Save to Pinterest I made these on a lazy Sunday when I had nothing but sandwich bread and a jar of strawberry jam. The edges turned crispy and golden, the centers stayed soft, and the whole kitchen smelled like a cinnamon bakery. My brother walked in, grabbed two straight from the pan, and asked why we'd ever bothered with regular French toast. I didn't have an answer.
I started making these for weekend mornings when I wanted something that felt special but didn't require planning. The first time I served them to friends, they disappeared before the coffee finished brewing. One person asked if I'd been to culinary school. I laughed and showed her the rolling pin.
Ingredients
- Soft white sandwich bread: The softer the bread, the easier it rolls without tearing, and it soaks up the egg mixture perfectly.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese spreads smoothly and stays creamy inside the roll, you can swap it for Nutella or jam depending on your mood.
- Eggs: Two eggs are just enough to coat all eight roll-ups with a thin, golden layer.
- Milk: A splash of milk keeps the egg mixture light and helps it cling to the bread.
- Vanilla extract: Half a teaspoon adds warmth without overpowering the cinnamon.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon: Mixed together, this coating turns every bite into something that tastes like it came from a street fair.
- Unsalted butter: Frying in butter gives the roll-ups a rich, toasted flavor that oil just can't match.
Instructions
- Flatten the bread:
- Use a rolling pin to gently press each slice until it's thin and pliable. This keeps the roll-ups from splitting when you fold them.
- Add the filling:
- Spread about half a tablespoon of cream cheese along one edge of each slice, then roll it up tightly from that edge. Press the seam gently to seal.
- Prepare the egg mixture:
- Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt in a shallow bowl until smooth.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar:
- Combine sugar and cinnamon in another bowl and set it near the stove.
- Heat the skillet:
- Melt one tablespoon of butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until it's just starting to bubble.
- Coat the roll-ups:
- Dip each roll-up quickly in the egg mixture, turning to coat all sides, then place seam side down in the hot skillet.
- Cook until golden:
- Turn the roll-ups every one to two minutes until all sides are crisp and browned, adding more butter between batches. The smell will be incredible.
- Roll in cinnamon sugar:
- While the roll-ups are still hot, roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated.
- Serve warm:
- These are best eaten right away, while the outside is crisp and the inside is soft and sweet.
Save to Pinterest I once made a double batch for a friend's kid who said she didn't like breakfast. She ate three in a row, then asked if I could teach her mom how to make them. That's when I realized these weren't just roll-ups, they were the kind of thing people remember.
Filling Variations
Strawberry jam makes them taste like a jelly donut, Nutella turns them into something rich and chocolatey, and peanut butter with a drizzle of honey feels like comfort food. I've tried apricot preserves, lemon curd, and even marshmallow fluff. They all work, and they all disappear fast.
Storage and Reheating
These are best fresh, but I've reheated leftovers in the oven at 180°C for about five minutes and they crisp up nicely. Don't use the microwave unless you want them soft and chewy instead of golden. If you're making them ahead, cook them completely, let them cool, and store them in the fridge for up to two days.
Serving Suggestions
I like to stack them on a plate with fresh berries on the side, or drizzle them with chocolate sauce if I'm feeling indulgent. They're perfect with coffee, and kids love dipping them in syrup or yogurt.
- Serve with sliced strawberries or a handful of blueberries for a fresh contrast.
- Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Save to Pinterest These roll-ups are the kind of recipe that makes mornings feel easier and a little more special. Make them once, and you'll keep coming back.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Soft white sandwich bread with crusts removed is ideal for easy rolling and achieving a tender texture.
- → Can I use other fillings?
Yes, cream cheese, Nutella, or fruit jams like strawberry or apricot all complement the cinnamon sugar coating wonderfully.
- → How should the roll-ups be cooked?
Dip the roll-ups into the egg mixture, then pan-fry them on medium heat until all sides are golden brown for a crispy exterior.
- → How to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- → Any tips for enhancing flavor?
Try drizzling with chocolate or caramel sauce for a richer taste, or choose different jam flavors to suit your preference.