Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups — A Fun & Sweet Breakfast Treat

Hi! If you love the cozy taste of cinnamon French toast and you enjoy playful, finger-friendly breakfasts, these Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups will make you so happy. I make them when I want something quick, warm, and a little special—like a café-style treat but straight from my kitchen. Picture soft bread rolled around a creamy filling, dipped in egg, and pan-seared until golden, then tossed in a sparkly cinnamon-sugar coat. Every bite feels like a hug. And the best part? You and I can customize them in so many ways—strawberry, cream cheese, Nutella, or even apple-cinnamon pie vibes. Let’s make your morning extra sweet!

Nutritional Benefits

While these roll ups are definitely a treat, making them at home lets you balance pleasure with smart choices. You can use whole-wheat or high-fiber bread to add extra fiber and keep you fuller for longer. If you’re using a cream cheese filling, a light version still tastes creamy but cuts down on saturated fat. Eggs bring quality protein, which helps steady your energy, and cinnamon has natural plant compounds that are often praised for their antioxidant properties. Want to dial back sugar? You can reduce the cinnamon-sugar coating slightly and sweeten your filling naturally with mashed banana or a small drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup. It’s all about shaping the recipe to fit your day.

Adaptable Variations

• Classic Cream Cheese: Blend softened cream cheese with a touch of vanilla and a teaspoon or two of powdered sugar. It’s tangy, creamy, and perfect with the cinnamon coating.
• Strawberries & Cream: Spread cream cheese and add thin slices of fresh strawberries before rolling. You can also use a quick strawberry compote.
• Nutella & Banana: A kid-favorite. Spread Nutella and add banana strips—rich, chocolatey, and so satisfying.
• Apple Pie Roll Ups: Spoon in a simple apple-cinnamon sauté (tiny diced apples, a dab of butter, a sprinkle of cinnamon) for cozy fall vibes.
• High-Protein Twist: Use Greek yogurt as part of the filling (sweeten lightly with honey and vanilla). It adds creaminess and extra protein.
• Dairy-Free / Lighter: Swap milk for almond or oat milk; try a dairy-free cream cheese or skip the filling and use a fruit-only center.

The Recipe: Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups

Ingredients (10–12 roll ups)

• 10–12 slices soft sandwich bread (white or whole-wheat), crusts removed
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2–3 tbsp powdered sugar (adjust to taste) + 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional fillings: sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, or 3–4 tbsp Nutella
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp butter (for the pan)
• For the coating: 1/3 cup granulated sugar + 1–1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
• Optional for serving: maple syrup, honey, or a dusting of powdered sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the bread: Cut off all crusts to help the bread roll easily. Use a rolling pin (or the side of a clean jar) to gently flatten each slice. Don’t smash it—just press enough to make it flexible.
2. Make the filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Adjust sweetness to your liking.
3. Fill & roll: Spread a thin, even layer of filling over a flattened slice. Add any extras (strawberry slices, banana strips, or a thin swipe of Nutella). Roll tightly from one edge to the other, like a mini log. Repeat with the remaining bread.
4. Egg mixture: In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla. In a separate shallow dish, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the final coating. Keep both nearby.
5. Dip & cook: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and melt about 1/2 tbsp butter. Quickly dip a few roll ups in the egg mixture, turning to coat lightly, then place seam-side down in the hot pan.
6. Pan-sear: Cook 1–2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until all sides are golden. Don’t rush; a steady medium heat gives you a crisp exterior and a warm, soft middle.
7. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Immediately roll the hot roll ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat. Work in batches, adding small pats of butter between batches as needed.
8. Serve: Pile onto a plate and serve warm. Add a drizzle of maple syrup, a cloud of powdered sugar, or a dollop of yogurt on the side—your call!

Practical & Valuable Tips

• Choose the right bread: Soft sandwich bread rolls best. If your bread is very fresh, leave slices out for 5–10 minutes so they’re slightly less delicate and easier to roll.
• Seal the seam: Place the roll ups seam-side down first and give them 30–45 seconds to set before turning. This helps hold the shape.
• No soggy dip: Dip quickly—just a light coat. If you soak the bread, it can tear or cook up too soft.
• Even coating trick: Toss the hot roll ups in cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm; the heat helps the coating stick evenly and sparkle.
• Make ahead: Assemble (un-cooked) roll ups the night before and refrigerate, tightly covered. In the morning, dip, cook, and coat fresh.
• Freezer-friendly: Cook, cool completely, and freeze on a tray. Transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 180°C/350°F for 5–8 minutes.
• Air fryer option: Lightly spritz roll ups with oil and air fry at 180°C/350°F for 5–7 minutes, rotating once. Brush with a touch of melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar afterward.
• Balanced plate: Pair with berries or sliced apples for freshness, and serve with a protein (Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs) if you want longer-lasting energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying? Yes. Place roll ups on a parchment-lined tray, brush lightly with melted butter, and bake at 190°C/375°F for 10–12 minutes, turning once. Brush again with butter (optional) and roll in cinnamon sugar while warm.
2. What if my roll ups unroll while cooking? Start seam-side down and allow that seam to set before flipping. If needed, chill the filled rolls for 10–15 minutes before dipping to help them hold shape.
3. How can I make them less sweet? Reduce the coating by half, skip added sugar in the filling, and sweeten naturally with mashed banana or a drizzle of pure maple syrup at the table.
4. Can I make them dairy-free? Absolutely. Use dairy-free milk in the egg dip and a plant-based cream cheese (or fruit-only fillings). Cook in dairy-free butter or a neutral oil.

Call to Action

I’d love to see your version! Did you go classic cream cheese, strawberry, or full-on Nutella-banana? Save this recipe to your breakfast board on Pinterest so you can find it fast next time, and tag me when you share your roll ups—I can’t wait to cheer on your delicious creation. Happy, cinnamon-sparkly breakfast! 🍞✨