Some mornings, all I want is something nostalgic, cozy, and slightly indulgent.
These cinnamon French toast roll-ups never fail to bring that warm, cinnamon-sugar magic to the breakfast table.
They remind me of childhood mornings and special weekend treats—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and filled with buttery sweetness.
Why I Love This Recipe
Crispy outside, soft inside – The bread gets perfectly golden in the skillet while staying tender within.
Swirls of cinnamon sugar – A sweet buttery mix melts into every layer.
Fun to eat (and make!) – Great for kids, brunch, or a cozy weekend treat.
Pantry-friendly – Uses simple ingredients you already have on hand.
Perfectly portable – Grab-and-go breakfast with all the flavor of French toast.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
White sandwich bread – Soft and flexible, ideal for rolling.
Melted butter + brown sugar – The rich, sweet spread that gives it that cinnamon roll feel.
Ground cinnamon – Essential for warmth and classic flavor.
Eggs & milk – The base for the French toast coating.
Vanilla extract – Adds a subtle hint of sweetness.
Butter for frying – Helps toast the roll-ups to crispy, golden perfection.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use fresh, soft bread – Older slices may crack when rolling.
Flatten completely – Roll each slice thin for easier shaping and even cooking.
Seal well – Gently press the edge so they don’t unravel in the pan.
Don’t soak too long – A quick dip in the egg mix is enough—don’t let it get soggy.
Cook low and slow – Medium heat prevents burning and allows even browning.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Roll-Ups
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Trim the crusts from all slices of sandwich bread.
Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice until thin and flexible.
Step 2: Make Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
Step 3: Fill and Roll
Spread a thin layer of the cinnamon mixture over each slice, leaving a border.
Roll up tightly and gently press to seal the edge.
Step 4: Make the Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Heat the Pan
Place a skillet over medium heat and add a little butter for frying.
Step 6: Dip and Cook
Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, coating all sides, then place seam-side down in the hot skillet.
Step 7: Toast Until Golden
Cook the roll-ups for about 2–3 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.
Remove once golden and crisp.
What to Serve It With
A dusting of powdered sugar
Maple syrup for dipping
A side of fresh fruit or berries
Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt
Iced coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy pairing
Variations / Substitutions
Add filling – Spread cream cheese, Nutella, or jam before rolling.
Use whole wheat bread – For a slightly healthier twist.
Try pumpkin spice – Swap cinnamon for pumpkin spice blend in fall.
Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free sandwich bread.
Top with chopped nuts – Adds crunch and richness.
Storage & Leftovers
Room Temp – Best eaten fresh, but can sit out for up to 2 hours.
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat – Warm in a skillet or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or pan.
Avoid microwaving – It softens the texture too much.
FAQs
Can I make these the night before?
Yes! Prep and refrigerate uncooked roll-ups, then dip and fry fresh in the morning.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Any soft, flexible bread works—white is best, but brioche or whole wheat can be used.
Why are my roll-ups falling apart in the pan?
Be sure to seal the edges and cook seam-side down first. Also, don’t soak too long in the egg.
Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I need to serve them with syrup?
Nope! They’re flavorful enough on their own, but syrup is a nice bonus.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute white sugar, though brown adds a deeper flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—it scales well for feeding a crowd or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
These cinnamon French toast roll-ups are the kind of breakfast that makes mornings feel special.
They’re playful yet classic, easy enough for a weekday but impressive enough for brunch guests.
Whether you serve them with syrup or enjoy them straight from the skillet, every bite is a warm hug of cinnamon-sugar comfort.
