Name: French Toast Roll Ups
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 roll ups
Ingredients: 12 slices sandwich bread (brioche or challah recommended); 6-8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; 12 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar (for filling); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling); ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating); 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon (for coating); 3 large eggs; ½ cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for custard); ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for custard); ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for custard); Pinch of salt; Optional: Fresh berries, maple syrup, extra powdered sugar, whipped cream

French Toast Roll Ups are an absolute game-changer, transforming your breakfast routine from ordinary to extraordinary with a simple, elegant twist. Have you ever wished for a breakfast treat that’s as fun to prepare as it is delightful to devour? I certainly have, and these innovative creations perfectly fit the bill. This recipe reimagines a beloved breakfast classic into something truly special, making it approachable for everyone, from busy parents to aspiring home chefs.

A Delightful Evolution of a Classic

While the concept of French Toast, or “pain perdu” as it’s known in France, dates back centuries as a clever way to utilize stale bread, these modern French Toast Roll Ups take that comforting tradition and infuse it with a playful convenience. Gone are the days of laboriously slicing and soaking individual pieces of bread only to eat them with a fork. This adaptation introduces a unique, handheld experience that’s perfect for dipping, packing, or enjoying on the go.

People absolutely adore this dish for countless reasons. Beyond its irresistible taste—a perfect balance of sweet, eggy, and warm cinnamon notes—it’s the texture that truly captivates. Imagine a golden-crisp exterior giving way to a wonderfully soft, almost pillowy interior. It’s incredibly versatile too; whether you’re filling them with creamy spreads or simply enjoying them plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, they offer a customizable delight. They’re also incredibly convenient, making them a fantastic choice for a relaxed weekend brunch or a quick, impressive weekday treat that children and adults alike will eagerly anticipate.

Ingredients:

For the French Toast Roll Ups:
- 12 slices of good quality sandwich bread (I find brioche or challah work exceptionally well for their richness, but regular white bread is perfectly fine!)
- 6-8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for spreading and for cooking)
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened (one standard block)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon
For the Egg Custard Batter:
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (whole milk or half-and-half will give a richer French Toast Roll Ups experience)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Maple syrup or honey
- A dusting of extra powdered sugar
- Whipped cream

Prepare Your Workspace and Ingredients

First things first, let’s gather all of our ingredients and tools. I always find that having everything prepped and ready makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable. This is a crucial step for achieving perfect French Toast Roll Ups!
Soften the Cream Cheese and Butter: If your cream cheese isn’t already soft, take it out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes to an hour before you plan to start. The same goes for the butter. Softened ingredients are much easier to work with and ensure a smooth, creamy filling for our French Toast Roll Ups. You can also carefully microwave them in short bursts (10-15 seconds) if you’re in a hurry, stirring in between.
Set Up Your Rolling Station: Clear a clean, flat surface, like a countertop or a large cutting board. This will be your station for preparing the bread slices. Grab a rolling pin – it’s going to be essential for getting our bread perfectly thin.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will be where you place the assembled French Toast Roll Ups before they hit the pan, keeping them from sticking and making cleanup a breeze.

Crafting the Creamy Dreamy Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Using a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk, beat these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You want absolutely no lumps of cream cheese remaining. This smooth consistency is key for a delightful, uniform filling inside our French Toast Roll Ups. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is well incorporated. This step usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Once thoroughly combined, set this luscious cream cheese filling aside. It’s ready to be spread onto our flattened bread slices.

