There's something magical about the sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla drifting through the house on a lazy weekend morning. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls and classic French toast into one handheld, kid-approved breakfast treat.

I first started making these when I wanted to surprise my kids with a special breakfast that didn’t involve hours of baking. They’ve since become a staple in our home – perfect for Sunday brunch, holiday mornings, or even dessert! Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, these roll-ups are a guaranteed hit.

They’re crispy on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and packed with that signature cinnamon-sugar swirl we all crave. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation.

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

Get ready to fall in love with breakfast all over again. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are more than just delicious – they’re ridiculously easy to make and totally customizable.

First off, they’re quick and fuss-free. No waiting for dough to rise or long bake times. From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes, these are perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch plans.

They're budget-friendly, too. With just a handful of everyday ingredients – sliced bread, cream cheese, cinnamon, eggs – you can whip up a crowd-pleasing breakfast without breaking the bank.

Kid-approved and mess-free, these roll-ups are made to be picked up and dunked. Great for little hands (and adults who want to skip the fork and knife), they're fun to make and even more fun to eat.

Versatility is the name of the game here. Want to make them more indulgent? Add chocolate chips or drizzle with icing. Need a dairy-free option? Swap in your favorite alternatives – they still taste amazing.

Once you try these, you’ll never look at French toast the same way again.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups comes from turning humble ingredients into something that feels truly special. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

White sandwich bread is the backbone of this recipe. Choose a soft, fresh loaf – nothing too dense or crusty. You’ll want to trim the crusts and flatten each slice with a rolling pin to make them easy to roll.

Cream cheese gives that signature cinnamon roll flavor and texture. Soften it beforehand so it spreads smoothly. You can use regular, whipped, or even flavored varieties like honey or vanilla for a twist.

Cinnamon sugar is where the magic happens. Mix ground cinnamon with granulated sugar and sprinkle generously. It creates a sweet, spiced layer that caramelizes beautifully when cooked in the skillet.

Eggs and milk form the French toast coating. Whisk them together with a splash of vanilla extract for added richness. This gives the roll-ups that golden, custard-like crust when pan-fried.

You’ll also need a nonstick skillet or griddle and a little butter or oil for frying. A rolling pin makes shaping the bread easy, but you can use a glass or your hands in a pinch.

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Making these sweet little roll-ups is easier than you think – and way faster than baking a batch of cinnamon rolls from scratch.

Start by prepping your bread. Trim off the crusts, then flatten each slice with a rolling pin until it’s thin and flexible. This helps them roll up nicely without tearing or falling apart during cooking.

Next, spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each slice of bread. Don’t go all the way to the edges – just enough to cover the center. Sprinkle a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar on top of the cream cheese, pressing lightly so it sticks.

Now, roll each slice up tightly, starting from one end and rolling toward the other like a mini Swiss roll. Set each roll aside seam-side down while you prepare the coating.

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip each roll-up into the mixture, turning to coat completely. Let the excess drip off before placing them in the skillet.

Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and melt a little butter or oil. Place the roll-ups seam-side down and cook until golden brown on all sides – about 2–3 minutes per side. Turn gently with tongs to avoid unraveling them.

Once they’re done, roll the hot French toast roll-ups in more cinnamon sugar for a crispy, sweet exterior. Serve warm with maple syrup, icing drizzle, or fresh fruit on the side.

You’ll be amazed at how fast they disappear – these take just 25 minutes from start to finish.

Storage Options

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can absolutely prep or store them for later if needed.

If you want to make them ahead, assemble the roll-ups (before dipping in egg mixture) and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 12 hours. When ready, dip and fry as usual.

Leftover roll-ups can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely, then store in a sealed container. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for best results – this keeps the outside crisp and the inside creamy.

You can also freeze them! Wrap each cooked roll-up individually in foil or plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.

To reheat, avoid microwaving if possible – it tends to make them soggy. Instead, pop them in the toaster oven or skillet for a few minutes to bring back that perfect texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, want to add some flair, or just feel like experimenting, there’s a roll-up for every mood.

Try swapping the cream cheese for Nutella, peanut butter, or even cookie butter for a fun flavor twist. Each one brings a whole new personality to the classic cinnamon roll vibe.

Add fillings like chopped strawberries, banana slices, or mini chocolate chips before rolling for a surprise burst of flavor inside. Just be sure not to overfill or they’ll be tricky to seal.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and your favorite non-dairy milk in the egg mixture. Coconut milk adds a subtle sweetness that works beautifully with the cinnamon.

Feeling extra indulgent? Drizzle with cream cheese icing or caramel sauce once cooked. Or go full dessert-mode with whipped cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.

No matter how you make them, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a fun, flexible treat that’s impossible to mess up. Try a few versions and find your personal favorite – they’re all delicious!