Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups: A Sweet and Satisfying Breakfast Treat

A Creative Mashup of Two Breakfast Classics

Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a brilliant fusion of two beloved breakfast dishes. Imagine the warm, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a cinnamon roll combined with the eggy, custardy richness of French toast. This recipe takes slices of white bread, spreads them with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolls them up, dips them in a classic French toast batter, and then cooks them to golden perfection. The result is a delightful treat that’s both familiar and excitingly new. These roll-ups are perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or even a fun dessert.

A Recipe That Brings Smiles to the Breakfast Table

I first made these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups on a lazy Sunday morning when I was craving something a little more special than our usual breakfast. I had some leftover bread and a hankering for both cinnamon rolls and French toast. That’s when the idea struck me: why not combine them? The process was surprisingly easy and fun, and the aroma that filled my kitchen as they cooked was heavenly. My family was instantly intrigued, and these roll-ups were devoured in minutes. The combination of the crispy, buttery exterior, the warm cinnamon-sugar filling, and the slight eggy sweetness from the French toast coating was a winner. These roll-ups have become a regular weekend treat in our home, a recipe that always brings smiles to the breakfast table. They are also a great recipe to take to a brunch potluck.

Ingredient Insights: Simple Ingredients, Delicious Results

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients to create a truly delicious treat. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Roll-Ups:

• White Sandwich Bread: Provides the base for the roll-ups.
  • Tip: A soft, white sandwich bread, like a classic loaf bread, works best for this recipe.
  • Note: Remove the crusts for easier rolling and a more uniform texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the filling and helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the bread.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a warm, molasses-like sweetness to the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for cinnamon rolls, adding warmth and a comforting aroma.

For the French Toast Coating:

• Large Eggs: The main component of the French toast batter, adding richness and helping to create a golden-brown crust.
• Milk: Thins out the egg mixture slightly and adds moisture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Reinforces the cinnamon flavor in the roll-ups.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.

For Cooking:

• Butter: For frying the roll-ups to golden perfection.
  • Tip: You can also use a neutral-flavored oil, such as canola oil, for frying.

Essential Equipment: Tools for Easy Roll-Up Creation

• Rolling Pin: For flattening the bread slices.
• Small Bowls (2): One for mixing the cinnamon-sugar filling and another for whisking the French toast batter.
• Large Skillet: For cooking the French toast roll-ups.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: For combining the French toast batter ingredients.
• Serrated Knife: For removing the crusts from the bread, if desired.

The Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Bliss

Ingredients with Measurements

For the Roll-Ups:

• 10 slices white sandwich bread
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

For the French Toast Coating:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Cooking:

• 2-3 tablespoons butter, for frying

Detailed Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Creating a Flat Surface for Rolling

1. Remove Crusts: Using a serrated knife, carefully remove the crusts from each slice of white sandwich bread.
   • Tip: Save the crusts for making breadcrumbs or croutons.
2. Flatten Bread: Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice of bread until it’s about ⅛ inch thick. This will make it easier to roll up the filling.
   • Tip: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a heavy can or bottle to flatten the bread.

2. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling: A Sweet and Aromatic Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon.
2. Mix Well: Stir the ingredients together with a fork until they are well combined and form a paste-like consistency.

3. Assemble the Roll-Ups: Spreading, Rolling, and Sealing

1. Spread Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over each flattened slice of bread, leaving a small border (about ¼ inch) along one of the long edges. This border will help seal the roll-up.
2. Roll Up Tightly: Starting from the long edge with the filling all the way to the edge, tightly roll up each slice of bread, like a jelly roll.
3. Seal Edges: Gently press along the unbuttered border to seal the edge of each roll-up, preventing the filling from leaking out during cooking.

