There’s something undeniably magical about waking up to the smell of cinnamon and sugar dancing through the kitchen. It brings back memories of slow weekend mornings, cozy pajamas, and my grandmother humming softly as she worked her culinary magic. One of her greatest brunch tricks? Transforming everyday ingredients into a celebration—and this recipe for Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups is just that.
Combining two beloved breakfast treats—cinnamon rolls and French toast—this indulgent hybrid is easy, kid-friendly, and practically guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With a golden, crispy exterior and gooey, cinnamon-spiced center, each bite feels like a warm hug.
Whether you’re planning a special brunch, looking for a fun breakfast idea for the kids, or simply craving something sweet, these roll ups are here to steal the show.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep with store-bought cinnamon rolls.
- Customizable: Use any milk or add extras like chopped pecans or cream cheese drizzle.
- Perfect for Brunch: Serve with coffee, fresh fruit, or even a mimosa.
- Kid-Friendly: Let little ones help with rolling and dipping!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 can of cinnamon rolls (with icing)
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk (any kind—dairy, almond, oat, etc.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)
- Butter or oil for the pan
Optional Toppings & Add-ins
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Warm maple syrup
- Cream cheese glaze (use the icing packet or make your own)
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts for crunch
Instructions
Step 1: Unroll and Flatten
Take your canned cinnamon rolls and unroll each one completely. Gently press or roll them flat with your hands or a rolling pin to form thin strips.
Step 2: Roll ‘Em Up
Starting at one end, roll each strip tightly to form a pinwheel-like roll up. They should resemble mini cinnamon roll logs—perfect for dipping!
Step 3: Prepare the French Toast Mixture
In a shallow dish, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (if using)
This is your classic French toast custard. It gives the roll ups a rich, golden coating when cooked.
Step 4: Dip and Sizzle
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a touch of butter or oil.
Dip each roll up into the custard mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, place it directly into the hot pan.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, rotating until golden brown and cooked through. The sugar in the cinnamon rolls will caramelize beautifully—just watch they don’t burn!
Step 5: Top and Serve
Once cooked, drizzle with the reserved icing or cream cheese glaze. For extra flair, dust with powdered sugar or serve with syrup and fruit.
Serve warm and enjoy that first bite of gooey cinnamon perfection.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches to ensure even browning.
- Let the pan heat up fully before adding the roll ups to prevent sticking.
- Use thicker cinnamon rolls (like Grands-style) if you want a chunkier roll up.
- Want a gooey center? Keep the heat medium-low and cover the pan while cooking.
Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips
These roll ups can be assembled ahead and refrigerated overnight (uncooked). In the morning, just dip and sizzle!
Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in the oven or air fryer for a quick weekday treat.
Variations to Try
- Apple Pie Roll Ups: Add a thin layer of apple pie filling before rolling.
- Pumpkin Spice: Mix pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice into the egg mixture for a fall twist.
- Savory-Sweet: Add a thin slice of cooked bacon inside before rolling for a sweet-and-savory flavor bomb.
Perfect Pairings
Pair these roll ups with:
- Freshly brewed coffee or chai latte
- Greek yogurt and fruit
- Scrambled eggs or bacon for balance
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups FAQ
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
Absolutely! It’ll take more time, but the result is extra special.
What’s the best milk to use?
Any kind! Whole milk gives richness, while almond or oat milk keep it dairy-free.
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
You can! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll Ups are that perfect mix of nostalgic and new. They feel a little fancy, but they’re secretly super simple. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular morning into a celebration—and you don’t need a special occasion to indulge.
Whip them up this weekend and watch how quickly they disappear. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery, and your brunch game? Instantly upgraded.