Ribeye Steak with French Onions & Mushrooms
Juicy pan-seared ribeye topped with caramelized French onions and sautéed mushrooms. Step-by-step in...
20
total time
6
servings
350 kcal
calories
Introduction
Start your day with a playful twist on two breakfast classics: cinnamon rolls and French toast. Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups combine the gooey, spiced center of a cinnamon roll with the crisp, egg-battered exterior of French toast to make a handheld morning treat that’s perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekend brunches, or holiday mornings. This article walks you through everything from pantry basics to pro tips, ensuring consistent results whether you use ready-made cinnamon rolls, refrigerated crescent dough, or quick homemade dough. Expect sweet cinnamon-sugar filling, a hint of butter, and a golden custard coating that caramelizes beautifully when cooked. We’ll cover ingredient swaps for dairy-free or vegetarian diets, techniques for rolling tightly without leaks, and ideas for serving with fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup. You’ll also find variations like apple-cinnamon, pumpkin-spice, and Nutella-stuffed options. The goal is to help you make an impressive, crowd-pleasing breakfast with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Read on for a complete ingredient list, recommended equipment, step-by-step assembly, cooking methods including skillet, oven, and air fryer options, and storage tips so leftovers stay fresh. By the end of this guide you’ll be equipped to make perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups that delight.
Gathering Ingredients
To make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups you can choose from a few ingredient approaches depending on time and preference. The simplest route uses store-bought cinnamon rolls—either classic canned tubes or refrigerated rolls—because they already contain the sweet cinnamon-sugar filling and soft dough. For a fresher result, use homemade cinnamon roll dough or crescent roll dough filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture. Essential wet ingredients for the French toast coating include eggs, whole milk or a milk alternative, and a splash of vanilla extract to boost flavor. Butter adds richness for pan-frying, while a neutral oil works for air fryer and oven methods. For the filling, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter; optional additions include finely chopped nuts, raisins, or citrus zest. Toppings and serving items to keep are pure maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh berries. If you need to accommodate dietary needs, swap dairy milk for almond or oat milk, replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use egg substitutes like flax eggs for a plant-based option. Use firm yet pliable dough to prevent tearing during rolling. With these ingredients organized before you begin, assembly and cooking move quickly and yield consistent results.
Essential Equipment
Having the right equipment makes Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups easier to assemble and cook consistently. Start with a sturdy mixing bowl for whisking the eggs, milk, and vanilla together into the French toast batter. Use a shallow baking dish or pie plate rather than a deep bowl so each roll-up can be fully submerged with minimal flipping. A nonstick skillet or cast iron pan gives a reliable golden crust when pan-frying; choose a pan with a flat surface large enough to handle multiple roll-ups at once without crowding. An oven-safe sheet pan lined with parchment is useful for baking in batches and for finishing roll-ups in the oven to set the filling. An air fryer basket works well for a crisp exterior with less oil—adjust time and temperature to avoid burning the sugar. For assembly, have a small offset spatula, a sharp knife for trimming edges, and a silicone brush for applying melted butter. Cooling rack and paper towels help drain excess oil. If you plan to roll by hand, keep a damp towel nearby to seal edges. Measuring cups and spoons ensure consistent ratios. These tools streamline the process and improve repeatability for faster, cleaner, tastier results, reliably.".trim()
Preparing the Filling and Cinnamon Mixture
The filling is the heart of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, delivering the warm spice and gooey sweetness you expect. For a classic filling, cream the softened butter with brown sugar until the mixture is spreadable, then stir in ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and optional orange or lemon zest for brightness. For a richer profile, swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone; for nutty texture, add finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Measure ingredients so each roll-up receives a consistent amount of filling; a tablespoon to one and a half tablespoons per roll is a starting point. If you’re working with premade cinnamon rolls that include filling, loosen the centers with a knife and add a touch more butter or sugar to intensify flavor. To create a caramelized exterior, toss extra cinnamon sugar in a shallow plate and lightly dust each roll-up before cooking or right after flipping. For fruit versions, finely dice apples or pears and sauté briefly with butter and sugar until tender; drain excess moisture before adding to avoid soggy dough. Keep fillings cool but pliable for smoother assembly. Properly prepared filling prevents leaks, reduces mess, and produces even, flavorful spirals in roll-ups consistently.
Assembling and Rolling
Assembling Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups requires gentle hands and a predictable sequence to create tight spirals that hold together during cooking. Lay your dough or unrolled cinnamon roll flat on a lightly floured surface, and spread a measured amount of filling across the dough leaving a small margin at the edges to seal. If working with canned cinnamon rolls, gently unroll or flatten the center to redistribute filling before rolling. Roll the dough carefully but snugly from one edge to the other, pressing seams firmly to prevent leaks. For crescent dough, overlap seams fully and pinch edges; use a dab of water or beaten egg to glue seams if needed. Trim uneven ends so each roll-up is uniform in size; consistent sizing promotes even cooking. Chill assembled roll-ups briefly on a baking sheet to firm the butter and filling, which reduces leakage when dipped in egg wash. To coat, dip each roll-up into the egg-and-milk mixture, ensuring full coverage, then let excess drip before placing in your pan, oven tray, or air fryer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and maintain heat. Practice makes perfect: early attempts may split until you refine pressure and seam sealing techniques and confidence.
