Turn leftover bread into a decadent dessert with these French Toast Roll-Ups, filled with sweetened cream cheese and rolled in cinnamon sugar. After dipping in an egg wash, they fry up golden and crisp, ready for a final dusting of powdered sugar. Serve them warm for a cozy weekend treat that feels both nostalgic and just a little bit fancy.
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Ingredients for French Toast Roll-Ups
For the filling
- Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese is key for that smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness, plus you’ll need extra for dusting at the end.
- Vanilla Extract – A must for that warm, comforting flavor.
For the coating
- Granulated Sugar – Perfect for creating that sweet, crunchy outer layer.
- Ground Cinnamon – Pairs beautifully with the sugar to give that classic French toast flavor.
For the batter
- Eggs – Beaten eggs create the rich, golden coating for the roll-ups.
- Whole Milk – Helps thin out the egg mixture for even dipping.
For cooking
- Unsalted Butter – Use this for frying to get that lovely golden-brown color.
For the bread
- White Sandwich Bread – Any soft bread works, but make sure to remove the crusts for the best texture.
Cook Time for French Toast Rolls
I love how quickly these come together, especially on busy mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. These pan-fried sweet breakfast pastry rolls are ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish.
| Preparation Stage | Time Needed |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
If you’re looking for more quick morning ideas, check out my favorite holiday breakfast inspirations that work just as well for everyday treats.
How to Make Cream Cheese Roll Ups
Creating these soft and chewy stuffed French toast roll-ups feels like crafting little edible treasures. Let me walk you through each step just like I would if you were here in my Provence kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, then set aside.
Step 2: Create the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish until evenly blended. Set the cinnamon-sugar mixture aside for coating the roll-ups later.
Step 3: Flatten and Fill the Bread
Flatten each slice of bread with a rolling pin until thin and pliable, about 1/8-inch thick. Spread 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 4: Roll Them Up
Roll each bread slice tightly into a cylinder, starting from one short end. Press gently along the seam to seal the roll-up and prevent filling from leaking.
Step 5: Dip in Egg Mixture
Whisk the beaten eggs and milk together in a shallow bowl until fully combined. Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly and allowing excess to drip off.
Step 6: Cook to Golden Perfection
Melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place 4 roll-ups seam-side down in the skillet and cook for 1–2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until golden brown and crisp. Repeat with the remaining roll-ups, adding more butter as needed.
Step 7: Coat and Serve
Immediately roll the cooked roll-ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Transfer to a serving plate and dust lightly with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few secrets that make these French Toast Roll Ups even more special. Here are my favorite ways to customize this recipe to suit any taste or occasion.
- Flavor Swap: Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, citrusy twist that reminds me of morning markets here in Provence.
- Diet Tweaks: For a healthier version, use whole wheat bread and substitute the sugar with monk fruit sweetener. You can also explore high-protein breakfast options if you’re watching your nutrition.
- Texture Fix: If your bread tears while rolling, slightly dampen your fingers – the moisture helps seal the edges without making the bread soggy.
- Storage Tip: These keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven to maintain that crispy exterior. For more make-ahead ideas, check out my no-bake dessert collection that follows similar prep-ahead principles.
French Toast Roll-Ups
Ingredients
- 8 slices white sandwich bread
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tbsp whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for frying
Equipment
- nonstick skillet
- Rolling Pin
- shallow dish
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for coating the roll-ups.
- Flatten each bread slice with a rolling pin until thin and pliable. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of each bread slice.
- Roll up each bread slice tightly, starting from one end, to form a cylinder. Press gently to seal the edge.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. Dip each bread roll-up into the egg mixture, coating it evenly on all sides.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Place 4 roll-ups in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining roll-ups, adding more butter as needed.
- Immediately roll the cooked roll-ups in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While these French Toast Roll Ups are certainly an indulgent treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits worth celebrating. The eggs provide high-quality protein, while the dairy contributes calcium and healthy fats that keep you satisfied longer than sugary cereals or pastries.
I always feel good about serving these to my family knowing we’re starting our day with real ingredients rather than processed foods. For those looking to boost the protein content even further, consider pairing them with my protein-packed egg bites or exploring other high-protein breakfast options to create a balanced meal.
According to professional French toast techniques from culinary experts, the cooking method we use here preserves more nutrients than deep-frying while still achieving that beautiful golden crust we all love.
| Nutrient | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Protein from Eggs | Supports muscle repair and keeps you full |
| Calcium from Dairy | Promotes bone health and nerve function |
| Complex Carbs | Provides sustained energy throughout the morning |
A Lighter Version of Cream Cheese Roll Ups
For those mornings when you want something a little gentler on your waistline but still crave that comforting French toast experience, I’ve developed some simple swaps that lighten things up beautifully. These tweaks let you enjoy those soft and chewy stuffed French toast flavors without the guilt.
