Mornings can be chaos, right? Sometimes you just need a breakfast win that feels special but takes almost no time. Forget wrestling small humans into eating plain toast—we are making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups!
These little bites are pure joy. Think of them as the fun, easy cousin to a cinnamon roll, but ready in under 20 minutes. I first figured out this trick one hectic Sunday morning while hosting friends for brunch back here in Seattle. I had some basic white bread and just wanted something that tasted nostalgic and fun.
By flattening the bread and dipping it in a quick, spiced custard, I found magic. It’s all about that crispy, sugary shell wrapped around a soft, tender center. If you’ve been looking for quick, kid-friendly snacks that actually get eaten, you are going to love this recipe. Trust me, the kids will ask you to make these on repeat. You can find more easy recipes for kids like this one over at our easy recipe collection!
Why You Will Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
I keep coming back to this recipe because it solves so many kitchen problems at once. It’s fast, it tastes incredible, and honestly, it makes any morning feel like a tiny celebration. Here’s why these rollups are about to become part of your regular rotation:
- Total Speed Demons: Seriously, we are talking 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. They’re faster than waiting for the toaster sometimes!
- Perfect for Picky Eaters: Because they are rolled up, they look fun and novel. These are the sweet treats that picky eaters happily devour, making them the best easy recipes for after-school snacks.
- Instant Cinnamon Roll Vibe: That cinnamon sugar coating gives you all the cozy, warm flavor of a cinnamon roll without any yeast or waiting time. It’s instant comfort food.
- Minimal Ingredients Needed: You probably have everything in your pantry already—just basic bread, eggs, milk, and the spices. No need for a specialty grocery run!
- Great for Kitchen Fun: The kids absolutely adore helping with this one. They take ownership over cutting the crusts off and, my favorite part, rolling them up tight. It’s a fun kitchen activity for everyone.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Serve them hot for a sweet brunch surprise, or let them cool slightly and pack them up as a delightful snack later in the day.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
You don’t need a stand mixer or anything fancy for these, which is part of the charm! We’re keeping it super simple, almost rustic, which is how I prefer cooking on a busy morning. But there is one tool you absolutely must have if you want that perfect texture, so don’t skip it.
Here is what you’ll need pulled together right before you start dipping your bread:
- A shallow bowl for mixing up the custard base. We need room to really dunk that bread!
- A rolling pin—and please don’t skip this step!
- Your skillet or griddle ready to go over medium heat.
- A shallow dish for tossing the rollups post-cooking into that glorious cinnamon sugar blend.
Now, I have to talk about the rolling pin for a second. You might be tempted to just use your fingers or press really hard with a spatula, but trust me, you won’t get the right result. The rolling pin is crucial because it completely flattens the bread, squeezing out all the excess air pockets. That flatness is what allows the bread to roll up tight like a little cigar. If you don’t flatten it properly, the roll expands when it hits the hot butter, and you end up with a puffy, saggy mess instead of that firm, crispy exterior we are aiming for with these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups.
Gathering Ingredients for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
Since these are speedy, we need to have everything *mise en place* before we even think about turning on that skillet. I always pull everything out for the roll-ups and the coating separately so nothing gets mixed up while we’re rushing. Remember, that initial flattening step we talked about? That’s super important, so make sure your bread is ready to go before it hits the wet custard!
You can see all the basic things you need below. I try to link over to more of our favorite breakfast ideas once you’ve made this one!
For the Roll-Ups Custard Base
This mixture is what transforms that boring white bread into something wonderfully custardy. It needs warmth and spice to taste just right!
- 8 slices of white bread, and yes, you must cut those crusts off!
- 2 large eggs, whisked well.
- 1/2 cup of milk—any kind works here.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for that cozy background note.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, this is specifically for the custard bath.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt to just balance out the sweetness.
For the Crispy Cinnamon Sugar Coating
This is where the magic really happens! Don’t skimp on this part, because this coating is what makes them taste like an absolute dream when they come off the hot pan. It’s the signature flavor of our Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups.
