Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Feel-good breakfast with minimal effort: tastes like a fresh cinnamon roll without the dough-making.
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Kid-approved and easy to eat by hand—perfect for breakfast or brunch.
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Versatile for pan-frying, baking, or air-frying depending on your equipment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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White sandwich bread (crusts trimmed)
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Unsalted butter (softened)
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Light brown sugar
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Granulated sugar
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Ground cinnamon
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Eggs
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Milk or half-and-half
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Vanilla extract (optional)
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Powdered sugar (optional garnish)
Directions
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Prep your bread: Trim crusts and flatten slices to about 1/8″ thickness with a rolling pin.
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Make filling: Stir together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a spreadable paste.
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Fill & roll: Spread cinnamon butter on bread, roll tightly.
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Egg soak: Whisk eggs with milk (and vanilla if using) in a shallow bowl; dip each roll briefly.
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Cook:
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Pan-Fry: Melt butter in a skillet over medium, cook rolls seam-side down, turning every 1–2 minutes until golden.
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Air Fry: 350 °F for 8–10 minutes, flipping at mid-time for an even crisp.
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Finishing: Roll cooked rolls in cinnamon-sugar mixture or dust with powdered sugar.
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Serve warm, with maple syrup or cream cheese dip on the side.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes about 8–12 roll-ups depending on your loaf size.
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Prep time: 10–15 minutes.
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Cook time: 10–15 minutes for pan-fry; 8–10 minutes in air fryer.
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Total time: 20–30 minutes.
Variations
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Cream cheese twist: Spread a mixture of cream cheese and powdered sugar before rolling.
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Stuffed surprises: Add fruit (strawberries, bananas) or Nutella inside before rolling.
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Savory take: Try with cheese and ham for a breakfast roll-up.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerate: Up to 3 days in an airtight container.
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Reheat:
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Oven/toaster oven at 350°F for ~10 minutes restores crispness.
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Microwave in 30-second bursts (wrap in damp paper towel to keep moist).
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Freeze: Individually wrap cooled roll-ups, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in oven/toaster oven.
FAQs
1. Can I assemble roll-ups the night before?
Yes—prepare and roll, then refrigerate. Dip in egg mixture and cook fresh the next morning.
2. Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes, baking at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes yields a softer texture similar to oven French toast.
3. What’s the best bread type?
Use soft sandwich bread or brioche. Fresh loaves roll best.
4. Can I air-fry roll-ups?
Definitely! Air fry at 350°F for 8–10 minutes for a crisp exterior.
5. How to make cream cheese dip?
Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth; serve on the side.
6. Can I add fruit filling?
Yes—berries or bananas make a fantastic addition for extra flavor and texture.
7. How to avoid soggy bread?
Flatten bread thin and roll tightly; don’t soak too long in the egg mixture—just a quick dip.
8. Can I use brown sugar for coating?
Granulated works best for crispness, but a cinnamon-brown mix adds extra richness.
9. Are they freezer-friendly?
Absolutely—wrap tightly, freeze up to 2 months, then reheat as directed above.
10. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free sandwich bread; keep an eye on cooking as GF bread may brown faster.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful mash-up of two brunch favorites that come together in under 30 minutes. With options to customize fillings, cooking methods, and reheating styles, they’re the perfect go-to for easy entertaining or a cozy weekend treat. Enjoy warm and share the joy!
