Cinnamon French Toast Roll Ups (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Roll-Ups:

01 - 8 slices white or whole wheat bread (day-old preferred)
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tbsp for filling)
04 - 2 tsp ground cinnamon (1 tsp for filling, 1 tsp for coating)
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1/4 cup milk
07 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
08 - 2 tbsp butter (for frying)

→ For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Optional Garnish:

11 - Powdered sugar
12 - Maple syrup

# Instructions:

01 - Trim the crusts off the bread slices. Use a rolling pin to flatten each slice to about half its original thickness.
02 - In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each flattened slice of bread.
03 - Carefully roll up each slice of bread tightly, pinching the edges to seal the filling inside.
04 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
05 - In a skillet or griddle, melt the butter over medium heat. Dip each rolled-up bread slice into the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated, and then place it in the skillet. Cook each roll-up for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. While the roll-ups are still warm, roll them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.
07 - Serve the roll-ups warm, dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with maple syrup if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Filling Variations: Add fruit like sliced strawberries or bananas to the cream cheese filling.
02 - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread to make this recipe gluten-free.
03 - For a Crunchy Texture: Add crushed cereal (cornflakes) to the egg mixture.
04 - Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before and store in the fridge. Dip and cook in the morning.