Breakfast is often hailed as the most important meal of the day, and what better way to start your morning than with a delicious and decadent dish that combines two beloved favorites: cinnamon rolls and French toast? Introducing Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, a delightful fusion of buttery cinnamon goodness and the classic comfort of French toast. These roll-ups are not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying, making them the perfect treat for weekend brunches, special occasions, or even as a sweet breakfast for your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups bring together the best of both worlds. The rich cinnamon butter mixture, combined with the egg-dipped bread, creates a crispy yet tender roll-up that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. The addition of cream cheese icing takes these roll-ups to the next level, making them an irresistible breakfast indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delectable Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Roll-Ups:
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 8 slices thick, soft bread
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for assembly)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for assembly)
- 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for assembly)
- For the Icing:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups:
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Butter and Bread:
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. This creates the rich and flavorful cinnamon butter filling.
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices and gently flatten them with a rolling pin. Flattening the bread ensures that it rolls up easily and holds its shape.
2. Roll Up the Bread:
- Spread a generous layer of the cinnamon butter mixture onto each bread slice, then roll them up tightly. The cinnamon butter will melt into the bread as it cooks, creating a gooey, buttery interior.
3. Create Your French Toast:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This egg mixture will coat the roll-ups and give them a golden-brown finish when cooked.
- Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring they are thoroughly coated.
4. Cook the Roll-Ups:
- In a skillet or frying pan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Cook the roll-ups until they are golden brown on all sides, turning as needed. The butter helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and flavorful.
5. Make the Coating and Icing:
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon to create the coating for the roll-ups. Roll each cooked roll-up in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
- For the icing, beat together the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Drizzle the icing over the warm roll-ups or serve as a dipping sauce on the side.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups on a serving platter and garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the irresistible combination of sweet cinnamon, buttery goodness, and fluffy French toast.
Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
1. Choose the Right Bread:
- Thick, soft bread works best for this recipe. It absorbs the cinnamon butter and egg mixture without falling apart. Brioche or Texas toast are excellent options.
2. Don’t Skip the Flattening:
- Flattening the bread slices is crucial for achieving a neat roll-up. Use a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to gently press down on the bread before adding the cinnamon butter.
3. Adjust the Sweetness:
- If you prefer a sweeter treat, feel free to increase the amount of sugar in the cinnamon butter or sprinkle a bit more sugar on top of the roll-ups before serving.
4. Make It Ahead:
- These roll-ups can be assembled the night before and stored in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply dip them in the egg mixture and cook as directed. This makes them a great option for busy mornings or hosting brunch.
Variations to Try
1. Add a Fruit Filling:
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a layer of fruit jam or fresh fruit slices before rolling up the bread. Strawberries, blueberries, or apple slices would pair wonderfully with the cinnamon butter.
2. Try a Different Icing:
- Instead of cream cheese icing, try drizzling the roll-ups with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or even a caramel sauce for a richer taste.
3. Make It Healthier:
- To reduce the calorie count, use whole wheat bread, substitute the butter with a low-fat spread, and opt for a sugar substitute in the cinnamon mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas to elevate your breakfast or brunch:
1. Pair with Fresh Fruit:
- Serve these roll-ups with a side of fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, to balance out the richness of the dish.
2. Add a Side of Bacon:
- For a savory contrast, pair the roll-ups with crispy bacon or sausage links. The salty-savory flavors complement the sweetness of the French toast.
3. Make It a Brunch Spread:
- Include these roll-ups as part of a larger brunch spread featuring scrambled eggs, hash browns, and fresh orange juice or mimosas.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the roll-ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster oven or skillet until warmed through. The icing can be stored separately and drizzled on top just before serving.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups are a delightful and indulgent breakfast treat that combines the best of two classic favorites. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, these roll-ups are sure to impress. With their crispy exterior, gooey cinnamon filling, and creamy icing, they’re a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the sweet start to your day with this irresistible recipe!
