If you have a craving for something warm, comforting, and irresistibly sweet, then this Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten your day. Imagine soft, buttery white bread rolled with a luscious cinnamon filling, pan-fried to golden perfection, and then generously coated in a sugary cinnamon crunch before being paired with a silky cream cheese glaze that brings everything together in heavenly harmony. This recipe is not only a cinch to whip up but also packs a nostalgic flavor punch that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether it’s for a cozy breakfast or a delightful dessert, these roll-ups will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making magic happen with this Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. Each component is simple, familiar, and works beautifully together to create the ideal balance of buttery, sweet, creamy, and cinnamony goodness.
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed: Soft bread that becomes perfectly foldable and golden when cooked.
- Butter for greasing the pan: Adds richness and helps create a crisp, golden exterior.
- 1 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter (See Note 1): Used in the cream cheese glaze to provide smoothness and flavor.
- 4 tablespoon cream cheese: Gives the glaze its signature smooth and tangy creaminess.
- 2 1/2 tablespoon powdered (icing) sugar: Sweetens the glaze without any grittiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth of the glaze with a warm aroma.
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter (See Note 1): Incorporated in the cinnamon filling, enriching the flavor and texture.
- 4 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds moisture and caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
- 2 tablespoon cinnamon powder: The star spice in the filling, delivering warmth and spice.
- 1 egg: Helps bind ingredients and provides a golden coating when dipped.
- 3 tablespoon milk: Lightens the egg mixture for an even, smooth batter.
- 1/4 cup caster sugar: Used for the outer cinnamon coating, giving a crunchy, sweet finish.
- 2 teaspoon cinnamon powder: Blended with caster sugar for a delightful cinnamon sugar crust.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze and Cinnamon Filling
Start by mixing the cream cheese glaze ingredients: unsalted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend them until completely smooth and set this aside for later. Next, create the cinnamon filling by combining unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder until it’s a spreadable mixture ready to flavor those breads.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg and Milk Mixture
Beat the egg lightly, then add the milk and whisk together. This mixture will be used to dip the roll-ups, creating a golden and luscious coating when cooked.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Combine caster sugar and cinnamon powder on a plate or shallow bowl. This blend will give the roll-ups a sweet and pleasantly crunchy finish the moment they come off the pan.
Step 4: Flatten the Bread Slices
Remove the crusts from the bread slices completely, then use a rolling pin to gently roll each slice flat. This makes it easier to evenly spread the cinnamon filling and roll the bread without tearing.
Step 5: Spread the Cinnamon Filling and Roll Up
Take about half to three-quarters of a tablespoon of the cinnamon filling and spread it across each flattened bread slice. No extra adhesive is needed since the filling itself will help seal the bread as you roll it up tightly.
Step 6: Cook the Roll-Ups on the Pan
Heat a little butter in a non-stick pan over low to medium heat. Dip each cinnamon roll-up into the egg and milk mixture thoroughly, then place them carefully in the warm pan. Depending on your pan size, cook about four to five at once to avoid overcrowding.
Step 7: Turn Until Golden Brown
Continue turning the roll-ups every 30 to 45 seconds so all sides get that perfect golden-brown color. This process usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes total, creating a beautiful crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and gooey.
Step 8: Coat the Roll-Ups in Cinnamon Sugar
As soon as each roll-up finishes cooking, remove it from the pan and roll it immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step locks in the sweetness and adds a pleasant texture contrast to the tender bread inside.
Step 9: Serve with Cream Cheese Glaze
Finally, plate your cinnamon roll-ups and either drizzle with the cream cheese glaze or serve it on the side as a dip. This glaze enhances the dish by adding a creamy, tangy finish that perfectly complements the warm, cinnamon-flavored bread rolls.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra wow factor, try sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of the glazed roll-ups. A few fresh berries or a light dusting of chopped nuts can add color and a subtle crunch, making your presentation even more inviting.
Side Dishes
These cinnamon roll-ups pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a medley of berries. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also elevates the experience, especially if you’re serving this as a dessert or brunch treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, arrange the cinnamon roll-ups in a circle on a serving platter with the cream cheese glaze in a bowl at the center for dipping. You can also thread them onto skewers and serve them as bite-sized finger foods at a party, making snacking both easy and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover cinnamon roll-ups, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to keep the glaze moist and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze these roll-ups by placing them individually on a baking sheet to flash freeze, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month and reheated whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated cinnamon roll-ups in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and slightly crisped again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them too soft or chewy. If desired, add extra cream cheese glaze after reheating for that fresh homemade taste.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat bread instead of white bread?
Absolutely! Whole wheat bread will add a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber. Just make sure to flatten it well so it rolls tightly and cooks evenly.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace the egg with a flax or chia seed slurry mixed with plant milk. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare these roll-ups in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can prepare and roll them up a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and then cook them fresh just before serving to maintain their crispness and flavor.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
If cream cheese is not available, try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little milk and vanilla extract. It won’t have the same tang but still adds sweetness and moisture.
How do I prevent the bread from tearing when rolling?
Removing the crusts and rolling the bread flat with a rolling pin softens and loosens the bread fibers, making it much easier to spread filling and roll without ripping. If needed, roll gently and don’t press down too hard.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about the warm cinnamon aroma and creamy glaze that makes this Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re surprising your family with a special breakfast or treating yourself to a decadent snack, these roll-ups are sure to bring a smile and a happy sigh. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become one of those treasured recipes you reach for time and again!
Print
Cinnamon Roll-Ups with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious cinnamon roll-up French toast made with white bread slices filled with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served with a creamy cream cheese glaze. This easy-to-make breakfast treat combines the flavors of cinnamon rolls and French toast into a quick skillet-cooked delight.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Topping
- 4 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 1/2 tablespoons powdered (icing) sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Cinnamon Filling
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
Egg Mixture
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons milk
Coating
- 1/4 cup caster sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
Base
- 12 slices white bread, crusts removed
- Butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese topping and cinnamon filling: Combine all ingredients for the cream cheese topping (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and butter) in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Set aside. Repeat the mixing process for the cinnamon filling by combining unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder in another bowl.
- Make the egg mixture: Slightly beat the egg in a small bowl, add the milk, and mix well to create a smooth egg wash.
- Prepare the coating mixture: Mix caster sugar and cinnamon powder on a plate and set aside for coating the cooked roll-ups.
- Roll the bread slices: Remove crusts from each bread slice. Using a rolling pin, flatten each slice until thin and even.
- Fill and roll the bread: Spread about 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon of the cinnamon filling evenly onto each flattened bread slice. Roll the bread tightly around the filling, ensuring the filling helps it stick together without extra binder.
- Heat the pan and fry the roll-ups: Grease a non-stick pan with a little butter and heat on low to medium heat. Dip each bread roll-up into the egg mixture, coating all sides well, then place them seam-side down into the pan. Cook about 4 to 5 roll-ups at a time depending on pan size.
- Cook until golden brown: Turn the roll-ups every 30 to 45 seconds to ensure even cooking on all sides until all sides are golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes total.
- Coat the cooked roll-ups: Immediately after removing the roll-ups from the pan, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar coating mixture until fully covered.
- Serve: Serve warm with the prepared cream cheese glaze either drizzled on top or as a side for dipping.
Notes
- Note 1: Use unsalted butter for both the cream cheese topping and cinnamon filling for better control over salt content.
- Note 2: Flattening the bread with a rolling pin helps to make the roll-ups more pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amounts of sugar in the filling and coating as per preference.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture; reheating may soften the crust.
