Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are basically my answer to those mornings when I want something cozy and sweet, but I do not want a huge mess in the kitchen. You know the vibe: you are hungry, maybe a little grumpy, and you want breakfast to feel like a treat. These roll ups hit that perfect middle ground between weekend fun and weekday doable. They taste like a warm cinnamon roll, but they cook fast like French toast. And yes, dipping them in syrup feels like a tiny celebration even if it is just a regular Tuesday. 
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups
I started making these when I had a few slices of sandwich bread that were getting a little too close to stale. Turns out, that is actually perfect for rolling. The best part is that you do not need fancy ingredients. If you can make basic French toast, you can make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups.
If you want another easy breakfast idea for busy mornings, I usually rotate these with something simple like my fluffy pancake shortcut when I want to keep the skillet time short.
Ingredients and what you will need
- 8 slices of sandwich bread (white or brioche is extra good)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus a little for the pan)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind works)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional for serving: powdered sugar, maple syrup, cream cheese glaze
What you will need: a rolling pin (or a sturdy glass), a shallow bowl for the egg mix, and a nonstick skillet or griddle.
Directions (my simple method)
1) Trim the crusts off your bread if you want super neat roll ups. You can keep them on, but the rolls seal better without crusts.
2) Flatten each slice with a rolling pin until it is thin and flexible. Do not overdo it, just enough so it rolls without cracking.
3) In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush a little melted butter on one side of the bread, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over that buttered side.
4) Roll the bread up tight like a little sleeping bag. Press the edge gently so it stays closed.
5) In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt.
6) Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small bit of butter.
7) Dip each roll quickly in the egg mixture. You want it coated, not soggy. Then place seam side down in the pan first.
8) Cook, turning every so often, until all sides are golden. It usually takes 2 to 4 minutes total per batch depending on your pan.
I like serving them right away while the cinnamon sugar is still warm and smells like a bakery. If you are into brunch spreads, these roll ups pair nicely with a simple fruit salad so you have something fresh on the plate too.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups
Once you make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups a couple times, you will get a feel for the little details that make them go from good to wow. Here are the things that helped me the most.
Use soft bread, but slightly dry is okay. Super fresh bread can turn mushy when dipped. If your bread is ultra soft, leave it out for 10 minutes before starting.
Do not soak them. A quick dip is all you need. If you soak, the roll ups can unravel or turn custardy in a way that is not cute here.
Seal the seam. Cook seam side down first and give it about 20 seconds to set. That one move saves a lot of frustration.
Keep the heat medium. High heat browns too fast and leaves the inside underdone. Medium gives you that even golden finish.
Make them feel special with a quick glaze. Stir together a few spoonfuls of powdered sugar with a tiny splash of milk and a drop of vanilla. Drizzle on top and suddenly it is like dessert for breakfast.
If you are building a breakfast board, I also like adding something savory like crispy bacon in the oven to balance the sweetness.
“I made these for my kids on Saturday and they asked for them again on Sunday. They taste like cinnamon rolls but way faster. This is officially in our regular breakfast rotation.”
Variations and Customizations
This is where Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups get really fun because you can tweak them based on what you have in the kitchen or who you are cooking for. I have tried a bunch of versions, and honestly, it is hard to mess these up.
Cream cheese center: Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on the bread before the cinnamon sugar. It turns into that classic cinnamon roll vibe.
Apple pie style: Add a few tiny diced apples (really small) and a pinch of nutmeg. This is my favorite in fall.
Chocolate chip roll ups: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips before rolling. The key is mini chips so they do not poke through the bread.
Banana bread energy: Add thin banana slices and a little extra cinnamon. These are sweet enough that you barely need syrup.
Air fryer option: If you like less pan standing, you can air fry at about 375 F for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once. Spray the basket lightly so they do not stick. They come out crisp on the outside, soft inside.
If you love playful breakfasts like this, you might also like my quick stuffed French toast idea for when you want something extra filling.
Nutritional Information
Let us keep it real: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a treat, not a plain oatmeal moment. But you can still make choices that fit your day. Portion wise, I usually plan 2 to 4 roll ups per person depending on what else is on the table.
Here is a general estimate for 1 roll up (assuming standard sandwich bread and no heavy glaze). Your exact numbers will vary by bread and toppings.
Easy ways to lighten them up: use low fat milk, skip the butter brush inside and just use a little cooking spray in the pan, or serve with fresh berries instead of syrup.
Easy ways to make them more filling: add a smear of nut butter inside, serve with Greek yogurt, or pair with eggs on the side.
Related Recipes
If you are in the mood for cozy breakfasts, you are my kind of person. I like keeping a little list of go to recipes for sleepovers, holidays, or just random mornings when the house needs something warm.
Here are a few ideas to serve alongside these roll ups or to make next time:
Try a simple homemade latte, a fruit and yogurt parfait bar, or sheet pan sausage links for something hands off. If you are leaning into the cinnamon theme, a batch of cinnamon muffins is also a win.
Common Questions
Can I make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups ahead of time?
Yes. You can roll them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours. I would wait to dip in egg until right before cooking so they do not get soggy.
What is the best bread to use?
Soft sandwich bread works great. Brioche is extra rich. Whole wheat works too, just flatten it well so it rolls without cracking.
How do I keep them from unrolling?
Roll them tight, do not overfill, and cook seam side down first. That first contact with heat basically glues the seam shut.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze them after cooking. Let them cool, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in the toaster oven or air fryer until hot.
What should I serve with them?
Fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon, or scrambled eggs all work. If you want to go full sweet, add a quick cream cheese glaze and berries.
A sweet little breakfast you will actually want to make again
These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are one of those recipes that make you feel like you tried harder than you did, and I love that for us. They are quick, cozy, and perfect for dipping, sharing, and sneaking straight off the plate. If you want more inspiration, I have pulled ideas from recipes like Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups – Sugar Apron and Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe by Tasty, plus some great tips from Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups – I Heart Recipes. If you like seeing different twists, check out Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups – Life with Janet and Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups – Mother Thyme. Now go grab that bread and cinnamon and make a batch, because you deserve a fun breakfast that tastes like a hug.
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