Introduction to Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delicious fusion of two favorite breakfast dishes: cinnamon rolls and French toast. This creative recipe takes the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls and wraps them into crispy golden French toast roll-ups, making it an irresistible and fun breakfast choice.
Whether you’re serving them at a family breakfast or preparing a special brunch for guests, these roll-ups are sure to impress with their easy-to-make yet indulgent flavor. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your morning meals, check out some nostalgic breakfast recipes that remind you of mornings at Grandma’s house. This recipe is highly customizable and can be adjusted to suit your personal tastes or dietary restrictions.
The concept behind these cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups is simple: flattened bread slices are spread with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, rolled up, dipped in an egg batter, and then fried to crispy perfection. The result is a delightful combination of the warm, gooey filling of cinnamon rolls and the rich, eggy texture of French toast.
Ingredients and Equipment
To prepare the best cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups, you need a few key ingredients and tools. These elements come together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience.
Essential Ingredients
- Bread: The type of bread you choose is crucial to achieving the perfect texture. Soft, thick slices of bread such as white bread, challah, or brioche work best for this recipe. You can even use leftover bread if it’s a little stale, as it holds up well when flattened and rolled.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: The cinnamon-sugar mixture is what gives the roll-ups their signature flavor. Use high-quality ground cinnamon and a balance of sugar to create the perfect filling.
- Butter: Melted butter helps bind the cinnamon-sugar mixture, giving the filling a rich, smooth texture. It also ensures that the roll-ups crisp up nicely when cooked.
- Eggs and Milk: The egg and milk mixture is key to creating the French toast texture. The eggs provide the golden color and custard-like texture, while the milk ensures the rolls stay moist and tender.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and depth to the flavor, making the roll-ups even more delicious.
Optional Additions
For those looking to get a little more creative with their roll-ups, here are a few optional ingredients you can add:
- Cream Cheese Filling: A cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy twist to the traditional cinnamon roll flavor.
- Fresh Fruit: Berries or thinly sliced apples can be placed inside the roll-ups for an extra fruity touch.
- Nuts: If you enjoy a little crunch, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts inside the rolls for extra texture and flavor.
Recommended Equipment
Having the right tools will make your cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups even easier to prepare:
- Rolling Pin: This is essential for flattening the bread slices, making it easier to spread the filling and roll them up tightly.
- Non-stick Skillet or Griddle: A non-stick skillet ensures that the roll-ups cook evenly and won’t stick to the pan. A griddle is also a great option if you’re making a larger batch.
- Shallow Bowls: Use shallow bowls to dip the bread slices into the egg mixture. This helps coat each roll-up evenly without making a mess.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements of your ingredients ensure the right consistency and balance of flavors.
If you’re preparing this for a larger group, you might also find inspiration in these breakfast recipes for large gatherings that can be made in bulk and served quickly to satisfy your guests.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making these cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups is a straightforward process, but it does involve a few key steps to ensure they turn out perfectly. Below is a detailed guide to walk you through the preparation, from flattening the bread to frying the roll-ups.
1. Preparing the Bread
Start by flattening each slice of bread using a rolling pin. Flattening the bread will make it easier to roll up and allow the cinnamon-sugar mixture to adhere better. Some people choose to remove the crusts, though this is entirely optional. If you leave the crusts on, the roll-ups will have a slightly more rustic appearance, but they’ll still taste just as delicious!
2. Making the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling
In a small bowl, combine ground cinnamon and sugar. The ratio is important here: typically, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon to 1/4 cup of sugar works well, but you can adjust to your personal taste. Melt the butter in a separate bowl and stir it into the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This creates a smooth, gooey filling that will melt beautifully inside the roll-ups.
3. Assembling the Roll-Ups
Take a slice of flattened bread and spread a thin layer of the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the entire surface. Once the bread is covered, carefully roll it up, starting from one end and working your way to the other. Be sure to roll it tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking. You can secure the ends of the roll-ups with a toothpick if necessary.
