Save to Pinterest Last Sunday morning I stood in my kitchen in fuzzy socks watching steam curl off the skillet while my little sister demanded breakfast already. I'd seen these roll-up videos online but never tried them until desperation for something fun struck at 8am. The house smelled like vanilla and cinnamon within minutes and suddenly cooking breakfast felt like an adventure instead of a chore.
My roommate walked in mid-roll and grabbed three off the plate before I could even finish cooking them. Now she requests them every weekend and brings different jams to experiment with. I've learned to double the batch because somehow they vanish faster than regular French toast ever did.
Ingredients
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread with crusts removed: Stale bread actually works better here because it absorbs the egg mixture without falling apart
- 4 tbsp cream cheese softened: Let it sit on the counter for fifteen minutes ahead of time or you'll tear the bread trying to spread it
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the custard mixture
- 3 tbsp milk: Whole milk creates the richest coating but whatever you have in your fridge works fine
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: This tiny amount makes the kitchen smell incredible while they cook
- Pinch of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness without actually tasting salty
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: The fine texture coats evenly without leaving gritty patches
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon jars make such a difference in flavor depth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for frying: Unsalted lets you control exactly how salty they taste overall
Instructions
- Flatten the bread:
- Roll each slice gently until thin but still intact some tearing is totally fine
- Add your filling:
- Spread cream cheese or jam along one edge leaving the very end empty so it doesn't squeeze out
- Roll them tight:
- Start from the filled edge and roll firmly like a tiny burrito seam side down
- Make the egg mixture:
- Whisk eggs milk vanilla and salt until completely combined in a shallow bowl
- Mix the coating:
- Stir sugar and cinnamon in another bowl until evenly distributed
- Heat your pan:
- Melt one tablespoon butter over medium heat until it stops foaming
- Dip and cook:
- Quickly coat each roll in egg then place seam down in the hot pan turning until golden all over
- Sugar them immediately:
- Roll the hot ones in cinnamon sugar right away so it sticks to the warm surface
- Enjoy warm:
- Serve them while they're still crispy on the outside and soft inside
Save to Pinterest My niece called them breakfast sushi and now I can't unhear it. She helped me roll them last time and got filling everywhere but her pride in making something so delicious was worth the mess.
Filling Ideas Beyond Cream Cheese
Nutella works beautifully here just warm it slightly first so it spreads easily. Fruit jams add bright tartness that cuts through the sweet coating. Peanut butter becomes melty and irresistible though it can get messy.
Making Them Ahead
You can prepare the roll-ups the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Dip and cook them fresh in the morning for the best texture. They reheat okay in a low oven but nothing beats that first batch hot from the skillet.
Getting Even Better Rolling
The rolling pin trick creates those tight restaurant-style rolls that hold everything together perfectly. Some people use a wine bottle in a pinch which works surprisingly well. Practice makes perfect with the folding technique.
- Don't stress about tears in the bread they seal when cooked
- Keep your hands slightly damp to prevent sticking
- The uglier ones still taste just as good
Save to Pinterest These roll-ups turn a regular morning into something special without requiring special skills or ingredients. Enjoy every warm crunchy bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of bread works best for roll-ups?
Soft white sandwich bread with crusts removed is ideal to easily flatten and roll without cracking.
- → Can I use alternatives to cream cheese as filling?
Yes, fruit jams like strawberry or raspberry, or chocolate-hazelnut spread make delicious alternatives.
- → How do I achieve a crispy coating on the roll-ups?
Dipping them in the egg mixture then frying in butter until golden ensures a crispy exterior.
- → What is the purpose of cinnamon sugar in this dish?
The cinnamon sugar adds a sweet and aromatic crunch that complements the creamy fillings.
- → Can these roll-ups be prepared in advance?
They're best served fresh but can be reheated in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes without losing texture.