There's something magical about waking up to the sweet, spiced aroma of cinnamon and sugar drifting through the kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups deliver that cozy bakery-style scent in the most fun and delicious way—crisp on the outside, gooey in the center, and coated in cinnamon sugar bliss.

I first made these on a chilly Sunday morning when I wanted something indulgent but easy to whip up with pantry staples. Now they’ve become a weekend tradition, especially when we have guests or just want to treat ourselves. They’re quick, kid-approved, and taste like a mash-up of your favorite brunch treats.

Let’s dive into what makes these roll-ups an irresistible addition to your breakfast rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Get ready for your new breakfast obsession. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups are as fun to make as they are to eat—and they come together in under 30 minutes.

First, they’re ridiculously easy. With just a few slices of sandwich bread, cream cheese, cinnamon, and eggs, you can whip up a batch in no time. There’s no dough to rise and no oven required—just a skillet and some butter.

They’re also incredibly budget-friendly. You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen. That means no special grocery trips and no breaking the bank for a fancy brunch dish.

Kids go wild for them, and adults secretly love them just as much. They’re perfectly portioned for little hands, but elegant enough to serve at a baby shower or holiday brunch.

And let’s not forget how customizable they are. Want to add chopped apples, a drizzle of glaze, or even a little chocolate? Go for it. This recipe is easy to make your own, no matter your taste or dietary needs.

Once you try these, you’ll find yourself making them for breakfast, dessert—or both. Now let’s talk ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes these roll-ups so special is how they transform basic ingredients into something decadent and bakery-worthy. The key is in the balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet.

White sandwich bread works best here because it’s soft, easy to roll, and toasts up beautifully. Just be sure to trim off the crusts and flatten each slice with a rolling pin or your palm. This gives you that perfect base for filling and rolling without any tearing.

Cream cheese is the magic center of these roll-ups. When warmed, it mimics the creamy swirl you find in a cinnamon roll. You can sweeten it slightly with a touch of powdered sugar or vanilla extract if you like, but I love it as is for a bit of tangy contrast.

Cinnamon sugar brings the classic cinnamon roll flavor. Make your own by mixing granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. You’ll roll the toast-ups in this mixture after cooking to give them that sparkly, flavorful crust.

Eggs and milk form the custard base for dipping the roll-ups before cooking. Think of it like French toast batter—simple and essential for that golden, crispy finish. I usually whisk in a splash of vanilla extract too, just to boost the flavor.

You’ll also need a nonstick skillet or griddle and a bit of butter for frying. The butter helps crisp up the outsides while adding a rich, golden-brown flavor. A silicone spatula will help you flip them gently without tearing the delicate bread.

How To Make This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Recipe

Making these roll-ups is as satisfying as eating them. Once you get the hang of the technique, you’ll be rolling and toasting these like a pro.

Start by prepping your bread. Lay each slice on a flat surface, trim off the crusts, and use a rolling pin to flatten them. Don’t skip this step—it makes the bread pliable enough to roll without breaking and helps create a tidy, tight swirl.

Next, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each slice. You don’t need a ton—just enough to give it that luscious center. If your cream cheese is cold, soften it in the microwave for a few seconds for easier spreading.

Now sprinkle each slice with a little cinnamon sugar, then gently roll them up from one end to the other, sealing the edge by pressing gently. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can tuck in some sliced fruit or even a bit of jam before rolling.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Dip each roll-up quickly into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated but not soggy. You want it soaked enough to cook like French toast, but still hold its shape.

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small pat of butter. Place the roll-ups seam side down in the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crisp. This takes about 6–8 minutes total. Work in batches if needed, and add more butter between batches for the best flavor and texture.

Once cooked, immediately roll each warm roll-up in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The heat helps the sugar stick and creates that irresistible sweet crust. Serve them hot and watch them disappear.

These come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute brunch or sweet weekday breakfast.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers—though that’s a big if—these roll-ups can definitely be stored for later.

Let any extras cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for up to 3 days, though they’re best eaten fresh.

To freeze, lay the cooled roll-ups on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for about a month.

Reheating is easy. For best results, warm them in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to regain that crispy exterior. You can also reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of the texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re swapping ingredients for dietary reasons or just want to change things up, here are some fun ideas.

For a fruity twist, try adding thinly sliced bananas, apples, or strawberries to the filling before rolling. They add natural sweetness and pair beautifully with the cinnamon.

Want something richer? Swap the cream cheese for Nutella or peanut butter. These give a dessert-like feel that kids especially love.

If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese and dip the roll-ups in a mixture of non-dairy milk and flaxseed instead of eggs. They still crisp up wonderfully in the skillet.

For a glaze finish, skip the final cinnamon sugar coating and instead drizzle your roll-ups with a quick vanilla icing made from powdered sugar and milk. It adds an extra layer of indulgence—perfect for special occasions.

Don’t be afraid to get creative. These are super forgiving and a great canvas for experimenting with flavors, fillings, and even seasonal twists.