Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
Imagine the delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and French toast, all wrapped into a convenient, bite-sized treat. These Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups offer a sweet and comforting breakfast or dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Growing up, Sunday mornings were synonymous with the warm aroma of cinnamon rolls wafting through the house. My mom would often surprise us with these delectable treats, and the joy of savoring them together became a cherished family tradition. This recipe brings back those fond memories, combining the best of both worlds into a single, irresistible roll-up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The sweet cinnamon filling enveloped in a crispy, golden exterior offers a delightful taste experience.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these roll-ups are perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, a dessert, or even a midday snack.
- Family-Friendly: Their bite-sized nature makes them a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread: Use thick-cut bread like Texas toast for a sturdy base that holds up well when rolled.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cinnamon mixture and adds a delightful crunch.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The key spice that imparts the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the roll-ups together and creates a custardy coating.
- 1/2 cup whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to the egg mixture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Adds a touch of sweetness and an appealing finish.
Instructions
1. **Prepare the Bread:**
– Trim the crusts off the bread slices to make them more pliable for rolling.
– Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice to about half its original thickness.
2. **Make the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:**
– In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
– Spread a thin layer of melted butter over each flattened bread slice.
– Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered side.
3. **Roll Up the Bread:**
– Carefully roll each slice into a tight cylinder, ensuring the cinnamon sugar is enclosed inside.
4. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:**
– In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. **Coat the Roll-Ups:**
– Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
6. **Cook the Roll-Ups:**
– In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter.
– Place the coated roll-ups seam-side down and cook until golden brown on all sides, turning as needed.
7. **Serve:**
– Remove from the skillet and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
As I prepared these roll-ups, the familiar scent of cinnamon and sugar filled the kitchen, transporting me back to those cherished Sunday mornings. Each bite was a reminder of the warmth and love that went into those family gatherings, making this recipe not just a treat, but a connection to fond memories.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. For a crispier texture, you can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Ingredient Substitutions
– **Bread:** For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread slices.
– **Milk:** Almond milk or oat milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives.
– **Eggs:** Flaxseed meal mixed with water can serve as an egg substitute for a vegan option.
– **Butter:** Coconut oil or a plant-based butter can replace dairy butter.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these roll-ups with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for a delightful breakfast experience. For dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Cultural Notes / A Little History
The concept of combining cinnamon rolls with French toast is a modern twist on classic breakfast favorites. Both dishes have roots in European cuisine, with cinnamon rolls tracing back to Sweden’s “kanelbullar” and French toast originating from medieval Europe as a way to use stale bread. This fusion brings together the best of both worlds, creating a comforting and indulgent treat.
Pro Tips
1. **Use Day-Old Bread:** Slightly stale bread holds up better when rolled and dipped, preventing sogginess.
2. **Customize the Filling:** Add chopped nuts or dried fruits to the cinnamon sugar mixture for added texture and flavor.
3. **Monitor Heat Carefully:** Cook the roll-ups over medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning the exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Q1: Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?**
A1: Yes, you can prepare the roll-ups up to the point of cooking and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, cook them as directed.
**Q2: Can I freeze the cooked roll-ups?**
A2: Absolutely. After cooking, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to a month. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes.
**Q3: How can I make these roll-ups spicier?**
A3: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a subtle kick.
**Q4: Can I use a different type of sugar?**
A4: Yes, brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
**Q5: Are there any variations to this recipe?**
A5: You can experiment by adding cream cheese filling, fresh berries, or even Nutella inside the roll-ups before cooking for different flavor profiles.
Print
Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A delightful fusion of cinnamon rolls and French toast, these roll-ups offer a sweet and comforting treat that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices and flatten each slice with a rolling pin.
- Spread melted butter over each flattened bread slice and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Roll each slice into a tight cylinder, ensuring the cinnamon sugar is enclosed inside.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
- Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter and cook the coated roll-ups until golden brown on all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread slices. Almond milk or oat milk can be used as dairy-free alternatives. Flaxseed meal mixed with water can serve as an egg substitute for a vegan option. Coconut oil or a plant-based butter can replace dairy butter.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Cuisine: American
