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

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who loves a sweet and satisfying breakfast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and creative. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a winner on both fronts! They’re a fun and festive twist on classic French toast, perfect for those mornings when you’re craving something special. The inspiration for this recipe came from my love of cinnamon rolls and my desire to create a breakfast dish that was both visually appealing and bursting with flavor.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use store-bought cinnamon rolls, there’s something special about making these French toast roll-ups from scratch. This recipe is incredibly simple, and the result is a batch of warm, cinnamon-y roll-ups that are far superior to anything you can buy pre-made. Plus, making them yourself allows you to control the quality of ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create French toast roll-ups that are reminiscent of cinnamon rolls, with a perfect balance of sweet, cinnamon-y, and custardy flavors. The white bread provides a soft and fluffy base, while the cinnamon-sugar filling adds warmth and sweetness. The French toast coating creates a golden brown and slightly crispy exterior, and the overall effect is a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in these delicious French toast roll-ups:

• White Sandwich Bread: White sandwich bread is ideal for this recipe because it’s soft and pliable, making it easy to roll up.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the cinnamon-sugar filling and helps to create a golden brown crust when frying.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to the filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon provides the warm, comforting spice that’s essential to the cinnamon roll flavor.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the French toast coating together and add richness and structure to the roll-ups.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture and helps to create a smooth batter for the French toast coating.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the French toast coating with its warm and sweet notes.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few essential tools to whip up these cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups:

• Rolling pin
• Small bowl
• Shallow bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the Roll-Ups:

• 10 slices white sandwich bread
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread: Remove the crusts from the bread slices. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice.
2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cinnamon. Mix well.
3. Fill and Roll: Spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on each bread slice, leaving a small border at the edges. Roll up each slice tightly and seal the edges with gentle pressure.
4. Make the French Toast Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Cook the Roll-Ups: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Dip each roll-up in the egg mixture, then place seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes total, rotating to brown all sides evenly.
6. Serve: Remove from the skillet and serve immediately. You can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Troubleshooting

• Roll-ups falling apart: Make sure to seal the edges of the bread tightly when rolling them up. You can also use a toothpick to secure the edges if needed.
• Roll-ups not cooked through: Make sure the skillet is hot enough before adding the roll-ups. You can also cover the skillet with a lid to help them cook through faster.
• Roll-ups too greasy: If the roll-ups are too greasy, make sure to drain them well on paper towels after frying. You can also use a non-stick skillet to reduce the amount of butter needed for frying.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use challah or brioche bread instead of white sandwich bread.
• Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or cream cheese.
• You can also experiment with different flavorings in the French toast coating, such as adding a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
• If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a heavy can or jar to flatten the bread slices.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful breakfast or brunch option that can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of fresh fruit, yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream. They also make a great snack or dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or juice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~15g
• Cholesterol: ~100mg
• Sodium: ~300mg
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Protein: ~5g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Yields: 10 roll-ups

Q: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?

A: While these roll-ups are best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Cook them just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze these roll-ups?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked roll-ups. Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage. Reheat them in the oven or toaster before serving.  

Q: Can I use a different type of bread?

A: Yes, you can use any type of bread that you like, but white sandwich bread is preferred for its soft and pliable texture.