Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups — Easy, Crispy, and Perfect for Breakfast

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 (3 roll ups per person) Difficulty: Easy Calories: Approximately 220 per serving (3 roll ups without filling)

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Ingredients

For the Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups

• 12 slices soft white sandwich bread (crusts removed)
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for cooking, add more as needed)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Mix together in a shallow bowl and set aside

For the Filling (Choose One or Mix and Match)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (classic and most popular)
• 3 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate hazelnut spread
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jam or any fruit preserve
• Fresh sliced strawberries or banana slices
• 3 tablespoons sweetened cream cheese mixed with 1 teaspoon powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla (elevated version)

For Serving (Optional)

• Maple syrup for dipping
• Powdered sugar dusting
• Fresh berries on the side
• Whipped cream

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Substitutions and Tips

No white sandwich bread? Any soft bread works well. Brioche gives you a richer result and is highly recommended if you can find it. Avoid crusty artisan bread or sourdough as it does not flatten and roll properly and will crack when you try to shape it.

No whole milk? Any milk works here including oat milk, almond milk, or two percent. Heavy cream gives the richest egg mixture but regular milk is completely fine for everyday mornings.

No fresh butter? A light spray of cooking oil works in the pan. Butter gives a better flavor and helps with the golden browning but oil is fine in a pinch.

Want a sweeter filling? Mix softened cream cheese with a tablespoon of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. It tastes like cheesecake filling inside your cinnamon French toast roll ups and is genuinely outstanding.

Gluten free? Use gluten free sandwich bread. Make sure it is a soft pliable variety as gluten free bread can be more crumbly and harder to roll without cracking.

Dairy free? Use plant based butter for cooking, dairy free milk in the egg mixture, and a dairy free filling like Nutella, jam, or nut butter.

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Step by Step Instructions

1. Prep the bread

Remove the crusts from all 12 slices of bread. Using a rolling pin flatten each slice as thin as possible. Roll firmly and evenly across the entire slice. This step is essential — it makes the bread pliable enough to roll without cracking and gives you a tighter more compact roll up that holds together in the pan.

2. Add the filling

Spread a thin layer of your chosen filling across each flattened bread slice all the way to the edges. Do not overfill. Too much filling causes the roll to burst open while cooking and makes them hard to keep sealed. A thin even layer is all you need for great flavor in every bite.

3. Roll the bread

Starting from one short end roll each bread slice tightly into a log shape. Press gently as you roll to keep it compact. Place the roll seam side down on a plate or cutting board while you prepare the rest. The seam side down position helps them stay closed before they go into the pan.

4. Make the egg mixture

In a shallow bowl or dish whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until fully combined. Use a dish that is wide enough to fit a roll up lengthwise for easy dipping.

5. Mix the cinnamon sugar

In a separate shallow bowl mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set it right next to the stove so you can roll the cooked roll ups immediately while they are still hot. The butter on the outside helps the cinnamon sugar stick.

6. Heat the pan

Heat a large non stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add one tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely before adding the roll ups. The pan should be hot enough that the butter sizzles but not so hot that it browns immediately on contact.

7. Dip and cook

Working in batches dip each roll up into the egg mixture turning to coat all sides evenly. Let any excess drip off then place seam side down in the hot buttered pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side turning to brown all four sides evenly. The roll ups should be golden brown on all sides with no eggy raw looking patches.

8. Roll in cinnamon sugar

As each batch comes out of the pan immediately transfer the hot roll ups to the cinnamon sugar bowl. Roll them around until completely coated on all sides. The residual butter and heat from the pan helps the cinnamon sugar adhere perfectly. Do not wait — rolling them while they are still hot gives you the best coating.

9. Serve immediately

Arrange the finished cinnamon French toast roll ups on a plate and serve right away while they are still warm and the outside is at its crispiest. Add maple syrup on the side for dipping, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries.

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Pro Tips

Flatten the bread thoroughly

This is the most important step in the whole recipe. If the bread is not flat enough it will crack and unravel when you try to roll it. Use firm even pressure with the rolling pin and go over each slice several times until it is noticeably thinner and more pliable.

Keep the filling thin

A generous amount of filling sounds appealing but it causes the roll ups to burst open during cooking and leak all over the pan. A thin even layer from edge to edge gives you flavor in every bite without any of the mess.

Cook seam side down first

Always place cinnamon French toast roll ups seam side down in the pan first. The heat seals the seam quickly and keeps the roll from unraveling while you turn it to brown the other sides.

Do not crowd the pan

Cook in batches of four to six at a time depending on your pan size. Crowding the pan causes the temperature to drop and the roll ups steam instead of browning. You want a good sizzle the moment each one hits the pan.

Roll in cinnamon sugar while hot

This step cannot wait. The cinnamon sugar only sticks properly to warm buttery roll ups straight from the pan. If you let them cool even for two or three minutes the coating will not adhere the same way and you lose that satisfying crunchy exterior.

Use a non stick pan

A good non stick pan is the best choice for cinnamon French toast roll ups. Stainless steel or cast iron can cause the egg coating to stick and tear the delicate roll apart when you try to turn it.

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Variations

Cream cheese and strawberry cinnamon French toast roll ups

Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese on each flattened bread slice then add two or three thin slices of fresh strawberry before rolling. The cream cheese holds the strawberries in place and the combination of tangy cream cheese and sweet berry inside a cinnamon sugar coated roll up is one of the best breakfast flavor combinations around.

