Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe

Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are an exciting, fun twist on the classic French toast. Instead of the typical whole slice of bread, this version takes the form of bite-sized, crispy, sweet rolls that are stuffed with a creamy filling and coated with a luscious cinnamon-sugar mixture.

This recipe takes your typical French toast experience and turns it into a portable, finger-food treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The best part is that they’re incredibly easy to make and customizable to suit your tastes. You can enjoy them plain or dip them into syrup, chocolate sauce, or even whipped cream.

Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making them an excellent choice for family meals, special occasions, or even holiday breakfasts. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious little treats!

Preparation

Preparing the Bread:

1. Trim the crusts off the bread: If you prefer soft, non-crusty edges for your roll-ups, use a serrated knife to remove the crusts. This step is optional, but it makes the roll-ups softer and easier to roll.
2. Flatten the slices: Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll up without cracking. You don’t need to flatten them too much—just enough to make them more manageable.
3. Cut the bread into strips: Once flattened, cut each slice of bread into 3 or 4 strips, depending on your desired size. You should aim for strips that are approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide. These strips will later be rolled into tight bundles, so having them uniform in size helps ensure an even cooking process.

Making the Filling:

1. Prepare the cream cheese filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to combine until smooth and creamy. You should have a fluffy, slightly sweet filling that’s easy to spread onto the bread.
2. Fill the bread strips: Take one of the flattened bread strips and spread about a teaspoon of the cream cheese filling along the center. Be careful not to add too much, as you want to ensure the filling stays inside the roll when you cook it. Repeat this step for each strip of bread.

Assembling the Roll-Ups:

1. Roll the bread strips: Gently roll up each strip of bread with the filling inside, ensuring that the filling stays tightly wrapped. You want the roll-ups to be compact but not so tight that they burst open during cooking.
2. Secure the rolls: You can secure the ends of the bread rolls by lightly pinching them or placing them seam-side down when you’re ready to cook. This will prevent them from unrolling during cooking.

Cooking the Roll-Ups:

1. Prepare the egg wash: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the two eggs and the milk. This mixture will coat the roll-ups, giving them a golden, crispy exterior when fried.
2. Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt, coating the surface evenly. You may need to add more butter between batches if cooking multiple sets of roll-ups.
3. Dip the roll-ups: Take each cream cheese-filled bread roll and dip it into the egg wash, coating it evenly. Allow any excess egg wash to drip off before placing the roll in the skillet.
4. Cook the roll-ups: Place the dipped roll-ups in the skillet and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully, ensuring that all sides are evenly cooked.
5. Remove from the skillet: Once they are cooked, remove the roll-ups from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess butter.

Serving Suggestions

1. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: After cooking, immediately toss each roll-up in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still hot. The sugar will stick to the crispy surface, creating a delicious sweet exterior.
2. Serve with syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, serve the cinnamon French toast roll-ups with a side of warm maple syrup for dipping. The rich syrup will complement the cinnamon flavor and add moisture to the rolls.
3. Toppings: You can add a variety of toppings to make your cinnamon French toast roll-ups even more decadent. Fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or even a drizzle of Nutella can elevate this dish.
4. Accompaniments: These roll-ups can be served alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for a complete breakfast or brunch spread. They also pair wonderfully with fresh fruit or a smoothie.

Tips and Tricks

• Bread selection: Using thick-cut bread like Texas toast or brioche helps create fluffy, soft rolls. You can also try using cinnamon raisin bread for an extra flavor boost.
• Custom fillings: If you want to mix things up, try adding Nutella, peanut butter, or even a few chocolate chips to the cream cheese filling for a different flavor experience.
• Filling variations: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese filling to enhance the overall flavor profile. For an even creamier filling, consider adding a spoonful of mascarpone cheese or ricotta.
• Make it ahead: If you’re planning to serve this for a group or family breakfast, you can prepare the roll-ups ahead of time. Once assembled, refrigerate the roll-ups and cook them fresh in the morning.
• Crispier texture: If you want a crispier finish, try baking the roll-ups in the oven instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Variations

1. Nut-Free: If you have nut allergies, avoid adding nuts or nut-based products like peanut butter. You can use a nut-free chocolate spread or fruit preserves for a different filling.
2. Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water), and use plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free bread.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Roll-Ups: For chocolate fans, you can spread a thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread like Nutella on the bread before adding the cream cheese. This will result in gooey, chocolate-filled roll-ups.
4. Fruit-Filled: Add sliced strawberries, bananas, or even cooked apple cinnamon filling to the cream cheese mixture. The fruit will melt into the filling, creating a sweet surprise inside.
5. Savory Twist: For a savory version, you can use cheese and ham as the filling inside the bread. Instead of cinnamon sugar, coat the roll-ups in Italian seasoning or a dash of garlic powder for a savory breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different types of bread like whole wheat, sourdough, or even gluten-free bread. Just remember that the thickness and density of the bread will affect the texture and cooking time.

How do I make these dairy-free or vegan?

You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative (like almond or cashew cream cheese). Use a flax egg as a substitute for the eggs, and opt for non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk).

Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply cook them according to the instructions.

Conclusion

Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are a delicious and fun twist on traditional French toast. With their crispy, sweet cinnamon coating and gooey cream cheese filling, they’re the perfect breakfast treat for any occasion. You can make them as indulgent or light as you prefer, and the recipe is easy to customize to suit your tastes.

These roll-ups are perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even as a fun snack. Whether you serve them with syrup, chocolate sauce, or fresh berries, this dish will be a hit at the table. Enjoy creating these delectable roll-ups, and don’t be afraid to get creative with the fillings and toppings!

Yield: 8 Rolls Ups

Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups Recipe

Print

Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups are an exciting, fun twist on the classic French toast. Instead of the typical whole slice of bread, this version takes the form of bite-sized, crispy, sweet rolls that are stuffed with a creamy filling and coated with a luscious cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the roll-ups:
• 8 slices of white or whole wheat bread (preferably day-old bread)
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter (for frying)
• For the cinnamon-sugar coating:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread:

• Trim the crusts off the bread slices to create a more uniform shape.
• Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread to about half its original thickness.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
• Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened slice of bread.

3. Roll the Bread:

• Carefully roll up each slice of bread tightly, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture:

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. This will be used to dip the roll-ups.

5. Cook the Roll-Ups:

• In a skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Dip each rolled-up bread slice into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated, and then place it in the skillet.
• Cook each roll-up for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

6. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

• In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
• While the roll-ups are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

7. Serve:

• Serve the roll-ups warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup if desired.

Notes

• Filling Variations: You can add a little fruit, like sliced strawberries or bananas, to the cream cheese filling for a twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
• For a Crunchy Texture: Add a handful of crushed cereal (like cornflakes) into the egg mixture for extra crunch.
• Make-Ahead: These can be assembled the night before and stored in the fridge. Simply dip and cook in the morning.