French Toast Roll Ups That Make Every Morning Feel Like a Special Occasion

Last Updated on February 4, 2026 by Souhail

I still remember the first time I saw French toast roll ups at a tiny brunch spot in Brooklyn. My friend ordered them on a whim, and when that plate arrived—golden spirals dusted with powdered sugar, oozing with cinnamon cream cheese—I nearly traded my avocado toast without hesitation. One bite later, I was hooked.

There’s something utterly magical about taking the comfort of classic French toast and transforming it into these playful, handheld bundles of joy. French toast roll ups feel like a hug from your childhood but with a sophisticated twist that makes them perfect for lazy Sunday mornings, special occasion brunches, or even a fun after school snack the kids can help assemble. Each bite delivers that perfect contrast: a crisp, buttery exterior giving way to a soft, custardy center wrapped around a sweet, spiced filling. They’re easier to make than you’d think, and the wow factor? Absolutely off the charts.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet morning, these little spirals of happiness bring pure delight to any table.

French Toast Roll Ups: The Secret Brunch Trick That Feels Like Cinnamon Roll Heaven

I still remember the first time I saw French toast roll ups at a tiny brunch spot in Brooklyn. My friend ordered them on a whim, and when that plate arrived—golden spirals dusted with powdered sugar, oozing with cinnamon cream cheese—I nearly traded my avocado toast without hesitation. One bite later, I was hooked. There’s something utterly magical about taking the comfort of classic French toast and transforming it into these playful, handheld bundles of joy.

French toast roll ups feel like a hug from your childhood but with a sophisticated twist that makes them perfect for lazy Sunday mornings, special occasion brunches, or even a fun after school snack the kids can help assemble. Each bite delivers that perfect contrast: a crisp, buttery exterior giving way to a soft, custardy center wrapped around a sweet, spiced filling. They’re easier to make than you’d think, and the wow factor? Absolutely off the charts.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself on a quiet morning, these little spirals of happiness bring pure delight to any table.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for These Roll Ups

Let me tell you why this recipe has become my go-to weekend treat. It’s not just about the adorable spiral shape (though let’s be real, that helps). These French toast roll ups deliver on every level:

• Texture heaven – That golden, slightly crisp exterior gives way to a pillowy soft interior with a creamy, spiced center in every single bite
• No fancy equipment needed – Just a whisk, shallow dish, and skillet. Your hands do the rolling magic
• Customizable to your cravings – Love extra cinnamon? Add it. Prefer berries over cream cheese? We’ll get there
• Kid approved and adult adored – My niece calls them “breakfast sushi” and requests them every visit
• Uses day old bread beautifully – No waste here! Stale bread actually soaks up the custard better

Want to make these dairy free? Swap the cream cheese for coconut yogurt mixed with maple syrup and cinnamon. Gluten free? Use your favorite gluten free sandwich bread – just press slices thin with a rolling pin first so they roll easily. And if you’re watching sugar, a touch of monk fruit sweetener blends beautifully into the filling.

My Top Tips for Perfect Roll Ups Every Single Time

Here’s the secret no one tells you: the bread prep makes or breaks these little spirals. I learned this the hard way after one batch unraveled in the skillet (hello, French toast soup!). Always use thin sandwich bread – not artisanal thick cut. If your loaf is on the thicker side, gently flatten each slice with a rolling pin between two sheets of parchment paper until about ¼ inch thick. This makes rolling effortless and prevents cracking.

Don’t skip the toothpick step! Secure each roll with a wooden toothpick while cooking, then remove before serving. And here’s my game changer: let the rolled up spirals rest in the custard for just 30 seconds per side – no longer. Too much soaking and they’ll fall apart when you transfer them to the skillet. Cook over medium low heat so the custard sets gently without burning the outside. Oh, and save those crusts! Toss them in the custard mixture and pan fry as bonus bites – zero waste, all delicious.

Fun Twists to Keep Breakfast Exciting

Once you master the classic version, the variations are endless. Here are my favorite spins that keep this recipe in regular rotation:

Berry Bliss Roll Ups
Swap the cream cheese filling for a thin layer of seedless raspberry jam and a few fresh blueberries pressed gently into the bread before rolling. The berries burst during cooking, creating little pockets of fruity warmth. Serve with a drizzle of honey instead of maple syrup for a floral touch.

