There's something magical about waking up to the warm scent of cinnamon swirling through your kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups bring together two breakfast favorites—sweet, gooey cinnamon rolls and golden, custard-soaked French toast—for a handheld treat that's crispy on the outside and soft and swirly on the inside.

The first time I made these, it was a lazy Sunday morning and my kids had requested cinnamon rolls and French toast. Rather than choose between the two, I rolled with it—literally. Now, this recipe is our go-to for weekend brunches, special mornings, and cozy breakfasts in bed. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly fun to make.

Let’s dive into why this mashup is about to become your new breakfast obsession.

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

Get ready to meet your new favorite way to start the day. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups combine the nostalgic flavors of a bakery-style cinnamon roll with the warm, custardy comfort of classic French toast.

First off, they’re shockingly simple to make. You only need a few basic ingredients, and from start to finish, the whole recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. That’s faster than a trip to your favorite brunch spot!

They’re also super kid-friendly and fun to eat. The roll-up shape means no forks needed—just grab, dip, and devour. Great for little hands and big appetites alike.

On the budget-friendly side, this recipe uses pantry staples like white bread, cinnamon, sugar, and eggs. You won’t need to hunt down specialty ingredients or spend a lot to get that indulgent, cinnamon roll flavor.

And let’s not forget the versatility. Whether you want to stuff them with cream cheese, drizzle them with glaze, or dunk them in maple syrup, these roll-ups are endlessly customizable.

Ready to make breakfast a little sweeter? Let’s talk about the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of these roll-ups lies in their simplicity. A few humble ingredients come together to create something that tastes like it came from a gourmet brunch menu.

Soft white sandwich bread is the base for our roll-ups. It may not seem fancy, but it’s exactly what you want here—soft enough to roll without cracking, yet sturdy enough to soak up the custard without falling apart. Trim the crusts for best results, and use a rolling pin to flatten each slice nice and thin.

Next comes the cinnamon-sugar filling, the heart of every great cinnamon roll. I like to blend softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon to create a spreadable paste. This helps the filling stay in place as you roll, and gives each bite a sweet, gooey swirl.

For the French toast coating, we whisk together eggs, milk, and a dash of vanilla extract. This classic custard mixture soaks into the bread just enough to create that signature golden crust once cooked. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.

Don’t skip the butter for frying. Cooking these in a buttered skillet gives them a gorgeous, crispy exterior and that toasty, buttery aroma that screams weekend brunch.

As for equipment, you’ll need a rolling pin, a shallow dish for dipping, and a good nonstick skillet or griddle. A silicone spatula helps with gentle flipping, and if you’re glazing the tops, a piping bag or spoon works great for drizzling.

How To Make These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups

Making these roll-ups is as fun as it is easy. Let’s break it down step by step so you can create the perfect batch every time.

Start by prepping your bread. Lay each slice on a cutting board and trim off the crusts. Then, using a rolling pin, flatten each slice until it’s thin and pliable. This step is crucial for easy rolling and ensures the custard can soak in properly without making the roll too thick or doughy.

In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until you have a smooth, spreadable paste. Spread a thin layer across each piece of flattened bread, leaving just a bit of space at the edges. Starting from one end, roll the bread up tightly like a cinnamon roll and set it seam-side down.

In a shallow dish, whisk together your eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. One by one, dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, coating all sides. Let any excess drip off before placing them in the skillet.

Heat a generous pat of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, place the roll-ups seam-side down in the pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning to get an even golden brown on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the outsides are crisp and lightly caramelized.

Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with glaze, or serve with a side of warm maple syrup. From start to finish, the whole process takes about 25 minutes—and trust me, they taste just as good as they look.

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare in our house), these roll-ups store surprisingly well. Let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other—use parchment paper between layers if needed.

You can also freeze them for longer storage. Place cooled roll-ups on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months this way.

To reheat, pop them in a toaster oven or skillet to bring back that golden, crispy texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but the exterior may lose some of its crunch.

Variations and Substitutions

The best thing about these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-ups? They’re a blank canvas for all sorts of flavor fun.

Want a cream cheese twist? Spread a thin layer of sweetened cream cheese underneath the cinnamon-sugar filling for a tangy contrast that tastes just like a cinnamon roll with frosting.

For a fall-inspired version, try adding a spoonful of apple butter or finely chopped apples to the filling. The combination of warm cinnamon and tender apple chunks is pure comfort food magic.

You can also switch up the bread—brioche or challah work beautifully for an extra rich, buttery flavor. Just be sure to slice them thin and rollable.

Craving something chocolatey? Add a few mini chocolate chips inside each roll before rolling them up. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of sweetness with every bite.

And if you’re dairy-free, no problem. Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives, and the recipe still works like a dream.

However you tweak it, don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is forgiving, fun, and open to endless possibilities—just like all the best breakfasts.