There's something magical about waking up to the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla swirling through the kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups are soft, sweet, and packed with gooey cinnamon-sugar filling – all wrapped up in golden, crispy French toast.

I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning when I wanted to combine my two favorite breakfast treats: cinnamon rolls and French toast. It was love at first bite – and now, these roll-ups have earned a permanent spot in our weekend breakfast rotation.

Perfect for brunches, holidays, or even a special weekday treat, these roll-ups are as fun to make as they are to eat. Let’s dive into what makes them so irresistible.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

These roll-ups are more than just a breakfast – they’re a mini celebration in every bite. Here’s why you’ll be hooked after the first taste.

They’re quick and easy to make. No dough to proof or wait times to deal with here. These roll-ups come together in under 30 minutes using basic pantry staples and sandwich bread.

Kid-approved and totally fun to eat. My kids love dipping these into maple syrup or cream cheese glaze like breakfast churros. They’re also perfectly portable for little hands!

Budget-friendly with no fancy ingredients. You’ll just need basic items like bread, cinnamon, sugar, eggs, and cream cheese. It’s a great way to use up bread that's nearing the end of its shelf life.

Versatile and customizable. Want to add apples? Swap in Nutella? Make them dairy-free? No problem! These roll-ups are easy to tweak to suit your taste or what you’ve got on hand.

From brunch tables to cozy breakfasts in bed, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit. Now let’s take a closer look at what goes into them.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up something that tastes like it came from a bakery.

White sandwich bread is the base of these roll-ups. Opt for soft, fresh slices so they’re easy to flatten and roll without cracking. Remove the crusts to help them seal better and cook evenly.

Cream cheese brings that rich, tangy element that mimics the classic cinnamon roll frosting. Let it soften before spreading so it doesn’t tear the bread. You can also use a sweetened version for extra indulgence.

Cinnamon and sugar are the heart of this recipe. Mix them together to create that classic cinnamon roll swirl inside each bite. Don’t be shy – a generous sprinkle goes a long way in delivering bold flavor.

Eggs and milk make up the French toast batter. This simple mix is what gives the roll-ups their golden, custard-like exterior. I recommend whole milk for richness, but any milk will do in a pinch.

Butter is used for pan-frying and adds that irresistible crispiness and golden color. Unsalted is best so you can control the flavor, but salted works if that’s what you have on hand.

As for equipment, you’ll need a rolling pin or glass to flatten the bread, a shallow dish for dipping, and a nonstick skillet or griddle for cooking. That’s it – no mixers or baking required!

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Making these roll-ups is a breeze – and honestly, kind of therapeutic. You’ll roll, dip, and sizzle your way to the perfect breakfast treat.

Start by preparing your bread. Trim off the crusts from each slice and use a rolling pin to flatten them completely. This makes them easier to roll up without cracking or unrolling during cooking.

Next, mix your softened cream cheese with a little powdered sugar or vanilla if you'd like it sweetened. Spread a thin layer across each slice of bread, then sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Now it’s time to roll. Start at one end and gently roll each slice into a tight cylinder, pressing to seal the edge. Set them seam-side down while you work through the rest of the batch.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Dip each roll-up quickly into the egg mixture, coating all sides, then transfer to the hot pan.

Cook the roll-ups for 2-3 minutes per side, rotating to brown them evenly. They should be golden and slightly crisp on the outside, with the cinnamon filling warm and melty inside.

Once done, you can roll them in more cinnamon sugar for extra sparkle or drizzle with icing. Total prep and cook time? Just about 25 minutes – perfect for a last-minute brunch!

Storage Options

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups are best fresh, but they store surprisingly well if you’ve got leftovers – or want to prep ahead.

If storing in the fridge, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. A quick reheat in a skillet or toaster oven will bring back their crispy texture.

You can also freeze them! Place the cooled roll-ups on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes.

For reheating, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that nice, golden crust. A quick re-toast or skillet sear does the trick and makes them taste freshly made.

Variations and Substitutions

These roll-ups are basically a blank canvas for all your breakfast cravings. Feel free to get creative and make them your own.

Want to go fruity? Add a thin layer of apple slices, mashed banana, or berry jam before rolling. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and cream cheese.

Prefer something chocolaty? Swap the cream cheese for Nutella, or spread a mix of peanut butter and chocolate chips inside. The melted filling makes them extra gooey and rich.

For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cream cheese and swap the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk. Use oil instead of butter for frying – coconut oil adds a nice touch.

Craving that classic cinnamon roll icing? Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to drizzle over the top. Or serve with warm maple syrup for dunking – my kids' favorite!

Feel free to experiment! These roll-ups are endlessly adaptable and just plain fun to make. Try new fillings, switch up the bread, or even turn them savory (think bacon and cheddar!) if you’re feeling bold.

Ready to make your mornings a little sweeter? These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups are a surefire way to make breakfast feel special – with minimal effort and maximum flavor.