- 1/3 cup of sugar—plain white granulated sugar is perfect here.
- 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon (yes, more cinnamon!).
- We also need about 1/4 cup of unsalted butter melted, just for cooking them, not for the coating mixture itself.
Mixing these two coating parts in a shallow dish gives you a perfect textured surface area for rolling those fresh, hot roll-ups right out of the butter!
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
You’ve got your ingredients ready, and the total time commitment is just about 20 minutes for this whole process, which is amazing for such a fun breakfast! We need to tackle the bread prep first to make sure we get those perfect, tight rolls. Remember, the assembly part is really quick once the bread is ready.
Once you get the hang of this, you’ll be whipping these up faster than you can brew a single cup of coffee. If you are looking for other fast, fun things to make, check out my post on kid-friendly Cheerio granola bars—they use similar easy-prep concepts!
Preparing the Bread for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
This initial step is non-negotiable if you want bakery-worthy rollups! First, take your 8 slices of white bread and, using a sharp knife or even kitchen shears, carefully slice off all four crusts. Don’t let those crusts go to waste; toss them in a food processor later for breadcrumbs!
Now, lay one slice flat on a clean cutting board. Grab your rolling pin—it’s time to apply some muscle! You need to press that bread firmly and evenly until it’s paper-thin. I mean it, press until it’s almost translucent. If you don’t flatten it enough, the bread will try to puff back up during cooking, and your roll won’t stay tight. We are aiming for stretch, not puffiness, so you can get a clean, tidy cylinder shape when you roll it up.
Cooking and Coating Your Finished Rollups
While you are flattening those last pieces of bread, make sure your custard mixture is mixed well in that shallow bowl. Also, spread out your cinnamon-sugar coating mixture in the shallow dish so it’s right next to the stove.
Heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt about one tablespoon of that butter until it sizzles lightly. Now, dunk one flattened slice of bread into the egg custard mixture—make sure both sides are coated, but don’t let it soak too long or it gets soggy! Quickly roll the dipped bread into a tight cylinder. Gently place the seam-side down onto the hot buttered pan.
Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. You are watching for that beautiful golden-brown color and crisp exterior. Since we have 8 slices total, this should take you a total of about 8 to 10 minutes, keeping us right on track for that quick total cook time. Once they are crisp, immediately transfer the hot roll-ups directly into the cinnamon-sugar dish and roll them around until they are completely coated. They must be rolled while they are hot so that sticky butter residue helps grab all that sugary goodness!
Tips for Success with Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
Even though this recipe is incredibly simple, a couple of little chef tricks will take your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups from good to absolutely show-stopping. I’ve definitely learned some lessons the hard way over the years making these for my friends here in Seattle!
Here are the three things I insist on every time to guarantee that perfect crisp edge and super soft middle:
- Don’t Over-Soak the Bread: This is where most people go wrong. We want the bread damp enough to roll, but not saturated. If the bread gets soggy in the custard, it steams instead of frying when it hits the butter. You are going for a quick dip—just enough to saturate the surface area, or maybe 5 seconds total per side.
- The Butter Must Be Hot (But Not Smoking!): Medium heat is your friend here. You need enough heat transfer to create that crunchy crust almost instantly. As soon as the butter melts and just starts to foam—that’s when you put the rolls in. If you have to cook more than three batches, quickly wipe out the pan and add another tablespoon of butter; old, browned butter imparts a strange flavor.
- Roll Immediately for Picky Eaters: We know that finding those kid-friendly snacks and treats that everyone loves can be a challenge. The secret weapon here is speed between the pan and the sugar bowl. If they have time to cool even slightly, the melted butter on the outside dries up and the cinnamon sugar won’t stick properly. That coating falling off is a nightmare for little hands! Roll them hot so the coating adheres perfectly every single time.