Start by using reduced-fat cream cheese and replacing the whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. For the coating, try mixing cinnamon with a natural sugar alternative like monk fruit or stevia instead of granulated sugar. You can find more inspiration in my collection of health-conscious baking ideas that follow similar principles.
Another favorite trick is using my whipped cottage cheese technique as a protein-boosted filling alternative that cuts calories while adding creaminess. The result is still wonderfully satisfying but feels much lighter on your stomach.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
When my cousin visited last summer with her diabetic dietary needs, I discovered how easily these French Toast Roll Ups can adapt to different health requirements without losing their charm. Here are my favorite ways to make these treats accessible to everyone at the table.
For sugar-conscious versions, I replace the powdered sugar in the filling with a blend of stevia and a touch of cornstarch to maintain that creamy texture. The cinnamon sugar coating works beautifully with xylitol or erythritol blends that won’t spike blood sugar levels.
I also recommend keeping portion sizes modest—sometimes just one or two of these diabetic-friendly roll-ups alongside some protein makes for a perfectly balanced breakfast that keeps glucose levels stable. The key is finding natural sweetener alternatives that work with your body’s needs while still delivering that comforting French toast experience we all love.
How to Serve French Toast Roll-Ups
I’ll never forget the first time I served these French Toast Roll Ups to my grandmother—her face lit up with that special kind of joy that only childhood food memories can evoke. She told me they reminded her of the cinnamon rolls her mother used to make, but with that delightful cream cheese surprise inside.
For a truly special presentation, I love arranging them on a vintage platter with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the fruit cuts through the sweetness perfectly. If you’re serving these for a brunch gathering, consider pairing them with my creamy pistachio overnight oats for variety.
During the holidays, I often create a French Toast Roll Ups bar with various dipping sauces and toppings. Warm maple syrup, chocolate hazelnut spread, or even a fruit compote make wonderful accompaniments. For more festive morning ideas, browse my holiday breakfast collection that features these roll-ups alongside other crowd-pleasing dishes.
No matter how you serve them, these homemade breakfast roll ups with icing always feel like a special occasion—even on the most ordinary Tuesday morning.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned a few hard lessons about making these French Toast Roll Ups that I’m eager to share so you can avoid my early mishaps. Nothing breaks my heart more than seeing someone struggle with what should be such a joyful cooking experience.
The most common mistake is rolling the bread too tightly and causing the filling to squeeze out during cooking. I learned this the hard way when making my first batch for Sunday brunch—cream cheese oozed everywhere! The trick is to roll just firmly enough to seal without pressing too hard.
Another error I see often is overheating the pan. If your skillet is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside warms through. I always test with a small piece of bread—if it browns in under 30 seconds, reduce the heat immediately. For perfect temperature control, I recommend checking out these temperature-sensitive baking techniques that follow similar principles.
Don’t forget to let your roll-ups rest for a minute after cooking! I once served them straight from the pan to impatient children and watched as hot filling squirted onto little fingers. Letting them cool slightly allows the cream cheese to set properly.
According to classic French toast roll-up recipe guidelines from trusted sources, using stale bread is another common pitfall. Fresh bread tears too easily during rolling. If you only have fresh bread, lightly toast it first to strengthen the structure.
My final tip: don’t overcrowd the pan. I learned this during a hectic Christmas morning when I tried cooking two dozen at once. They steamed rather than browned, losing that beautiful crispy texture. Cook in batches for perfect pan-fried sweet breakfast pastry rolls every time.
How to Store French Toast Roll-Ups
When my daughter went off to college last fall, I started making extra batches of these French Toast Roll Ups for her to take back to the dorm. She’d text me photos of her roommate gatherings where these became the centerpiece of their Sunday breakfast tradition—proof that good food travels well when stored properly.
For short-term storage, place cooled roll-ups in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy and warm.
These homemade breakfast roll ups with icing freeze exceptionally well too. I always make double batches and freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 3 months this way—perfect for those mornings when you need something special quickly.
For reheating frozen roll-ups, there’s no need to thaw. Just pop them straight into the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. The result tastes nearly as fresh as the day you made them. If you love make-ahead breakfasts, you might also enjoy my pistachio overnight oats that follow similar preparation principles.
