When my grandkids visited last weekend, I wanted to surprise them with something fun, sweet, and slightly over-the-top. They were up early (as kids always are), and I had a quiet moment in the kitchen with the sun just starting to peek through the curtains. I glanced at a bag of leftover mini peanut butter cups from Halloween, soft sandwich bread on the counter, and the eggs from my neighbor’s hens—and the idea clicked. Why not take French toast and roll it into something even more delightful?
This dish is one of those little inventions that feels both nostalgic and brand new. It reminds me of those Saturday mornings in the ’80s, making cinnamon toast while my own kids sat cross-legged in front of the TV watching cartoons. Now, with this recipe, I get to keep that spirit alive while giving it a little twist. The kitchen smelled like toasted sugar and warm peanut butter by the time the first batch hit the plate.
Let me tell you, these Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls were gone before the second skillet full was even done. The texture hits that sweet spot between crispy on the outside and gooey inside, with rich peanut butter melting into chocolate. And if you drizzle a little more peanut butter or caramel on top? Well, it’s a breakfast dream come true.
I hope you enjoy making this treat as much as I did. It’s not just a recipe—it’s a moment to slow down, laugh a little, and spoil someone you love (even if that someone is just you).
Short Description
Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls are crispy, golden-brown bread rolls filled with peanut butter and chocolate, then coated in cinnamon sugar for a playful, indulgent twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
Key Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 mini peanut butter cups (or chopped regular-sized ones)
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter, for frying
- Optional toppings: melted peanut butter or caramel sauce
Tools Needed
- Rolling pin or clean glass
- Nonstick skillet
- Mixing bowls (one shallow, one small)
- Spatula
- Whisk
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Lay each bread slice flat and remove the crusts. Use a rolling pin or clean glass to flatten the bread until thin and flexible—it should roll easily without tearing.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the surface of the bread. Place a peanut butter cup at one end and roll the bread up tightly, like a mini log. Repeat with remaining slices.
Step 3: Make the Egg Wash
In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth. This mixture creates the golden French toast coating.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
In a small bowl, stir together sugar and ground cinnamon. Set it aside for coating the rolls after frying.
Step 5: Dip and Fry
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter and let it melt. Dip each roll quickly into the egg wash, coating all sides—don’t let them sit too long or they’ll fall apart.
Place seam-side down in the skillet and fry 2–3 minutes per side until golden all over, turning as needed.
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Remove from pan and immediately roll in cinnamon sugar while still warm. Serve hot, optionally drizzled with melted peanut butter or caramel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Indulgent Flavor: Melty chocolate and peanut butter in every bite
Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes
Kid-Friendly: A fun twist on classic French toast
Customizable: Use different fillings, coatings, or toppings
Perfect for Brunch or Treats: Great for holidays, weekends, or dessert
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Soaking Bread Too Long in Egg Mixture:
Problem: The rolls fall apart during cooking.
Solution: Dip quickly—just enough to coat.
Overstuffing the Rolls:
Problem: Filling oozes out during frying.
Solution: Stick to one mini cup per roll and a thin layer of peanut butter.
Skillet Too Hot:
Problem: Outside burns before inside heats.
Solution: Use medium heat and flip gently.
Skipping Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
Problem: Rolls lack that sugary crunch.
Solution: Roll immediately after frying while they’re still warm.
Using Stale Bread:
Problem: Rolls crack while rolling.
Solution: Use fresh, soft sandwich bread only.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these rolls warm, ideally straight from the skillet. Great on a brunch tray, family-style on a platter, or plated with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Pair with:
Hot cocoa or cold milk for kids
Fresh fruit like strawberries or banana slices
Coffee with a splash of vanilla creamer
A light egg dish or savory sausage for contrast
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing:
Let leftovers cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing:
Freeze before cinnamon sugar coating. Wrap tightly and store for up to 1 month. Thaw before reheating.
Reheating:
Use a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving—it makes them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Yes, but make sure it’s soft enough to roll without tearing. Some brands may require light steaming or microwaving to soften.
2. What kind of peanut butter works best?
Creamy spreads more evenly, but crunchy gives a nice texture. Choose your favorite brand—natural peanut butter is fine, just stir well.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can roll and fill the bread the night before. Refrigerate them tightly wrapped, then dip and fry in the morning.
4. What other fillings could I use instead of peanut butter cups?
Try banana slices with chocolate chips, Nutella, or cream cheese and jam for variation.
5. How do I keep them from unrolling during frying?
Place seam-side down first in the skillet. This seals the edge as it cooks.
Tips & Tricks
Use a warm spoon to drizzle melted peanut butter or caramel for clean lines.
Want extra crunch? Add crushed graham crackers or pretzels inside with the candy.
For a holiday version, sprinkle with crushed peppermint and drizzle chocolate.
Use an electric skillet for even browning on all sides.
Recipe Variations
1. Nutella Banana French Toast Rolls
Swap peanut butter for Nutella
Add two thin banana slices before rolling
Fry and coat in cinnamon sugar as directed
2. S’mores Style Rolls
Spread marshmallow fluff on bread
Add half a chocolate square and mini marshmallows
Roll, dip, fry, and coat in crushed graham cracker sugar
3. Almond Joy-Inspired Rolls
Use almond butter
Add mini chocolate chips and shredded coconut inside
Top with melted chocolate drizzle and sliced almonds
4. Savory Twist
Omit cinnamon sugar
Use cream cheese and bacon bits
Dip, fry, and serve with maple syrup or hot honey
Final Thoughts
This recipe brings joy to both the cook and the lucky ones who get to eat it. The buttery crust, the melted chocolate center, and the warm spice of cinnamon make it feel just a little magical. I love how quickly it comes together, especially for those mornings when you want to treat someone to something special without a lot of fuss.
And let’s be honest—anything that makes both kids and grown-ups grin from ear to ear is worth keeping in your recipe box. Whether it’s a holiday morning or just a cozy Saturday, this dish brings comfort, surprise, and a bit of playful indulgence to the table. I hope it becomes one of those recipes your family asks for again and again. As for me, I’m already planning the next batch—maybe with hazelnut spread next time!
Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls
Print ThisIngredients
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- 8 mini peanut butter cups (or chopped regular-sized ones)
- Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Butter, for frying
- Optional toppings: melted peanut butter or caramel sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bread
Trim crusts off each slice and flatten with a rolling pin until thin and flexible.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on each slice. Place a peanut butter cup at one end and roll tightly into a log.
Step 3: Make the Egg Wash
Whisk eggs and milk in a shallow bowl until smooth.
Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar
Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 5: Dip and Fry
Heat a buttered skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll briefly in egg wash, then fry seam-side down, turning until all sides are golden (about 2–3 minutes per side).
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Roll warm rolls in cinnamon sugar. Serve hot with an optional drizzle of melted peanut butter or caramel.