- Use a Good Quality Vanilla: You can’t see it in the ingredients list, but the vanilla extract is working overtime here. Since there are so few flavor components, using real vanilla (not imitation!) really elevates the overall sweetness and warmth. It helps mask any eggy flavor and makes the whole thing smell like a real bakery treat.
Follow those tiny steps, and you won’t have a single soggy or messy rollup on your plate!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
Okay, now that you have these perfect, crispy cylinders of joy, how should we serve them? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups are amazing all by themselves, honestly, but serving them up right turns a quick breakfast into a full-blown brunch spectacular. Especially when the kids are watching!
When I make these for friends, I try to lay them out like a little buffet bar so everyone can customize their own. It makes the whole process feel more like a fun kitchen activity for the kids rather than just a standard weekday meal.
Here are my favorite ways to dress them up:
- The Classic Drizzle: You absolutely must have good quality maple syrup ready. Warm syrup melts right into those cinnamon sugar crystals and creates this amazing glaze over the top. Don’t even think about using pancake syrup if you have real maple syrup!
- Creamy Dip Station: Since these aren’t stuffed, having a dip makes them extra fun. Plain yogurt mixed with a tiny bit of honey makes a great tangy counterpoint to the sweetness. Whipped cream is always a winner, of course.
- Fresh Fruit for Balance: To cut through the richness, fresh berries are amazing. Sliced strawberries or blueberries look beautiful sprinkled over the platter and provide a perfect burst of freshness.
- Extra Dusting Power: Keep some powdered sugar nearby! A light dusting before serving makes them look professionally finished, even though they took you 20 minutes total to make.
If you are looking for other fun, sweet spreads that feel festive—like what I put out during the holidays—you should definitely check out our collection of Christmas pancakes and waffle ideas. They share that same fun, celebratory vibe that these rollups bring to the table!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
The absolute best way to enjoy these is fresh off the griddle, coated in that warm cinnamon sugar, but life happens, right? Maybe you made a huge batch for an after-school snack session, or perhaps you just couldn’t stop eating them the first time around!
Good news! These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups keep surprisingly well, which is why I always recommend making a double batch if you have the time. They qualify as a fantastic make-ahead breakfast, giving you a huge head start on busy weekdays. You can check out the general notes about making them ahead right at the top of the recipe card!
Here is how you make sure you preserve that perfect texture, even when storing them:
- Storing Leftovers: Once the roll-ups have cooled down completely—and I mean completely, otherwise they steam and get soggy—you need to seal them up tight. Pop them into an airtight container. You can layer them, but make sure you use parchment paper between any layers to prevent sticking. They’ll chill happily in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Room Temperature Warning: Because they contain milk and eggs, please don’t leave them sitting out on the counter! They must go into the fridge to stay safe, especially if you added any fresh fruit earlier.
Now, reheating is the most crucial step for getting that satisfying crunch back. If you just toss these in the microwave, you’ll end up with warm, soft, bread-pudding-like lumps, and we don’t want that!
Reclaiming the Crispness
My absolute favorite way to bring back perfection is using a toaster oven. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for anything that was once fried or baked crisp. Set your toaster oven to about 325°F (160°C). Lay the roll-ups in a single layer on the tray. Pop them in for about 4 to 6 minutes. This low, slow heat warms them gently through the middle while crisping up the exterior and melting that cinnamon sugar just slightly again.
If you don’t have a toaster oven, an actual oven works fine too. Spread them on a baking sheet and use the same temperature setting. They might take a little longer, maybe 8 to 10 minutes, since the air circulation isn’t as direct. Give them a quick check around the 7-minute mark.
If you are in a real bind, the microwave will work, but only use it for a few seconds—just enough to warm the inside a tiny bit. You absolutely must follow up with a super quick trip to a hot, dry skillet with a tiny pat of butter to re-crisp the outside. Otherwise, they just won’t taste like the amazing, sweet snacks you made the first time!
