the pan. The butter should sizzle gently but not brown immediately – this indicates the perfect temperature.
Step 7: Dip and Cook Working with 3-4 roll-ups at a time, roll each piece in the custard mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Allow excess custard to drip off briefly, then place in the heated pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully to brown all sides evenly. The roll-ups should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 8: Finish Cooking Add the remaining butter to the pan as needed between batches. Continue until all roll-ups are cooked. If some pieces are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for food safety.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Bread Selection and Preparation
The type and condition of your bread significantly impact the final result. Thick-cut white bread, challah, or brioche work best due to their sturdy structure and slightly sweet flavor. Day-old bread is actually preferable as it’s less likely to tear during rolling and absorbs the custard mixture better without becoming soggy.
Rolling Technique
When rolling the bread, apply gentle, consistent pressure. If the bread starts to crack, it may be too fresh or not flattened enough. Don’t worry if you get small tears – they’ll be hidden once rolled and cooked. The key is maintaining a tight roll so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking.
Temperature Control
Medium heat is crucial for these roll-ups. Too high, and the outside will burn before the custard sets. Too low, and they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy. The butter should sizzle when the roll-ups hit the pan, but shouldn’t smoke or brown immediately.
Make-Ahead Magic
These roll-ups are perfect for meal prep. Assemble them the night before, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply dip in the custard and cook. You can even prepare the custard mixture ahead of time – just give it a quick whisk before using.
Delicious Variations
Apple Cinnamon Version
Add finely diced apple (about 1/4 cup) to your cinnamon filling along with a pinch of nutmeg. The apple adds moisture and a lovely texture contrast.
Chocolate Chip Twist
Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the cinnamon filling before rolling. The chips will melt slightly during cooking, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness.
Nutty Delight
Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and richness. Toast the nuts lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor.
Cream Cheese Filled
Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over the bread before adding the cinnamon mixture for an extra indulgent treat that mimics cinnamon roll icing.
Serving Suggestions
These roll-ups are delicious on their own, but the right accompaniments can elevate them to restaurant-quality status. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation, or drizzle with warm maple syrup for classic comfort. Fresh berries add color and a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, sweet roll-ups.
For special occasions, prepare the optional cream cheese glaze by whisking together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. This creates an authentic cinnamon roll experience and adds beautiful visual appeal when drizzled over the finished roll-ups.
Consider serving alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or a warm beverage bar with coffee, hot chocolate, and various flavored syrups. The roll-ups also pair beautifully with vanilla Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for those who prefer a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover roll-ups can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through, or use a toaster oven for smaller quantities. Avoid microwaving as this can make them soggy.
For longer storage, these roll-ups freeze beautifully. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of bread? A: Absolutely! While thick-cut white bread is traditional, challah, brioche, or even thick-cut whole wheat work well. Avoid thin sandwich bread as it tears easily when rolled.
Q: My bread keeps tearing when I roll it. What am I doing wrong? A: This usually happens with fresh, soft bread. Try using day-old bread, or lightly toast fresh bread for 30 seconds per side to firm it up slightly. Also ensure you’re flattening it enough with the rolling pin.
Q: Can these be made dairy-free? A: Yes! Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil (solid), and use non-dairy milk in the custard. The results will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How do I know when they’re fully cooked? A: The outside should be golden brown and slightly crispy, and the internal temperature should reach 160°F. They should feel firm when gently pressed.
Q: Can I prepare these for a crowd? A: Definitely! Double or triple the recipe as needed. You can assemble them the night before and cook them in batches in the morning. Keep finished roll-ups warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the remaining batches.
Q: What’s the best way to cut them for serving? A: Use a sharp, serrated knife and cut with a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing the roll-ups. Cut diagonally for an attractive presentation.
Q: Can I add fillings besides cinnamon sugar? A: Absolutely! Try Nutella and banana, peanut butter and jelly, or even savory options like ham and cheese. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your fillings.
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups represent the perfect marriage of two breakfast favorites, creating something entirely new and exciting. With their impressive appearance and incredible flavor, they’re sure to become a requested favorite in your breakfast rotation. The technique is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for experienced cooks, making them a perfect addition to any recipe collection.
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious results, but in its versatility and make-ahead potential. Whether you’re feeding a family on a lazy Sunday morning or impressing guests at a weekend brunch party, these roll-ups deliver both convenience and wow factor. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a breakfast that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
