Hey there! So, you know those lazy Sunday mornings when you just want to treat yourself to something extra special? That’s how I stumbled upon these Cinnamon Roll French Toast Roll-Ups. Picture this: a blissful morning, sipping coffee while these lovelies sizzle away on the stove. It’s a family favorite now, and frankly, I don’t even remember the last time we had cereal instead.
Why You’ll Love This
I make these whenever I want to impress my in-laws (because who doesn’t want to be the favorite child-in-law, right?). My family goes absolutely bonkers for them because they’re like cinnamon rolls and French toast had a delicious little baby. And let me tell you, I’ve had my fair share of kitchen disasters, but this is one recipe that’s foolproof (even for my sister who once mistook salt for sugar—oops!).
Ingredients
- 8 slices of white bread (or any bread really, my grandma swore by Wonder Bread but I find anything works)
- 3 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar (you can make this by just mixing sugar with cinnamon. Shocking, I know!)
- 1 cup of milk (I’ve used almond milk when I ran out of regular milk and it was fine)
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff if you have it, but let’s be honest, I’ve used the imitation kind too)
- Butter for frying (or margarine if that’s all you’ve got)
Directions
Start by trimming the crusts off the bread. This is where my kids usually get involved, because who doesn’t enjoy using scissors on food? Roll out each slice with a rolling pin. If you don’t have one, a wine bottle works brilliantly (probably better—just saying).
Mix the milk, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Meanwhile, sprinkle a bit of that cinnamon sugar on each slice and roll ’em up like a sleeping bag. Dip each roll in the egg mixture, but don’t let them soak too long or you’ll end up with mush. Trust me!
Heat a pan over medium heat and throw in some butter. Cook those roll-ups until they’re golden brown, turning them often. This is when I sneak a taste (shh, don’t tell).
Notes
Sometimes, I throw a pinch of nutmeg into the mix—it adds a nice twist, but don’t go overboard like I did once. That was… interesting.
Variations
I once tried adding chocolate chips, but they melted and made a bit of a mess. On the other hand, a smear of cream cheese before rolling works wonders.
Equipment
If you don’t have a non-stick pan, just make sure to keep an eye on things. My old cast iron skillet works just as well (and doubles as a workout!).
Storage
These are best fresh, but you can keep them in the fridge for a day. Honestly, though, they never last that long around here!
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream. For a real treat, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top makes them dessert-worthy.
Pro Tips
Don’t rush the frying. I once tried to crank up the heat to save time, and let’s just say, crispy is not the same as burnt.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat bread? Sure thing! It’s not quite as indulgent, but it adds a nice nutty flavor.
What if I don’t have cinnamon sugar? No worries—just mix some sugar with cinnamon. Easy peasy!
Can I make them ahead? You could, but I think they lose a bit of their magic. Best enjoyed right off the pan!