Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls – Let me tell you how this recipe came to be—it’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this sooner?” moments. It was a Saturday morning (aka the best morning for indulgent breakfasts), and I was standing in my kitchen, staring at a loaf of bread. Now, I love cinnamon rolls. I love French toast. But making cinnamon rolls from scratch? That’s a whole thing. And French toast? Delicious but… a little predictable.
That’s when inspiration struck. I remembered those adorable rolled sandwiches I used to see at parties as a kid, and I thought, what if I rolled up bread with cinnamon-sugar filling and gave it a French toast makeover? The result? Magic. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls are warm, sweet, and a little gooey—basically everything you want in a cozy breakfast. Plus, they’re way more fun to eat than your average slice of French toast.
The best part? My kids went nuts for them. They dunked them in syrup like it was a game, and I’m not going to lie, I joined in. Now these rolls are a weekend staple in our house. You know, the kind of breakfast you look forward to all week.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls Recipe?
- The Perfect Combo: It’s like cinnamon rolls and French toast got together and created the ultimate breakfast treat.
- Fast and Fun: You’ll have these on the table in less than 30 minutes, and the roll-up shape makes them so much more exciting to eat.
- Great for Everyone: Whether you’re feeding kids, brunch guests, or just yourself, these rolls are a hit.
- Customizable: Love Nutella? Go for it. Want a cream cheese twist? Do it. This recipe is your canvas.
- Perfectly Dippable: The roll-up shape means these are made for dunking in syrup, whipped cream, or even caramel sauce.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s talk about why these simple ingredients work so perfectly together:
- Sandwich Bread: Soft, white sandwich bread is best because it flattens easily and rolls without cracking. If you’ve got leftover brioche or challah, those work too and make things extra rich.
- Brown Sugar and Cinnamon: This dynamic duo is what gives these rolls their sweet, warm, cinnamon roll vibe.
- Eggs and Milk: The base for the French toast coating. They soak into the bread and create that golden, custardy crust.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash, but it makes a big difference. It adds a subtle sweetness that ties everything together.
- Butter: Essential for both the filling and frying. Because butter makes everything better, right?
How To Make Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls?
This recipe is simple, and honestly, it’s a lot of fun to make. Here’s how it goes:
- Flatten the Bread:
Grab 10 slices of soft sandwich bread and roll them out flat with a rolling pin. It might feel weird at first, but trust me, this step is key. Trim off the crusts carefully—they’re not part of today’s story (but maybe a snack for later). - Make the Cinnamon Filling:
Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until it forms a spreadable paste. It’s messy but worth it. Spread a generous layer over each slice of bread. This is where the cinnamon roll magic begins. - Roll Them Up:
Roll each slice of bread tightly into a log. Place them seam-side down to keep them from unrolling. If they’re not perfect, that’s fine—this is breakfast, not a baking competition. - Prepare the French Toast Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This is the liquid gold that turns plain bread into golden, toasty goodness. - Dip and Cook:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a little butter in it. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, and then place them in the skillet. Fry until they’re golden brown on all sides, turning gently. Don’t rush—it’s all about that perfect golden crust. - Serve Warm:
Plate the rolls while they’re still warm and serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream. And yes, dunking is highly encouraged.
Storage Options:
If you somehow don’t eat them all (unlikely, but let’s pretend), let the rolls cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 2 days. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over low heat or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Want to freeze them? Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling adventurous? Here are some ways to mix things up:
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
- Bread Swap: Use brioche or challah for a richer, more indulgent flavor. Whole wheat works too if you’re going for a healthier vibe.
- Add Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bread before the cinnamon-sugar filling for a cheesecake twist.
- Go Nutty: Sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added crunch.
- Chocolate Lovers: Replace the cinnamon filling with Nutella or a chocolate spread for a totally different flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk in the batter and swap butter for a dairy-free alternative.
What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls?
These rolls are delicious on their own, but here’s what you can pair them with for the ultimate breakfast spread:
- Maple Syrup: A classic for a reason—warm it up for an extra indulgent touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or banana slices add a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness.
- Bacon or Sausage: The salty, savory flavors are the perfect complement to the sweet rolls.
- Whipped Cream: Because why not? A dollop of whipped cream makes these rolls feel extra fancy.
- Yogurt: A tangy Greek yogurt balances the sweetness and adds a little protein.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Totally! You can assemble the rolls the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, just dip them in the batter and cook them fresh.
What’s the best bread to use?
Soft, white sandwich bread works best because it’s easy to flatten and roll. But if you’ve got brioche or challah, those are next-level delicious.
Can I freeze these?
Yes! Cook the rolls first, let them cool, and then freeze them individually. Reheat in the oven or skillet for a quick breakfast treat.
And there you have it—Cinnamon Roll French Toast Rolls that are sweet, fun, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a brunch party, or just because, I promise they’ll be a hit. Let me know how yours turns out—I’d love to hear!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Ingredients
- 10 slices sandwich bread crusts removed
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Bread:
- Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of sandwich bread. Carefully remove the crusts to create clean edges, ensuring the bread is pliable for rolling.
Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Stir until a smooth, spreadable mixture forms. Evenly spread the cinnamon mixture over each slice of flattened bread.
Roll the Bread:
- Starting at one end, tightly roll each slice of bread into a log. Place the rolls seam-side down to maintain their shape during cooking.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Cook the Rolls:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Dip each roll into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and place them into the skillet. Cook the rolls for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and evenly cooked. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
Serve Immediately:
- Transfer the cooked rolls to a serving plate. Serve warm, accompanied by maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream for garnish.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!