Cinnamon Roll French Toast (Printable View)
Handheld cinnamon roll-style French toast filled with cream cheese, fried and rolled in cinnamon sugar for brunch.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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, for brushing
06 - 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
07 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
→ Egg Mixture
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1/4 cup milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ For Cooking
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for frying
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
02 - Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice of bread into a thin, even sheet.
03 - Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture along one edge of each bread slice and roll tightly into logs.
04 - In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
05 - In a separate bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
06 - Immerse each rolled bread piece into the egg mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating on all sides.
07 - Heat unsalted butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Fry roll ups, turning frequently, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
08 - Working while hot, either brush or roll fried roll ups in cinnamon sugar mixture to coat thoroughly.
09 - Serve roll ups warm. Garnish with maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Rolling these up feels just as fun as eating them — and there's zero sticky cinnamon roll dough to fuss with.
- They're wildly versatile: swap the filling, change the bread, or add toppings, and you've got a new treat every time.
02 -
- Once I forgot to flatten the bread fully and the roll ups kept popping open in the pan — always press with a rolling pin.
- Rolling in cinnamon sugar while the roll ups are still warm is what gives that irresistible, slightly crackly crust.
03 -
- Let the cream cheese really soften; cold filling makes rolling so much harder and can split the bread.
- Start frying seam-side down so the roll ups stay sealed and hold their shape.