Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups (Printable version)

Cinnamon-spiced roll-ups filled with sweet cream cheese, fried golden and rolled in cinnamon sugar.

# Ingredient list:

→ Filling

01 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
02 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Roll Ups

04 - 8 slices soft white sandwich bread, crusts removed
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
06 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Egg Mixture

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/4 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For Cooking

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

# Directions:

01 - Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl until smooth.
02 - Use a rolling pin to evenly flatten each slice of bread.
03 - Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture along one edge of each bread slice and roll tightly to form cylinders.
04 - In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until completely combined.
05 - In a separate small bowl, blend granulated sugar and ground cinnamon thoroughly.
06 - Dip each filled bread roll in the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are fully coated.
07 - Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
08 - Fry the roll ups in the skillet, turning as needed, until golden brown on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
09 - Immediately roll or brush the warm roll ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
10 - Present warm, optionally garnished with maple syrup or an additional dusting of powdered sugar.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They taste like cinnamon rolls but come together much faster—no dough rising nonsense.
  • The handheld size means less mess and more fun, perfect for lazy mornings or when friends drop by.
02 -
  • If you oversoak the bread in the egg mixture, it can fall apart in the pan—quick dip is best.
  • Rolling while the bread is fresh and soft makes all the difference, otherwise it’ll split and leak filling.
03 -
  • Press the bread evenly so it doesn’t tear when rolling up—thin but not paper thin works best.
  • Make sure to fry in batches and not overcrowd the pan, or you’ll lose that signature golden crust.