4. Dipping in the Egg Mixture
Dipping the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups in the egg mixture is a key step in achieving the classic French toast texture. The egg and milk mixture gives the roll-ups that rich, custardy flavor and helps create the golden, crispy exterior. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. For every two large eggs, use about 1/4 cup of milk. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. If you prefer a richer texture, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. The vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended for adding depth and a lovely fragrance to the final dish. - Coat the Roll-Ups Evenly
Take one of the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat the roll-up evenly, ensuring that all sides are soaked. You want the bread to absorb just enough of the mixture to form a light custard layer around the roll, without it becoming soggy. Don’t let the roll-ups sit in the egg mixture for too long—just a quick dip will do. - Don’t Over-Saturate
It’s important to avoid soaking the bread for too long. If the roll-up absorbs too much egg mixture, it can become soggy and not crisp up properly when cooked. The goal is to coat the bread lightly and evenly, creating a golden exterior while maintaining the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling inside. - Drain Excess Egg Mixture
After dipping each roll-up, hold it for a moment over the bowl to let any excess egg mixture drip off. This ensures that the roll-ups are not too wet when they hit the pan. If the bread is too saturated, the cooking process may result in a soggy center. - Repeat for All Roll-Ups
Continue dipping each cinnamon roll French toast roll-up in the egg mixture, making sure each one gets evenly coated. Work quickly to prevent the bread from soaking up too much of the mixture.
Pro Tip:
If you want an even richer flavor, try adding a small amount of ground cinnamon to the egg mixture. This will enhance the cinnamon flavor in the roll-ups and give them an extra touch of warmth. You can also experiment by adding a splash of orange juice or almond extract for a unique twist!
By properly dipping the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups in the egg mixture, you’re setting the stage for a beautifully cooked, crispy, and flavorful breakfast treat that combines the best elements of both cinnamon rolls and French toast!
5. Cooking the Roll-Ups
Cooking the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups is a simple but crucial step in ensuring they come out crispy and golden on the outside, while maintaining a soft and gooey interior. Here’s how to cook them to perfection:
- Preheat the Skillet or Griddle
Begin by heating a non-stick skillet or a griddle over medium heat. It’s important to let the cooking surface reach the right temperature before adding the roll-ups to avoid soggy or unevenly cooked results. Once the skillet is hot, add about 1-2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt evenly, creating a rich, non-stick surface for the roll-ups. - Place the Roll-Ups in the Pan
Carefully place the dipped cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups into the skillet or griddle. Ensure the seam side of each roll-up is facing down to help seal it as it cooks. This will prevent the filling from spilling out during the frying process. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to cook the roll-ups in batches. - Cook Each Side Until Golden Brown
Let the roll-ups cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they’ve turned a golden brown color and are crisp to the touch. Be patient, as allowing them to cook for just the right amount of time will ensure that they are crispy on the outside while staying soft and warm inside. Flip them carefully using tongs or a spatula, being cautious not to unravel the roll-ups. - Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
If you’re making a large batch of cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups, it’s best not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking, with some roll-ups being overdone while others remain undercooked. Instead, cook them in smaller batches, allowing enough space for each roll-up to cook evenly. - Check for Crispiness
After cooking both sides, check that each roll-up is crisp and golden. If they need a little more time, simply let them cook for another minute or so on each side. You want the outside to have a nice crunch while the inside stays warm and gooey. - Rest Before Serving
Once the roll-ups are done, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess butter. Let them rest for a minute before serving. This short resting time allows the filling to firm up slightly, making it easier to bite into the roll-ups without spilling the delicious filling.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for an extra indulgent experience, you can sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top of the roll-ups after they’ve been cooked. This gives them an added sweetness and a burst of cinnamon flavor, elevating the breakfast treat even more.
Cooking the cinnamon roll French toast roll-ups is all about achieving that perfect crispy texture without overcooking the filling. Once you’ve mastered this step, you’re just a few toppings away from serving a delightful and unforgettable breakfast dish!
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Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious fusion of cinnamon rolls and French toast, these roll-ups are crispy, golden, and filled with sweet cinnamon flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread (white, challah, or brioche)
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for cooking
Instructions
- Flatten each slice of bread using a rolling pin. Optionally, remove the crusts.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter to create a smooth filling.
- Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly on each flattened bread slice.
- Roll up the bread slices tightly, securing the ends if necessary.
- Whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring full coating.
- Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook roll-ups for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
For extra indulgence, serve with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or a cream cheese glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll, French toast, roll-ups, breakfast, brunch