Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups (2025)

Your new favorite winter brunch indulgence

A Cozy Twist on a Brunch Classic

There’s something about waking up on a chilly morning and smelling cinnamon drifting through the house. It takes me straight back to my Nonna’s kitchen—though she made Italian pastries, I’ve always loved experimenting with new flavors that still carry that same cozy magic.

Stack of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups dusted with powdered sugar, served on a white plate for a cozy breakfast

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are my American-inspired brunch comfort food love letter. They’re soft, golden, and pan-fried like classic French toast, but rolled up with a creamy cinnamon filling that mimics the flavor of a gooey cinnamon roll. Perfectly crispy on the outside and soft inside—just how a good winter morning should feel.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

  • ❄️ Winter Comfort: Warm, spiced, creamy—these are like a cozy sweater for your tastebuds.
  • 🧀 Dreamy Filling: A luscious blend of cream cheese, cinnamon, and vanilla.
  • 🍞 Simple Ingredients: Bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples.
  • 🥄 Kid-Friendly & Make-Ahead: These roll-ups can be prepped in advance and frozen.
  • 🎉 Perfect for Brunch Buffets & Holiday Mornings

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Roll-Ups:

  • 8 slices of white sandwich bread, crusts removed
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Butter or neutral oil for pan-frying

Optional Toppings:

  • Maple syrup
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream cheese glaze
  • Fresh berries
  • Toasted pecans

Instructions

1. Make the Cinnamon-Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.

2. Prep the Bread

Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice of bread. This step helps the bread roll tightly and cook evenly.

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups

Spread a generous teaspoon of filling onto each bread slice. Roll it up tightly like a mini jelly roll. Set seam-side down.

4. Mix the Custard Dip

In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar (if using). This is your classic French toast custard.

5. Dip and Cook

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter. Dip each roll-up into the custard quickly—just enough to coat. Pan-fry until golden brown and slightly crisp on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.

6. Serve Warm and Cozy

Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with maple syrup, or add a dollop of whipped cream. Go wild—it’s brunch!

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

  • Use soft, fresh bread—it rolls better and doesn’t crack.
  • Don’t soak too long—a quick dip in the custard is all you need.
  • Switch it up—use brioche or challah for a richer version.
  • Make-ahead magic—assemble and freeze before dipping in egg for a quick holiday morning treat.
Step-by-step view of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups being served with cinnamon sugar topping and a side of dipping sauce

How to Make a Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional but Amazing)

Whisk together:

  • 2 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla

Drizzle warm over your roll-ups. You’re welcome. 😍

Variations & Add-Ins

  • 🍎 Apple Pie Roll-Ups: Add sautéed apples with cinnamon sugar to the filling.
  • 🍫 Chocolate Lovers: Add mini chocolate chips or Nutella.
  • 🥥 Coconut Cream: Mix in a spoonful of coconut cream to the filling and top with shredded toasted coconut.

If you love the apple-cinnamon combo, you’ll also adore our Apple Pie Biscuits—another cozy, fruity treat!

What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Balance out the sweetness with:

  • Scrambled eggs or quiche
  • Crispy bacon or sausage links
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • A warm spiced latte or chai

Or finish off your brunch with Banana Bread Cookies—soft, chewy, and banana-rich.

For the chocolate lovers in the group, pair this with Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes for a decadent finish.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled roll-ups (before egg dip) up to 1 month.
To Reheat: Rewarm in a skillet, air fryer, or oven until heated through.

Perfect For:

  • 🎄 Christmas Morning
  • ☃️ Snowy Sundays
  • 🥳 Birthday Brunches
  • 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Breakfasts
  • ❤️ Lazy Winter Weekends

Nutrition (per roll-up – approximate)

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Sugar: 6g
Print
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Close-up of golden brown Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups sprinkled with powdered sugar

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups


  • Author: Grandma Mary Wilson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 roll-ups 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a cozy fusion of two beloved breakfast treats—filled with cinnamon cream cheese, dipped in egg custard, and pan-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for winter mornings, brunch gatherings, or sweet weekend indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:


  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened


  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar


  • 1 tsp vanilla extract


  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon


For the Roll-Ups:


  • 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed


  • 2 large eggs


  • ¼ cup whole milk


  • 1 tsp vanilla extract


  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)


  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon


  • Butter or oil for pan-frying


Optional Toppings:


  • Powdered sugar


  • Maple syrup


  • Cream cheese glaze


  • Fresh berries



Instructions

  • Prepare the Filling:
    In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.

  • Flatten the Bread:
    Using a rolling pin, flatten each bread slice. This helps them roll easily and cook evenly.

  • Spread and Roll:
    Spread the cream cheese filling onto each slice. Roll tightly and set seam-side down.

  • Make the Custard:
    Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar in a shallow bowl.

  • Dip and Fry:
    Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip each roll-up into the custard, coating lightly, and pan-fry until golden brown on all sides (about 2–3 minutes per side).

 

  • Serve:
    Serve warm with powdered sugar, syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Don’t soak the bread too long—just a quick dip keeps them from getting soggy.

  • Use soft sandwich bread or try brioche for extra richness.

  • Want to freeze? Roll and freeze the uncooked roll-ups (before dipping) and thaw before cooking.

 

  • Make a cream cheese glaze by whisking 2 oz cream cheese, 2 tbsp milk, ¼ cup powdered sugar, and ½ tsp vanilla.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Pan-Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll-up
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, easy brunch recipe, cozy winter breakfast, cream cheese cinnamon roll-ups