cinnamon french toast roll-ups

Section: Start Your Day Right with Delicious Breakfast Ideas

These cinnamon French toast roll-ups combine soft sandwich bread with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling, rolled tightly and dipped in a vanilla-egg mixture before pan-frying to a golden crisp. Ready in 25 minutes, they bring warmth and sweetness to any morning. Ideal for brunch or special occasions, the rolls are easy to make, kid-friendly, and customizable with alternative spreads. Tips on rolling and frying ensure a neat, flavorful finish every time.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Sun, 28 Sep 2025 14:36:52 GMT
A stack of cinnamon french toast roll-ups. Bookmark
A stack of cinnamon french toast roll-ups. | imaninthekitchen.com
<p>These cinnamon French toast rollups are a sweet morning treat that combine soft bread with a cinnamonsugar filling and a golden panfried coating. Ready in just 25 minutes, they are simple to make with basic ingredients and are great for kids too. Flatten the bread, spread with a buttery cinnamon blend, roll it up, dip in a vanillaegg mixture, and panfry until crisp and golden. They are perfect for special breakfasts, brunch spreads, or indulgent weekend mornings. With a few pro tips for perfect rolling and frying, this dish manages to be both elegant and easy.</p> <p>I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning when I had leftover bread and no plan. Now my niece asks for them every time she visits, which makes this recipe feel like a special treat for our family.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Soft sandwich bread:</strong> offers the classic French toast texture and rolls better</li><li><strong>Brown sugar:</strong> should be fresh and moist so the filling melts just right</li><li><strong>Ground cinnamon:</strong> needs to be fragrant and fresh for warm bold flavors</li><li><strong>Butter:</strong> adds richness and smooth spreading</li><li><strong>Eggs:</strong> provide a creamy custard base</li><li><strong>Whole milk:</strong> adds richness to the coating and helps it stick to the rolls</li><li><strong>Vanilla extract:</strong> contributes warmth and an irresistible aroma</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Prep the Bread:</strong></dt><dd>Remove the crusts from each slice and gently flatten them using a rolling pin. The goal is to create a thin, even surface that rolls easily without cracking, which is key to handling the filling without any mess.</dd><dt><strong>Make the Filling:</strong></dt><dd>Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl until smooth. Spread this evenly over each bread slice but leave a bit of space at the edges. This prevents the filling from leaking during rolling and frying.</dd><dt><strong>Roll Them Up:</strong></dt><dd>Roll each bread slice tightly and press gently to seal the edges. This step is crucial to keep the cinnamon sugar mixture from escaping as they cook.</dd><dt><strong>Prepare the Batter:</strong></dt><dd>Whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla in a shallow bowl until fully combined. This mixture coats the rollups and helps form a golden, crispy crust when fried.</dd><dt><strong>Dip and Fry:</strong></dt><dd>Heat a non stick skillet over medium heat and melt some butter. Dip each rollup in the batter, then immediately place it seam side down in the pan. Rotate gently to cook all sides until evenly golden and crispy. Starting seam side down is the trick to sealing the rolls properly.</dd></dl>
A plate of cinnamon french toast roll-ups.
A plate of cinnamon french toast roll-ups. | imaninthekitchen.com
<p>Cinnamon is my favorite spice and instantly reminds me of childhood breakfasts at my grandmother’s house. Every time I make these rollups the smell fills the kitchen with nostalgia and warmth, turning a simple morning into a cozy celebration.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm them gently in a pan over low heat or use the oven to keep them crisp. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>If you don’t have brown sugar, try coconut sugar or maple sugar for a similar taste. Any fullfat milk works instead of whole milk but skip skim milk for best results. If your bread feels dry, sprinkle a little water on it and microwave for a few seconds to soften before rolling.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries for a light touch. Warm maple syrup or a drizzle of honey pairs perfectly. Add scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to round out the meal.</p>
A plate of cinnamon french toast roll-ups.
A plate of cinnamon french toast roll-ups. | imaninthekitchen.com
<p>These rollups freeze well and make quick warm breakfasts whenever you need them. They are easy enough for weekmornings yet special enough for brunch.</p>

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white?

Yes, but white bread is preferred for a softer texture and easier rolling. Whole wheat may crack during preparation.

→ How do I prevent the filling from leaking?

Flatten the bread well, avoid overfilling, and press edges firmly. Start frying seam-side down to help seal the rolls.

→ Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble and refrigerate overnight or freeze for up to a month for convenient future meals.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm in an oven at 300°F until heated through to maintain crispness.

→ Are there alternative fillings I can use?

Yes! Try cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit preserves for delicious variations on the sweet filling.

cinnamon french toast roll-ups

Soft bread rolled with cinnamon sugar and pan-fried golden, perfect for cozy breakfasts or brunch.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Breakfast Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 3 Serves (6 roll-ups)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Bread

01 6 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed

→ Filling

02 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
04 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Batter

05 3 large eggs
06 1/4 cup whole milk
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Frying

09 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Remove crusts from bread slices and gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin until thin and pliable without breaking.

Step 02

Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and well mixed.

Step 03

Evenly spread the cinnamon butter mixture over each flattened bread slice, leaving a small border around edges to avoid leakage.

Step 04

Roll each slice tightly from one edge to the other, pressing gently to seal the edges securely.

Step 05

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, whole milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 06

Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up in the egg batter, then place seam-side down in skillet. Cook, turning gently, until all sides are golden brown and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Additional Notes

  1. Use soft, fresh bread to prevent tearing during rolling.
  2. Start frying seam-side down to help keep roll-ups sealed.
  3. Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.
  4. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days and reheated gently in a skillet or oven.

Must-Have Tools

  • Rolling pin
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 275.4
  • Fats: 11.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34.8 g
  • Proteins: 7.6 g