One of my favorite storage tricks involves the cinnamon sugar coating. If I know I’ll be freezing them, I wait to add the final dusting of cinnamon sugar until after reheating. This keeps the texture perfect and prevents sogginess. For more smart storage ideas, explore my no-bake dessert collection that uses similar preservation techniques.
Try This French Toast Roll-Ups Yourself
I’ll never forget the first time I made these French Toast Roll Ups for my grandmother’s 80th birthday breakfast. Her eyes welled up with tears as she took the first bite, transported back to her own childhood kitchen where her mother made similar treats. That moment cemented these roll-ups as more than just food—they’re edible memories.
Now I’m passing this recipe to you, hoping it becomes part of your family’s story too. There’s something magical about how these soft and chewy stuffed French toast creations can turn an ordinary morning into something special. Whether you’re making them for busy school days or leisurely weekend brunches, they never fail to bring smiles.
Don’t be surprised if these become your new signature dish—they have that effect on people. I’ve watched friends who claimed they couldn’t cook master this recipe with stunning results. The process is forgiving, the ingredients are simple, and the payoff is enormous.
If you love these French Toast Roll Ups, you might also enjoy exploring my cottage cheese banana bread for another comforting breakfast option. For protein-packed mornings, try my cottage cheese egg bites that pair beautifully with these roll-ups.
Those with a sweet tooth should definitely check out my cottage cheese strawberry mousse for a light dessert option. And if you’re looking for more healthy morning ideas, my brown sugar overnight oats offer another make-ahead solution.
For variety, consider my apple cinnamon overnight oats or the decadent cookie dough overnight oats for different flavor profiles. And if you need more high-protein options, explore my high-protein desserts collection.
Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Some of my best culinary discoveries happened when I wasn’t afraid to experiment. These French Toast Roll Ups are wonderfully adaptable—make them your own and create new family traditions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
French toast roll ups recipe?
This entire article provides my favorite French Toast Roll Ups recipe! The key steps involve spreading filling on bread slices, rolling them tightly, dipping in egg mixture, and pan-frying until golden. They’re simpler than they look—just follow the detailed instructions above.
French Toast roll ups with cream cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese is my preferred filling for these roll-ups. I blend it with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla for the perfect creamy center. The combination of warm cinnamon coating and cool cream cheese filling is simply irresistible.
French Toast roll Ups cinnamon rolls?
These have that same comforting cinnamon-sugar goodness as cinnamon rolls but in a easier format. Instead of yeast dough, we use bread slices for quicker preparation. The result gives you all the flavor of baked cinnamon swirls with cream cheese without the wait.
French Toast roll ups Nutella?
Nutella makes a wonderful alternative filling! Simply spread it thinly on the bread before rolling. I sometimes add sliced bananas with the Nutella for extra flavor. Just be careful not to overfill as it can melt and ooze out during cooking.
French toast roll ups toddler?
These are perfect for toddlers! The roll-up shape is easy for little hands to hold, and you can control the sugar content. I make toddler-friendly versions with whole wheat bread and minimal sugar. They’re a hit with my grandchildren every time.
Banana French Toast roll Ups?
Banana adds wonderful natural sweetness! I mash ripe bananas and mix them with cream cheese for the filling. Alternatively, you can place thin banana slices along with your filling before rolling. Either way, you’ll love the tropical twist it brings.
French toast roll ups baby?
For babies, I modify the recipe by omitting sugar and using whole grain bread. The egg coating provides protein, and you can fill with mashed fruits or plain cream cheese. Always cut into appropriate sizes and supervise closely during eating.
Simple French toast roll-ups?
They’re surprisingly simple! With just bread, eggs, milk, and basic fillings, you can create impressive breakfast treats in under 20 minutes. The technique is easy to master, and the results look much more complicated than they actually are.
More Breakfast Favorites You’ll Love
If these French Toast Roll Ups captured your heart, you might enjoy these other morning treats that regularly grace my kitchen table.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes – Fluffy protein-packed pancakes that keep you full all morning with their creamy texture.
Savory Breakfast Muffins – Hearty muffins loaded with vegetables and cheese, perfect for on-the-go mornings.
Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins – Wholesome muffins bursting with juicy berries and warm cinnamon notes.
Yogurt Parfait Bars – Layered parfaits with crunchy granola and fresh fruit that feel like dessert for breakfast.
Holiday Breakfast Casserole – A make-ahead casserole that feeds a crowd with minimal morning effort.
Chia Seed Pudding – Creamy pudding that prepares overnight with endless flavor variations to explore.
