Craving a sweet and easy breakfast treat? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun twist on classic French toast, perfect for weekend brunch or a quick weekday indulgence. Soft, cinnamon-y, and utterly irresistible!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the cinnamon filling.
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and 3 teaspoons of cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. This will be your gooey, sweet filling.
2. Prep the coating and egg mix.
In one bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, that’s your finishing dust. In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk, that’s your dipping mix.
3. Flatten and fill the bread.
Trim off the crusts from each bread slice. Using a rolling pin, flatten the bread until it’s thin and flexible. Spread a generous layer of your cinnamon-butter mixture over each slice, all the way to the edges.
4. Roll them up tight.
Starting from one short end, roll each slice into a snug little log. If one tries to unravel, seal the edge with a tiny dab of cinnamon butter.
5. Dip and cook.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt a bit of butter (about 1 tablespoon). Dip each roll-up quickly into the egg mixture, just enough to coat, not soak, then place seam-side down in the skillet. Cook in small batches, turning every couple of minutes until all sides are golden brown and crisp.
6. Coat in cinnamon sugar.
As soon as they come off the pan, roll each warm piece in your cinnamon-sugar mixture so it sticks beautifully.
7. Serve and enjoy.
Dust with powdered sugar if you’d like, and serve immediately! They’re amazing as-is or dipped in maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or even a cream cheese glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the roll-ups the night before (before dipping them in the egg mix). Store them covered in the fridge, then dip and cook them fresh in the morning.
2. What’s the best way to reheat them?
They’re best fresh, but you can reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid the microwave, it makes them soft instead of crispy.
3. Can I fill them with something else?
Yes! Try strawberry jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or sweetened cream cheese for a fun twist. Just don’t overfill, a thin layer works best.
4. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Definitely. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush lightly with melted butter, and bake at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway.
5. Are these freezer-friendly?
Yes! Freeze cooked roll-ups in a single layer, then store in a zip-top bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.
Notes & Tips:
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Use day-old bread for best results; it will hold its shape better when rolled.
If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with granulated sugar and a teaspoon of molasses.
For a richer flavor, use brioche or challah bread.
Make a cream cheese glaze by whisking together cream cheese, powdered sugar and milk for a delicious drizzle!
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, plant-based milk, and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes).
To prevent the roll-ups from unrolling while cooking, gently press the seam down with your finger before placing them in the pan.