Snow fell thick and slow that Saturday morning, the kind of snow that hushes the world and invites you to linger in your robe a little longer. My grown son, now living three states away, had flown in late the night before for a surprise visit—his first winter trip home in years.
We gathered in the kitchen, still in slippers, rubbing sleep from our eyes as the scent of strong coffee filled the air. I pulled out the sandwich bread, the cinnamon, the eggs—all humble ingredients we always had on hand growing up. My mother used to whip up something similar on snow days, stuffing slices of bread with jam or peanut butter, then toasting them golden in the skillet. She called them “breakfast pockets.” I never forgot them.
This time, I gave them a little twist, rolling up softened bread with cinnamon sugar and frying each one until crisp and golden, like tiny cinnamon rolls dressed as French toast. As they cooked, the house filled with the kind of cozy aroma that makes time feel slower.
We sat by the window, watching the snow and passing the plate back and forth, dipping roll-ups in maple syrup, warm in both body and memory. The world outside was silent, but inside, laughter, stories, and nostalgia filled the room like music.
Short Description
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are crispy, buttery bread rolls coated in cinnamon sugar. Soft inside and spiced outside, they’re a quick, comforting breakfast or snack—perfect with maple syrup or cream cheese glaze.
Key Ingredients
For the Roll-Ups
- 6 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the French Toast Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For Frying & Topping
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed
- Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, for drizzling
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin or heavy spoon (to flatten bread)
- Small mixing bowls
- Shallow dish for batter
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Spatula
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Roll-Ups
Flatten each bread slice evenly with a rolling pin or the back of a spoon. Spread softened butter over each slice, ensuring every corner is coated.
Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the buttered bread. Roll each slice tightly into a log and press gently to seal edges.
Step 2: Make the French Toast Batter
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Cook the Roll-Ups
Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up in the egg batter, coating it evenly but without soaking too long (to prevent sogginess).
Place roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning carefully with a spatula.
Step 4: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
While still warm, roll the cooked French toast roll-ups in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly, enhancing that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve immediately with warm maple syrup or drizzle with cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick to make but tastes special
– Kids and adults both love it
– No rising, kneading, or dough required
– Crispy outside, gooey center
– Easy to customize with toppings
– Uses basic pantry ingredients
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Over-soaking bread → Dip briefly to avoid sogginess
Using dry bread → Soften in microwave for 5 seconds
Not sealing rolls → Press edge firmly after rolling
Cooking too hot → Use medium heat to prevent burning
Skipping final sugar roll → Coat while warm for full flavor
Crowding pan → Cook in batches for even crisping
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve warm with syrup or glaze
– Add fresh berries or banana slices
– Pair with eggs, sausage, or turkey bacon
– Dust with powdered sugar or top with whipped cream
– Offer sauces—maple, cream cheese, or caramel
– Serve with coffee, tea, or milk
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze roll-ups individually wrapped in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp again, or microwave for 20–30 seconds, then finish in a skillet to regain crispiness.
Avoid reheating in the microwave alone for too long, as it softens the crust.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat bread?
Yes! Whole wheat bread adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but ensure it’s soft and fresh for easy rolling.
2. What can I substitute for the butter?
You can use margarine or coconut oil, but butter gives the best flavor and crispness.
3. How do I make a cream cheese glaze?
Whisk together ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cream cheese (softened), 1 tsp vanilla, and 1–2 tbsp milk until smooth.
4. Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can prepare the roll-ups in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cook them fresh when ready.
5. What if my roll-ups fall apart?
Make sure the bread is flattened and rolled tightly. Press the edges firmly to seal before dipping in batter.
Tips & Tricks
Use slightly stale bread—it’s easier to roll and absorbs flavors better. For extra flair, add a thin layer of cream cheese or jam inside before rolling.
Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. Don’t rush the cooking process—medium heat ensures even browning and a perfect crust.
Use a silicone spatula to flip roll-ups gently without breaking them.
Recipe Variations
Apple Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Add finely chopped apples mixed with cinnamon sugar inside the bread before rolling. Follow all other steps as usual. The apples add moisture and a fresh, fruity twist.
Pumpkin Spice Roll-Ups
Mix ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ tsp pumpkin spice into the egg batter for a seasonal flavor boost. Cook and coat as directed.
Savory Roll-Ups
Swap the cinnamon sugar for a mix of garlic powder, parmesan, and herbs. Skip the sweet toppings and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Final Thoughts
That quiet morning with my son reminded me how simple food can bring us home—no matter how far we’ve wandered. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups aren’t just sweet and satisfying—they carry the warmth of family, of old traditions shared and reshaped.
On days when you need comfort or connection, I hope you find both in a pan of these golden roll-ups, shared with someone you love—or saved just for yourself.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Print ThisIngredients
- For the Roll-Ups
- 6 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- For the French Toast Batter
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- For Frying & Topping
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon, mixed
- Maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Roll-Ups
Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin. Spread butter over each slice, edge to edge. Mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tsp cinnamon and sprinkle evenly on top. Roll each slice tightly and press to seal.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Roll-Ups
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture briefly, then cook seam-side down for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Roll warm roll-ups in cinnamon sugar to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot with maple syrup or cream cheese glaze.