Chocolate Hazelnut Dream
Spread a whisper thin layer of chocolate hazelnut spread on each slice before rolling. The heat transforms it into a molten center that pairs beautifully with sliced bananas on top. Kids absolutely lose their minds over this version – it feels like dessert for breakfast.

Savory Herb & Cheese
Yes, really! Skip the sugar in the custard and add a pinch of garlic powder, dried herbs, and black pepper. Fill with a smear of herbed goat cheese and a single fresh basil leaf. Serve with a side of croissant french toast bake for the ultimate savory-sweet brunch spread.

Serving Suggestions

Stack these golden spirals slightly offset on a warm plate so the filling peeks through each layer. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes them look bakery fresh. I love serving them with warm maple syrup for dipping and a side of fresh berries for brightness. For extra decadence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream – because weekends are for joy. Pair with a simple green salad or my favorite cottage cheese flatbread to balance the sweetness with something savory.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

These are best enjoyed fresh from the skillet, but leftovers keep surprisingly well. Store cooled roll ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through – this preserves their texture far better than microwaving. For make ahead magic, prepare the rolls (uncooked) and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen, adding 1 to 2 extra minutes per side in the skillet.

Creative Uses for Leftovers

Got extra custard mixture? Dip cubed bread and make mini French toast bites. Unraveled rolls become the base for an incredible croissant bread pudding – simply cube them and proceed with the pudding recipe. And those golden, buttery edges? Crumble them over yogurt parfaits for instant homemade crumble topping.

How Do You Make it

French Toast Roll Ups

Recipe by Fatima Zahrae

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

12

minutes

Calories

385

kcal

Golden spirals of buttery French toast wrapped around a sweet cinnamon cream cheese filling. Ready in 20 minutes for a brunch that feels special without the stress.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 8 slices thin white sandwich bread, crusts removed

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus more for serving

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more for dusting

• 2 large eggs

• 0.5 cup whole milk

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Pinch salt

• Powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

• First, make the filling by beating the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons maple syrup, vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.
• Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface. Using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice until about ¼ inch thick – this makes rolling much easier. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges.
• Starting from one short end, carefully roll each slice into a tight spiral. Secure each roll with a wooden toothpick inserted through the center to hold its shape.
• In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, a pinch of salt, and a generous pinch of cinnamon until fully blended. Dip each roll into the custard mixture, turning gently to coat all sides. Let it sit for just 30 seconds per side – any longer and the bread gets too soggy.
• Heat a large skillet over medium low heat and melt the butter until it foams slightly. Carefully place the coated rolls seam side down in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently turning with tongs, until deeply golden brown and crisp on all sides. The toothpick will help you turn them without unrolling.
• Transfer cooked rolls to a paper towel lined plate to drain briefly. Remove toothpicks, dust generously with powdered sugar and extra cinnamon, and serve immediately with warm maple syrup for dipping.

Notes

• Day old bread works perfectly – it soaks up custard without falling apart
• Don’t skip flattening the bread slices; thick bread cracks when rolled
• Don’t skip flattening the bread slices; thick bread cracks when rolled
• For extra crispiness, add 1 tablespoon of melted butter directly to the custard mixture
• Make ahead: Assemble rolls (uncooked) and refrigerate overnight wrapped tightly in plastic

Nutrition Facts

• Total number of serves: 4
• Calories: 385kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0.165mg
• Sodium: 0.320mg
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 9g

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Closing Thoughts

There’s something deeply satisfying about transforming humble pantry staples into something that feels truly special. These French toast roll ups have become my secret weapon for turning ordinary weekends into moments of joy – whether I’m surprising my partner with a lazy Sunday treat or watching my niece’s eyes light up at the breakfast table. They remind me that magic in the kitchen doesn’t require fancy ingredients or hours of work. Just a little creativity and love wrapped up in golden spirals.

Give them a try this weekend, and while you’re at it, explore my croissant cinnamon rolls for another show stopping brunch idea. Your future self (and your brunch guests) will thank you.

Now tell me – what filling would you try first? Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram. I live for those kitchen victory moments with you all!