4. Prepare the French Toast Coating: A Custardy Dip

1. Whisk Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.

5. Cook the Roll-Ups: Achieving Golden-Brown Perfection

1. Heat Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add Butter: Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely.
3. Dip Roll-Ups: Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides.
   • Tip: Don’t soak the roll-ups for too long in the egg mixture, or they may become soggy. A quick dip is all that’s needed.
4. Place in Skillet: Place the dipped roll-ups seam-side down in the hot skillet.
5. Cook: Cook the roll-ups for about 2-3 minutes total, rotating them frequently with tongs or a spatula to ensure even browning on all sides. They should be golden brown and cooked through.
   • Tip: Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

6. Serve and Enjoy: A Warm and Delicious Treat

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups immediately while they are warm and the filling is gooey.
2. Optional Toppings: You can dust them with powdered sugar, drizzle them with maple syrup, or serve them with a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit.

Troubleshooting Common Problems: Tips for Roll-Up Success

• Filling Leaking Out:
  • Problem: The cinnamon-sugar filling is leaking out during cooking.
  • Solutions: Make sure to leave a small border when spreading the filling. Roll the bread up tightly and pinch the seam to seal.
• Roll-Ups Not Staying Closed:
  • Problem: The roll-ups are unrolling during cooking.
  • Solutions: Make sure to roll them tightly. Place them seam-side down in the skillet. You can also secure them with toothpicks.
• Roll-Ups Burning:
  • Problem: The roll-ups are burning on the outside before they’re cooked through.
  • Solutions: Make sure your skillet isn’t too hot. Medium heat is ideal. Keep a close eye on them while they’re cooking and rotate them frequently.

Tips and Variations: Customize Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

• Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of softened cream cheese to the bread before adding the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fruit Filling: Add a layer of chopped fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries or apples to the filling.
• Nutty Addition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon-sugar filling for added texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a warmer flavor profile.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooked roll-ups for an extra decadent treat.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
• Glaze: Make a simple glaze by combining powdered sugar with milk or water.

Serving Suggestions: A Versatile Treat for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

• Breakfast: Serve these roll-ups as a special weekend breakfast treat.
• Brunch: A delicious addition to any brunch spread.
• Dessert: Enjoy them as a fun and easy dessert.
• Snack: Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up or a late-night snack.
• Holiday Treat: The warm spices make it great for Thanksgiving or Christmas morning.

Pairing Recommendations: Drinks and Sides

• Drinks:
  • Coffee: A freshly brewed cup of coffee is a classic pairing for cinnamon rolls.
  • Milk: A cold glass of milk complements the sweetness of the roll-ups.
  • Hot Chocolate: A comforting choice, especially during colder months.
  • Orange Juice: The acidity of orange juice provides a nice balance to the rich flavors.
• Sides:
  • Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries or a fruit salad adds a refreshing touch.
  • Bacon or Sausage: Serve alongside savory breakfast meats for a more complete meal.
  • Yogurt: A dollop of yogurt, plain or flavored, adds a creamy element.

Nutritional Information: A Sweet Indulgence

Per serving (approximate, will vary based on size and specific ingredients): Calories: 250-300, Fat: 12-15g, Carbohydrates: 30-35g, Protein: 4-6g. (Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on the specific ingredients used).

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Your Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Up Questions Answered

• Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
  • A: You can assemble the roll-ups ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. You can also bake them ahead of time and reheat them when ready to serve.
• Q: How do I store leftovers?
  • A: Store leftover roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I freeze these roll-ups?
  • A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked and cooled roll-ups. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
• Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
  • A: While white sandwich bread is recommended for its softness, you could experiment with other types of bread, such as brioche or challah.
• Q: Can I use a different type of sugar in the filling?
  • A: You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, but the brown sugar adds a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
• Q: What if I don’t have a rolling pin?
  • A: You can use a heavy can or bottle to flatten the bread slices.
• Q: Can I add other spices to the filling?
  • A: Yes, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the cinnamon-sugar filling.
• Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of frying them?
  • A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown. However, pan-frying yields a crispier exterior.
• Q: Can I make these vegan?
• A: You would need to use vegan bread, butter, and egg substitutes. There are many vegan egg substitutes available on the market.
• Q: How can I make these gluten-free?
• A: You would need to find a gluten-free bread alternative.
• Q: Can I use a different type of milk in the French toast batter?
• A: Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other type of milk you prefer.
• Q: Can I add a glaze to these roll-ups?
• A: Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze or a cream cheese frosting would be delicious on these roll-ups.