Assembling the French Toast Roll Ups

Flattening the Bread: Take one slice of sandwich bread at a time and place it on your clean working surface. Using a rolling pin, firmly roll the bread slice flat. You want to make it as thin as possible without tearing it. The goal is to compress the bread, making it pliable and easy to roll. This also helps prevent the roll-ups from becoming too bulky. Repeat this process for all 12 slices of bread. This step is incredibly important for the structural integrity and aesthetic of our French Toast Roll Ups.
Trim the Crusts: Carefully trim off the crusts from each flattened bread slice. While optional, I highly recommend this step as it makes the roll-ups much easier to form and gives them a neater appearance. It also helps prevent the crusts from becoming too tough after cooking.
Spread with Butter: Take one flattened, crust-trimmed bread slice. Lightly spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter across one entire side of the bread. This butter layer will help achieve a beautifully golden-brown and slightly crispy exterior on your French Toast Roll Ups.
Apply the Cream Cheese Filling: Now, on the same side of the bread where you just applied the butter, spread a generous tablespoon (or about 1 ½ tablespoons, depending on your preference and bread size) of the prepared cream cheese mixture. Make sure to spread it evenly all the way to the edges. You want every bite of your French Toast Roll Ups to have that delicious creamy center.
Roll ‘Em Up: Starting from one short end of the bread, carefully and tightly roll up the bread slice into a log shape. Be firm but gentle to prevent tearing the bread or squeezing out the filling. The tighter you roll it, the better it will hold its shape during cooking. Place the finished roll-up seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.
Repeat steps 3-5 for all remaining bread slices, creating a delicious batch of French Toast Roll Ups ready for their final dip and sizzle. You should have 12 lovely roll-ups by the end of this stage.

Whipping Up the French Toast Custard

In a shallow dish or pie plate (something wide enough to easily dip a roll-up), crack the 3 large eggs.
Pour in the ½ cup of milk (or half-and-half for extra richness), add the 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a tiny pinch of salt.
Using a fork or a whisk, beat all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. You want a consistent, custardy mixture with no streaks of egg white remaining. This is the magical bath that will transform our humble bread rolls into glorious French Toast Roll Ups! Ensure it’s well mixed for even flavor distribution.
Set this custard mixture aside, ready for dipping.

The Dipping and Cooking Process

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In another shallow dish or plate, combine the ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 ½ tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure the cinnamon is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This sweet, aromatic mixture will be the final coating for our hot French Toast Roll Ups.
Heat Your Pan: Place a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add about 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan and allow it to melt and lightly coat the surface. You want the butter to be shimmering but not smoking. Maintaining a consistent medium heat is crucial for evenly cooked French Toast Roll Ups without burning the exterior.
Dip the Roll-Ups: One by one, take an assembled cream cheese roll-up. Gently place it into the egg custard mixture, turning it to coat all sides evenly. Don’t let it soak for too long – just a quick dip is sufficient, as the bread is thin and will absorb the liquid quickly. A quick dip ensures a nice eggy exterior without making the roll-up soggy.
Cook the French Toast Roll Ups: Carefully transfer the dipped roll-up to the heated, buttered skillet. Cook in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Give each roll-up a little space to cook evenly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning occasionally with tongs, until all sides are beautifully golden brown and the cream cheese filling inside is warm and gooey. You’ll notice a delightful aroma filling your kitchen as they cook – that’s the sign of deliciousness to come!
Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: As soon as each batch of French Toast Roll Ups is cooked to golden perfection, immediately remove them from the pan and transfer them directly into the shallow dish with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Roll them around gently until they are fully coated. The heat from the roll-ups will help the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully. This immediate coating is what gives these French Toast Roll Ups their signature sweet and spiced exterior.
Repeat the dipping, cooking, and cinnamon-sugar coating process with the remaining roll-ups until all of them are cooked and coated. You may need to add more butter to the pan between batches to ensure consistent browning and prevent sticking. Keep a close eye on the heat; adjust it down slightly if the butter starts to brown too quickly.

Serving Suggestions and Finishing Touches

Serve Immediately: These French Toast Roll Ups are best enjoyed warm, straight off the pan. The warm, gooey cream cheese filling combined with the crispy, cinnamon-sugared exterior is truly a treat.
Garnish for Delight: Arrange your warm French Toast Roll Ups on a serving platter. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, I love to dust them with a little extra powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve. This adds a beautiful snowy finish.
Add Freshness: Pair them with a vibrant medley of fresh berries like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the fruit provides a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the roll-ups.
Dipping Sauces: Offer a small pitcher of warm maple syrup or a drizzle of honey on the side for those who love to dip. A dollop of whipped cream also makes for a decadent addition.
Enjoy Your Creation: Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork! These French Toast Roll Ups are perfect for a special breakfast, a festive brunch, or even a delightful dessert. They are always a crowd-pleaser and quite fun to make!