Cooking Methods and Tips
There are several reliable cooking methods for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups—each produces a slightly different texture and requires minor adjustments to time and temperature. Pan-frying yields a crisp, buttery exterior and is ideal for small batches; heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of butter or oil, then cook roll-ups two to three minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Baking is a hands-off method better for feeding a crowd; preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place roll-ups seam-side down on a parchment-lined sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake 12 to 18 minutes until golden and set. The air fryer offers a fast, lower-fat option: arrange roll-ups in a single layer at 350°F (175°C) for eight to twelve minutes, checking midway. When using syrupy fillings or cream cheese, lower temperatures slightly and lengthen time to ensure the center warms without burning the outer sugar. Always preheat your cookware and avoid overcrowding, which lowers surface temperature and causes soggy exteriors. For extra crunch, briefly broil or use a kitchen torch to caramelize the top, watching carefully to prevent burning. Rest roll-ups briefly before serving to allow filling to settle and enhance overall texture consistently.
Serving Suggestions and Final Presentation
Presentation elevates Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups from a casual snack to a memorable brunch centerpiece. Arrange roll-ups on a warm platter in a spiral or staggered layers to show off the swirls; garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar through a small sieve for an elegant snowy finish. For a bright, fresh contrast, scatter seasonal berries such as raspberries, sliced strawberries, or blueberries around the platter and add mint leaves for color. Serve with small ramekins of pure maple syrup and warm vanilla glaze so guests can customize sweetness; prepare a simple glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla until pourable. For indulgent variations, top with a spoonful of whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel or chocolate sauce. If serving to kids, cut roll-ups in half diagonally for bite-sized portions perfect for dipping. Consider warm plates to keep roll-ups cozy longer, and use a fork and knife for cream-cheese-filled versions to prevent messy hands. For a festive display, place roll-ups alongside coffee carafes, orange juice, and a fruit salad for a balanced brunch spread. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted nuts or a light cinnamon dusting for aroma and texture and visual appeal.
Storage, Reheating, and Variations
Proper storage preserves texture and flavor so Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups stay delicious the next day. Cool roll-ups completely on a wire rack before packing to avoid trapped steam that softens the crust. For short-term storage, place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day; for longer keeping, refrigerate up to three days. To freeze, arrange cooled roll-ups in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze until firm, then transfer to a labeled freezer bag for up to two months. Reheat refrigerated roll-ups in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 325°F (160°C) for five to seven minutes until warmed and crisp. From frozen, add a few extra minutes in the oven or air fryer, or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving for prolonged periods as it makes the dough gummy. For creative variations, try apple-cinnamon filling, pumpkin spice with mascarpone, chocolate hazelnut with sliced bananas, or savory versions with cream cheese and jam. Adjust sugar and cooking time based on filling moisture and sweetness. With the right storage and reheating methods, these roll-ups are an excellent make-ahead treat for busy mornings.
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups — a quick brunch recipe combining cinnamon roll filling with French toast batter. Tips, variations, and reheating.
total time
20
servings
6
calories
350 kcal
ingredients
- 🍞 6 slices of white bread, crusts removed
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🥛 1/2 cup milk
- 🍬 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 🍂 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🍯 1/2 cup cream cheese frosting or maple syrup, for serving
instructions
- 1. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread until thin and even.
- 2. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; sprinkle evenly over each flattened bread slice.
- 3. Starting at one edge, carefully roll each piece of bread into a tight cylinder to form the roll-ups.
- 4. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- 5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter until foamy.
- 6. Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg mixture, coating all sides thoroughly.
- 7. Place the coated roll-ups seam side down in the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides, turning as needed (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- 8. Remove the roll-ups from the skillet and place them on a serving plate.
- 9. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting or maple syrup for a sweet finish.
- 10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups!
related articles
Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups
Quick, sticky Honey Cinnamon Roll-Ups with a golden honey glaze. Easy to make for breakfast, brunch,...
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Easy Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups — a quick brunch recipe combining cinnamon roll filling wit...
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups
Easy Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups — creamy ranch, tender chicken and crispy bacon rolled, baked, and...
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
Decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake — step-by-step recipe with tips for swirl, creamy filling, and per...
Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake – A Dreamy Dessert Mashup!
A decadent Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake recipe that combines sticky honeybuns and creamy cheese...
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Recipe
Decadent cinnamon roll cheesecake combining gooey cinnamon swirls with creamy cheesecake. Step-by-st...
French Onion Beef and Noodles
Comforting French Onion Beef and Noodles: caramelized onions, savory beef, egg noodles, and melted c...
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Quick, sweet Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups — perfect for breakfast or brunch. Easy step-by-ste...