Save I threw these together one Saturday when my niece announced she hated regular French toast. She wanted something fun, something she could hold. I flattened some bread, smeared on cream cheese, rolled them up like little logs, and dipped them in egg. When she picked one up, still warm and sparkly with cinnamon sugar, she grinned. That grin made them a weekend ritual.
I made a double batch the morning my sister came over with her toddler. He sat at the counter, legs swinging, rolling his own bread slices with a tiny wooden pin. We filled some with strawberry jam, others with Nutella. He ate three before breakfast was officially served. She took a photo of his sticky fingers and sent it to me later with the caption, make these every visit.
Ingredients
- Soft white sandwich bread: The softer, the better. Stale bread cracks when you roll it, so use fresh slices and remove the crusts cleanly.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese spreads smoothly and melts just a little when fried. Swap it for Nutella if you want chocolate, or any thick jam you love.
- Eggs: Two large eggs coat about eight roll-ups. Whisk them well so the vanilla blends evenly.
- Milk: Just three tablespoons thin the eggs enough to coat without soaking the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon adds warmth. Dont skip it.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon: Mixed together, this becomes the sparkly coating. Use a full teaspoon of cinnamon for real spice.
- Unsalted butter: Fry them in butter, not oil. It gives them that golden, toasty edge.
Instructions
- Flatten the bread:
- Lay each slice on a cutting board and press gently with a rolling pin until its thin and pliable. This keeps them from cracking when you roll.
- Spread and roll:
- Smear about half a tablespoon of cream cheese along one edge of each slice, then roll it up tightly like a little burrito. Press the seam gently to seal.
- Whisk the egg mixture:
- Combine eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl. Whisk until smooth and pale yellow.
- Prepare the cinnamon sugar:
- Mix the sugar and cinnamon in a separate shallow bowl. Set it near the stove so you can coat the roll-ups while theyre still hot.
- Heat the skillet:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Let it foam but not brown.
- Dip and fry:
- Dip each roll-up quickly in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides, then place seam side down in the skillet. Cook in batches, turning every minute or two, until golden on all sides.
- Coat in cinnamon sugar:
- As soon as you pull them from the pan, roll them in the cinnamon sugar while theyre hot. The butter helps the sugar stick.
- Serve warm:
- Pile them on a plate and serve immediately. Theyre best when the outside is crisp and the inside is still soft.
Save One morning I made a batch with raspberry jam and another with Nutella. My husband ate four before he realized hed skipped his coffee. He looked up, dusted in sugar, and said, these are dangerous. I laughed because he was right. Theyre small enough to feel harmless, but you cant stop at one.
Filling Ideas
Cream cheese is my go-to because it melts just a little and stays creamy. But Nutella turns them into dessert, strawberry jam makes them bright and fruity, and peanut butter with a drizzle of honey tastes like childhood. You can even mix cream cheese with a spoonful of jam for a cheesecake vibe. The filling is where you make them yours.
Storage and Reheating
These are meant to be eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat them in a 180-degree oven for about five minutes to crisp them back up. The microwave makes them soggy, so skip it. Honestly, though, Ive never had leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve them on a plate with fresh berries, or stack them on a platter for brunch. My niece likes to dip hers in maple syrup, which I thought was overkill until I tried it. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce turns them into a dessert, and a dollop of whipped cream makes them feel fancy.
- Serve with fresh strawberries or blueberries on the side.
- Drizzle with warm maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or caramel.
- Add a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Save These roll-ups remind me that breakfast doesnt have to be complicated to feel special. Sometimes all it takes is a little cinnamon sugar and someone to share them with.
Recipe FAQs
- → What fillings work best for these roll-ups?
Cream cheese, fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry, and Nutella are popular filling choices that complement the cinnamon sugar coating.
- → How do I prevent the bread from tearing when rolling?
Flatten the bread slices gently with a rolling pin to soften them before adding the filling; this makes rolling easier and prevents tearing.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
They are best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in a warm oven to retain their texture and flavor.
- → What cooking fat is recommended for frying?
Unsalted butter provides a rich flavor and helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior during cooking.
- → How long should I cook each roll-up?
Cook roll-ups for about 1-2 minutes per side over medium heat until all sides are evenly golden brown.