1. Introduction to the Recipe

If you’re craving the sticky-sweet flavor of cinnamon rolls but don’t have hours to spare, these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are the perfect solution. They’re quick to prepare, stuffed with buttery cinnamon sugar, and cooked to golden-brown perfection in just a few minutes. The result? A breakfast or brunch treat that tastes like a bakery-style cinnamon roll crossed with classic French toast.

These sweet rolls are made by flattening slices of bread, filling them with a homemade cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolling them up, and dipping them in a lightly sweetened egg mixture. Then they’re pan-fried until golden and finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. The centers remain warm and gooey while the outside gets a crisp, caramelized crust. It’s the best of both breakfast worlds.

Not only are Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls a fantastic weekend treat, but they’re also perfect for holiday mornings, brunch with friends, or a fun family breakfast. You can even make them ahead and freeze them for quick mornings.

Looking for more indulgent breakfast ideas? Try these Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Roll-Ups or learn how to make homemade cinnamon rolls from scratch.

Whether you’re serving a crowd or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress—and you’ll only need everyday ingredients to make it happen.

2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls

Author: Sarah White

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Description

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are soft, gooey, and buttery—perfectly spiced for a sweet breakfast or weekend brunch.

Ingredients

Scale

10–12 slices soft white sandwich bread

½ stick (4 tbsp) butter, softened
¼ cup light brown sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon

2 large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
2 tablespoons butter (for cooking), more as needed
Powdered sugar for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and 3 tsp cinnamon until smooth and spreadable.

2. Flatten the Bread
Cut the crusts off the bread slices. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice evenly.

3. Fill and Roll
Spread about 1–2 teaspoons of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on one side of each flattened bread slice. Roll tightly into a log.

4. Mix the Egg Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, granulated sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon.

5. Dip the Rolls
Dip each roll into the egg mixture, coating all sides evenly. Let excess drip off.

6. Cook the Rolls
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook rolls in batches, turning to brown all sides evenly (about 2–3 minutes per side).

7. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm, optionally with maple syrup or cream cheese drizzle.

Notes

Use soft, fresh sandwich bread for easy rolling.

If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the filling.

Don’t overfill the bread or the filling may ooze out while cooking.

Make sure the pan isn’t too hot to prevent burning the sugar.

These are best served fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a toaster oven.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls

3. Advanced Techniques

1. Achieving the Perfect Caramelized Crust

The sugar in the filling and egg coating can create a gorgeous caramelized crust if cooked just right. Use medium heat and rotate the rolls frequently. If the pan gets too dry, add more butter. Avoid high heat—it will burn the sugar before the rolls are cooked through.

2. Flavor Boost with Extracts

Add ½ tsp of vanilla or maple extract to the egg mixture for deeper flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the filling for an aromatic twist. These small tweaks can turn a great breakfast into a gourmet-level dish.

3. Use Brioche or Challah for Extra Richness

Want to take it up a notch? Use thin slices of brioche or challah bread instead of standard white bread. They’re richer and add an extra buttery texture. Just be sure to flatten them gently and keep the slices on the thinner side.

4. Make-Ahead Freezing Tip

Assemble and roll the French toast rolls, then freeze them on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. To cook, thaw slightly and dip in the egg mixture just before frying. Perfect for meal prep or quick holiday breakfasts.

5. Add a Cream Cheese Filling

Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese under the cinnamon filling for a cinnamon roll + cheesecake hybrid. Mix 2 oz softened cream cheese with 1 tbsp powdered sugar and ½ tsp vanilla. This gives the rolls a tangy, creamy center.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftovers

Allow rolls to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to revive their crisp exterior.

2. Freezing French Toast Rolls

You can freeze both raw (pre-egg-dip) or cooked rolls. Freeze cooked rolls in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a skillet or oven.

3. Preventing Soggy Texture

To avoid soggy rolls during storage, place a paper towel in the container to absorb excess moisture. When reheating, toast instead of microwaving for best texture.

4. Reheating for Crispness

Microwaving can make rolls soft and rubbery. For the best result, reheat in a skillet over low heat or use an air fryer for a crisp finish.

5. Storing Egg Mixture Separately

If you’re prepping the night before, store the egg mixture in a covered bowl and the assembled rolls separately. Dip and cook fresh the next morning for best results.

5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free butter alternatives and plant-based milk like oat or almond. Make sure your bread doesn’t contain hidden dairy ingredients. Coconut oil also works for pan-frying.

2. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free sandwich bread, making sure it’s fresh and soft enough to roll. Some gluten-free breads are brittle—microwave slices for 5–10 seconds to soften before rolling.

3. Lower Sugar Adaptation

Reduce sugar in both the filling and coating. Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. The cinnamon will still provide that signature flavor even with less sweetness.

4. Egg-Free Option

Replace eggs with a mixture of 2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water (let it sit for 5 minutes). Use plant-based milk. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

5. Nut-Free, Allergy-Friendly

This recipe is naturally nut-free. If using dairy-free or gluten-free alternatives, check labels to ensure they’re also nut-safe for anyone with allergies.

6. FAQs About the Recipe

1. Can I use stale bread?

Stale bread can be too dry to roll and may crack. For best results, use fresh, soft sandwich bread. If using older bread, microwave for 10 seconds with a damp towel to soften.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and brush with melted butter. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

3. Can I prep these the night before?

You can roll and fill them the night before and store tightly wrapped in the fridge. Dip in the egg mixture and cook fresh in the morning for the best taste and texture.

4. What’s the best bread to use?

Use soft, white sandwich bread. Avoid dense or grainy types. Brioche, challah, or potato bread are also great for extra flavor and flexibility.

5. Why are my rolls falling apart?

Overfilled rolls or dry bread can split. Spread filling evenly and roll tightly. If bread cracks, try softening slices with a quick microwave before rolling.

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls bring together two breakfast classics in the most irresistible way. Soft, golden, and full of warm cinnamon sugar flavor, these rolled-up treats are perfect for when you’re craving something indulgent but easy to whip up.

They’re great for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or even dessert. You can make them ahead, freeze them, or customize them with fun add-ins like cream cheese or chocolate chips. From the crispy exterior to the gooey, buttery center, every bite is a cinnamon-swirled delight.

What makes this recipe special is how fast and forgiving it is. No yeast, no dough rising, no waiting. Just flatten, fill, roll, and fry. And best of all—you likely already have everything you need in your pantry.

Give these a try this weekend and prepare to impress everyone at your table. Breakfast just got sweeter.