Frequently Asked Questions About These Kid-Friendly Snacks
I get so many questions about how to tweak these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups, especially when trying to make them work with leftovers or different supplies on hand. My goal here is to make cooking feel easy and fun, so let’s tackle some of the common ones I receive from readers, even those who usually struggle with after-school snacks!
Can I bake these instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you absolutely can bake them! This is a great option if you’re making a huge batch or maybe want to cut down on the cooking surface grease. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the dipped and rolled pieces seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper—this ensures easy cleanup, which we always love.
You’ll need to brush the tops lightly with a little melted butter before baking. Bake them for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they crisp up evenly on both sides. They might not get quite as deep golden brown as they do in the skillet, but they will be perfectly cooked through and ready for that cinnamon sugar roll!
What kind of bread works best for this recipe?
While the recipe specifically calls for white bread with the crusts removed, that’s mostly because it’s softest and easiest to flatten thinly. If you don’t have plain white sandwich bread, you can absolutely substitute it! Sweet bread like brioche or challah works beautifully, but be aware that they are richer and might cook slightly faster, so watch that skillet closely.
Thicker, heartier bread, like whole wheat? It usually resists flattening and tends to crack when you try to roll it this tightly. If you must use it, let the slices sit out for a minute or two to get a little stale; that usually helps them stay pliable. Remember, success hinges on getting that bread thin!
How do these hold up if I need a meal prep option?
They are honestly fantastic for meal prep, provided you handle the coating correctly! As I mentioned earlier, they last well in the fridge for up to three days if stored airtight after cooling. The trick is mastering the reheat process mentioned above to bring back that crunch.
If you’re making them for quick grab-and-go breakfast needs, I suggest keeping the cinnamon sugar coating separate. Cook the rolls plain (just dipped in the custard and fried in butter), let them cool, and store them. Then, just before serving, reheat them and toss them in the sugar mixture to coat. That way, the coating stays perfectly granular and doesn’t dissolve into the bread during storage. It helps keep things fresh!
Are these something I can make for a crowd?
They are the ultimate crowd-pleaser because they look so impressive and fun, yet they’re so low-effort! If you’re hosting a brunch and want to see happy faces, these are a guaranteed hit, especially since they count as one of those wonderful easy recipes for kids that adults love just as much. Just keep a few pans working in rotation on the griddle and have an assembly line ready for the dipping and rolling!
Estimated Nutrition for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
I always include the nutrition estimates because I believe in being transparent about what we are putting into our bodies, even when we are making a celebratory breakfast! That said, please know these numbers are just a guideline. I’ve always felt like nutrition facts are a little like my sourdough starter—they need a little nurturing and adjustment based on humidity and what flour you use!
These estimates are based on making 8 servings (8 roll-ups) with standard white bread and the exact amounts listed in the recipe. Because we’re using butter for cooking and a generous coating of sugar, the calorie content reflects a satisfying, sweet treat. If you swap out the white bread for whole wheat or use skim milk instead of whole, your numbers will shift slightly.
For quick reference, here is the breakdown we calculated:
- Calories: Approximately 250 per roll-up
- Protein: About 8 grams
- Fat: Around 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 35 grams
- Sugar: Coming in around 15 grams
When you make these on a busy morning, remember these are estimates, especially since every home cook’s technique for dipping and coating varies slightly. If you are making these for specific dietary tracking or meal planning, you might want to use specific brand nutritional information for your bread and milk. You can always find more information about how we approach recipes and general dietary notes over at our disclaimers page.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Rollups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the crusts off the white bread slices. Flatten each slice using a rolling pin to help them roll easily.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Dip each flattened bread slice into the custard mixture, coating both sides. Roll each slice into a tight cylinder.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt one tablespoon of butter. Add the roll-ups and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- In a shallow dish, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the coating. Immediately roll the cooked roll-ups in this cinnamon-sugar mix to coat them.
- Arrange the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Roll-Ups on a platter. Serve them with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.