Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls Recipe
If you’re dreaming of that classic cinnamon roll flavor in a wonderfully portable, finger-friendly package, you will absolutely fall for these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls. Imagine warm, pillowy bread rolled up with creamy vanilla-scented filling, lovingly fried in butter, cloaked in cinnamon sugar, and finished with a sweet drizzle—these are nothing short of morning magic. They strike a blissful balance between French toast and a cinnamon bun, making them perfect for brunches, special breakfasts, or anytime you need a cozy treat with instant wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe proves that a few well-chosen basics can come together to create pure breakfast enchantment. Each ingredient here brings an essential note—creamy, spicy, sweet, or buttery—that melds beautifully into Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls you’ll crave again and again.
- Soft white bread: The pillowy texture soaks up the custard and rolls up without splitting—perfect for this recipe.
- Cream cheese: Gives a rich, tangy core reminiscent of your favorite cinnamon roll icing.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling and, if you choose, turns into a delectable glaze.
- Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and irresistible aroma to the creamy filling.
- Butter: Used for frying, it delivers that iconic golden, slightly crisp exterior and luxurious flavor.
- Eggs: The foundation of our custard dunk, adding richness and that classic French toast flair.
- Milk: Helps the custard soak in gently so the rolls are tender but never soggy.
- Cinnamon: The hero spice, used in both the custard and the sugar coating for double the cozy.
- Salt: Just a pinch sharpens the flavors and balances all the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: When paired with cinnamon, it forms a simple, sparkly jacket for the warm rolls.
- Optional glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk for a gorgeous, classic finish that melts into every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s velvety smooth and sweet. This creamy mixture becomes the blissful heart of every Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll—the step you’ll be tempted to taste (and honestly, who could blame you?). Prep it first so you’re ready to roll!
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together in a shallow bowl. This duo creates that immediately recognizable flavor (and scent!) that greets you with every warm, sugar-dusted bite. Setting it up before you cook helps keep your assembly line quick and easy.
Step 3: Make the Custard Dip
In another dish, whisk the eggs with milk, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. The extra dash of cinnamon in the egg mixture infuses the bread with flavor from the inside out, ensuring every roll is deeply aromatic and delicious.
Step 4: Roll and Fill the Bread
Lay each slice of bread out flat, and gently roll it with a rolling pin to thin out and even the surface. Place a spoonful of the cream cheese filling near one edge of each slice. Starting at the filled end, roll it up tightly so you have neat little logs, pinning that creamy goodness right at the center.
Step 5: Dip and Fry
Heat the butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat—it should sizzle softly, not smoke. One by one, dip each roll in the egg mixture, ensuring every side is coated. Place each roll seam-side down into the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning to get them golden brown all over. Don’t rush this step: that golden shell is everything!
Step 6: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately after frying, while the rolls are still warm and a tiny bit buttery, roll them in your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture. The warmth helps the coating stick, creating that signature crunch and sparkle that makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls utterly irresistible.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
If you want that over-the-top, bakery-case look, simply whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of milk to make a silky glaze. Drizzle it generously over the finished rolls right before serving for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls
Garnishes
For a truly picture-perfect plate, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a generous zigzag of glaze turns these rolls into bakery-worthy beauties. A handful of fresh berries or even a touch of orange zest can add color and brightness, making every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
While Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are the shining star, pairing them with a bowl of Greek yogurt, some crisp bacon, or a fruit salad balances out the sweetness and rounds out your brunch table. If serving a crowd, offer with freshly-brewed coffee and fresh-squeezed juice for an easy yet impressive breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls like a bouquet on a platter, or stack them up and drizzle glaze in slow, dramatic ribbons. For parties, slice them into bite-size pieces, skewer with toothpicks, and serve as playful breakfast “treats” at your next brunch or baby shower—they’re guaranteed to disappear quickly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra rolls (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to two days, though they’re definitely best enjoyed warm and fresh for peak flavor and texture.
Freezing
For future cravings, you can freeze the assembled but unfried rolls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—just thaw overnight in the fridge before dipping in the custard and frying fresh. You can also freeze the finished rolls; just be sure to reheat gently to preserve their texture.
Reheating
To bring your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls back to life, reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 8 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them a little soft—if you want to keep things crispy, try the oven or even an air fryer for a few minutes instead.
FAQs
Can I make these with whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Absolutely! While soft white bread gives the most classic, tender result, you can substitute your favorite sandwich bread—whole wheat or a gluten-free variety works as long as it’s flexible enough to roll without tearing.
Can I prep Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls the night before?
You can prepare the cream cheese filling and the cinnamon sugar in advance, but for best texture, assemble and cook the rolls right before eating. If needed, you can roll them a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to dip and fry.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No cream cheese? Try mascarpone, ricotta blended with a little sugar, or even a thick vanilla yogurt for a lighter spin. Each variation will bring its own character to your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
For a hands-off approach, you can bake the assembled, custard-dipped rolls at 375°F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 15 minutes, turning halfway. They won’t get quite as crisp as frying, but it’s a great alternative if you’re feeding a crowd.
How do I keep the rolls from unrolling in the pan?
Roll each bread slice tightly and place the seam side down in the skillet first—this helps them hold their shape as they cook. If you’re prepping ahead, you can also secure with toothpicks (just remember to remove them before serving!).
Final Thoughts
With every bite of these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls, you get layers of creamy sweetness, gentle spice, and that irresistible toasty edge—pure breakfast joy! Whether for a holiday, a cozy weekend, or just because, give these a try and watch smiles light up around your table.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 rolls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls that are a sweet twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Cream cheese-filled and coated in cinnamon sugar, these rolls are a treat for the taste buds!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
French Toast Rolls:
- 8 slices soft white bread, crusts removed
- 2 tablespoons butter (for frying)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Glaze:
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- French Toast Rolls: Flatten bread slices with a rolling pin. Spread cream cheese mixture on each slice, roll tightly. Dip in egg mixture, fry in butter until golden. Coat in cinnamon sugar.
- Optional Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar and milk for glaze, drizzle over rolls.
Notes
- Best served warm and fresh.
- Prep cream cheese filling in advance.
- Try Nutella or jam for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