Nutella banana cinnamon French toast roll ups

Spread a thin layer of Nutella on each bread slice and add two or three thin banana slices before rolling. The banana softens beautifully inside the warm roll and the chocolate hazelnut and banana pairing is a classic that works just as well here. Kids go absolutely crazy for this version.

Apple pie cinnamon French toast roll ups

Mix half a cup of finely diced apple with a tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Spoon a small amount onto each flattened bread slice before rolling. This version tastes like a miniature apple pie wrapped in cinnamon French toast and is perfect for fall mornings and holiday breakfasts.

Savory cinnamon French toast roll ups

Skip the sweet filling and cinnamon sugar coating entirely. Fill each roll with a thin slice of ham and a small strip of Swiss or cheddar cheese. Cook the same way and serve with a small bowl of Dijon mustard for dipping. These make a great brunch option for anyone who prefers savory over sweet and they are just as easy and fast to make.

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How to Store and Reheat

At room temperature

Cinnamon French toast roll ups are best eaten fresh and warm straight from the pan. The cinnamon sugar coating is at its crispiest right after cooking and the texture softens as they sit. Do not leave them out at room temperature for more than two hours.

In the fridge

Store cooled leftover roll ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking. They will lose some of their crispiness in the fridge but still taste good when reheated properly.

In the freezer

Cinnamon French toast roll ups freeze well for up to one month. Freeze them on a parchment lined baking sheet until solid then transfer to a zip lock freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for the best texture result.

Reheating in the oven

Place refrigerated or frozen roll ups on a baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until warmed through and the outside crisps back up. This is the best reheating method for restoring the crispy exterior.

Reheating in the air fryer

Air fry at 350 degrees F for 3 to 4 minutes for refrigerated roll ups or 5 to 6 minutes from frozen. The air fryer does the best job of restoring the crispy cinnamon sugar coating and is the recommended reheating method if you have one.

Reheating in the microwave

Microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. This is the fastest method but results in a softer less crispy roll up. It works fine for a quick weekday morning reheat when you prioritize speed over texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What bread works best for cinnamon French toast roll ups?

Soft white sandwich bread is the most reliable and easiest to work with. It flattens well, rolls without cracking, and has a mild flavor that lets the cinnamon sugar and filling shine. Brioche is the best upgrade if you want a richer more indulgent result. Avoid crusty or thick artisan breads as they do not flatten properly and will crack when rolled.

Can I make cinnamon French toast roll ups ahead of time?

You can prepare the roll ups the night before — flatten the bread, add the filling, and roll them up. Store them covered in the fridge on a plate. In the morning dip them in the egg mixture and cook as normal. This cuts the morning prep down to almost nothing which makes them a great option for busy school mornings or a relaxed weekend brunch.

Why do my roll ups keep unraveling in the pan?

The most common reason is that the bread was not flattened enough before rolling or the roll was not tight enough when formed. Make sure you flatten each slice thoroughly with the rolling pin and roll as tightly as possible. Placing them seam side down in the pan immediately and not moving them for the first two minutes gives the heat time to seal the seam before you turn them.

Can I bake cinnamon French toast roll ups instead of pan frying them?

Yes. Place the egg dipped roll ups seam side down on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes turning once halfway through. They will not be quite as golden and crispy as the pan fried version but the flavor is still very good and the oven method is more hands off if you are making a large batch.

Can I use this recipe to make a large batch for a crowd?

Absolutely. This recipe scales up very easily. Prepare all the roll ups in advance, keep the egg mixture in a bowl, and cook in batches in two pans simultaneously to speed things up. Keep finished roll ups warm in a 200 degree F oven on a baking sheet while you cook the remaining batches. Roll in the cinnamon sugar right before serving rather than right out of the pan.

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Save This Recipe Before You Go

If these cinnamon French toast roll ups are going on your breakfast rotation save this recipe to your Pinterest boards right now so you can find it on any morning you need a fast and satisfying breakfast idea. It is one of those recipes you will come back to week after week.

Already made a batch? Drop a comment below and tell us which filling you tried. Did you go classic cream cheese or did you try the Nutella banana version? We love hearing how people make this recipe their own. Share it with someone who needs a better weekday breakfast idea — these cinnamon French toast roll ups will absolutely deliver.

Happy breakfast making.

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Recipe Card

Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 8 to 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 (3 roll ups per person) Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Roll ups:

• 12 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Cinnamon sugar coating:

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Filling options:

• Softened cream cheese
• Nutella
• Peanut butter
• Strawberry jam
• Fresh fruit slices

Instructions

1. Remove crusts and flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin.
2. Spread a thin layer of chosen filling to the edges of each slice.
3. Roll each slice tightly into a log. Place seam side down.
4. Whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a shallow bowl.
5. Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a separate shallow bowl.
6. Heat butter in a non stick skillet over medium heat.
7. Dip each roll up in egg mixture coating all sides. Let excess drip off.
8. Cook seam side down first for 2 minutes then turn to brown all sides.
9. Immediately roll hot roll ups in cinnamon sugar until fully coated.
10. Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping.

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in oven at 375 degrees F or air fryer at 350 degrees F for best texture.