Conclusion:

So, we’ve journeyed through the simple yet utterly delightful process of creating these incredible treats, and I truly hope you’re as excited to make them as I am to share them with you. What makes this recipe a true standout, a definite must-try for your breakfast or brunch repertoire, is its brilliant fusion of comfort and innovation. It takes everything we adore about classic French toast – the custardy texture, the golden-brown exterior, the hint of sweet spice – and transforms it into an exciting, easy-to-eat format. No more struggling with a knife and fork; these are designed for pure, unadulterated enjoyment, perfect for little hands and big appetites alike. Imagine the smiles when you present a platter of these golden spirals, each one promising a burst of flavor. They are the epitome of fuss-free indulgence, offering a gourmet experience with minimal effort. I find myself reaching for this recipe again and again, not just because of its simplicity, but because it consistently delivers on taste and presentation, making every meal feel a little bit more special. It’s truly a game-changer for weekend mornings, turning an ordinary breakfast into an extraordinary event, creating cherished memories around the table.

Now, let’s talk about taking your magnificent creation to the next level. While they are absolutely divine straight from the pan, a little extra flourish can elevate your French Toast Roll Ups from fantastic to utterly unforgettable. For a classic touch, a generous dusting of powdered sugar is always a winner, making them look as appealing as they taste. And, of course, a warm drizzle of pure maple syrup is practically non-negotiable for many, myself included – that sweet, sticky goodness just completes the picture. But don’t stop there! Think about pairing them with a vibrant medley of fresh berries: plump strawberries, juicy blueberries, and tart raspberries add a beautiful burst of color and a refreshing counterpoint to the richness. Sliced bananas or a sprinkle of toasted pecans also make wonderful additions, providing extra texture and flavor. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a dollop of freshly whipped cream can transform these into a dessert-worthy delight, especially when accompanied by a swirl of chocolate sauce or a luscious caramel drizzle. For those who love a bit of zest, a squeeze of fresh orange juice or a sprinkle of orange zest in the egg mixture before dipping can add an unexpected bright note. And consider the fillings! While the basic cinnamon sugar is heavenly, don’t hesitate to experiment. A thin layer of Nutella spread before rolling, or a dollop of cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla, can create entirely new flavor profiles. Even a fruit preserve like raspberry or apricot can be a delightful surprise inside. For a slightly different twist, you could even make a savory version by filling them with a sprinkle of cheese and a tiny bit of ham, though the sweet versions tend to be the most popular and aligned with the French toast tradition. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional; some of my favorite variations have come from simply using what’s available in the pantry and refrigerator.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

I genuinely encourage you to carve out some time very soon and give this recipe a whirl. Trust me, the sheer joy of watching these transform into golden, crispy, and utterly delectable rolls is incredibly rewarding. This isn’t just about making breakfast; it’s about creating a moment, a memory, whether it’s a cozy Sunday morning with your loved ones or a festive brunch with friends. The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen, eager to sample your creation. And once you’ve experienced the magic for yourself, I would absolutely love to hear all about it! Did you stick to the classic? Or did you venture into exciting new territory with a unique filling or a special topping? Did your kids devour them in seconds? Your feedback and shared experiences are what make this community so vibrant and inspiring. Please, don’t hesitate to share your photos and tell us about your culinary journey with these delightful rolls. It’s incredibly encouraging to see how different people interpret and enjoy the same recipe, and your stories often spark new ideas for everyone else. Let’s spread the joy of easy, delicious cooking together. Go on, gather your ingredients, fire up that pan, and prepare to fall in love with your new favorite breakfast sensation. Happy cooking, my friends – I can’t wait to see what you create!