Let me introduce you to the breakfast that will forever change your morning routine – Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls. If you’re a fellow devotee of the chocolate-peanut butter alliance (and honestly, who isn’t?), these rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine warm, pillowy bread embracing melted peanut butter and chocolate, all wrapped up in a cinnamon sugar coating that creates pure breakfast magic.
These aren’t just any French toast – they’re a portable, dippable, utterly craveable morning treat that combines the nostalgic comfort of French toast with the irresistible flavor profile of a Reese’s peanut butter cup. And the best part? They come together in minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
What Makes These Roll-Ups Special
The genius of these French toast rolls lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The soft bread exterior, kissed with vanilla-scented egg and toasted to golden perfection, gives way to a molten center of peanut butter and chocolate that creates that iconic flavor combination we all crave. The final touch of cinnamon sugar adds a sweet crunch that transforms each bite into a multi-sensory experience.
While traditional French toast certainly has its place, these roll-ups elevate the humble breakfast into something truly special – without requiring any advanced culinary skills. They’re perfect for weekend family breakfasts, holiday morning treats, or anytime you need a little extra joy in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 slices of soft white bread – The softer the better for easy rolling. Look for a quality sandwich bread that won’t tear when rolled.
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter – Choose smooth or crunchy according to your preference. Natural peanut butter works too, just make sure it’s well-stirred.
- 4 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate spread – The chocolate component that makes these truly reminiscent of peanut butter cups.
- 2 medium eggs – These create that classic custardy French toast exterior.
- 50ml milk – Any variety works here, from skim to whole milk or even plant-based alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the egg mixture.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – The base for our cinnamon sugar coating.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended) – Adds that classic French toast warmth.
- Butter for cooking – Helps achieve that perfect golden exterior.
- Extra peanut butter for drizzling – Because more peanut butter is always a good idea.
How to Create These Breakfast Masterpieces
Step 1: Prep Your Bread
Start by transforming ordinary bread into the perfect canvas. Remove the crusts from each slice – this helps ensure your rolls will seal properly. Then, using a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice until it’s about half its original thickness. This compression makes the bread more pliable and ready to roll without breaking.
Step 2: Create the Peanut Butter Cup Magic
This is where we channel the iconic flavor combination. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter over the bottom half of each flattened bread slice. Then, add about 1/2 tablespoon of Nutella or chocolate spread over the top half. This strategic placement ensures that when rolled, the peanut butter sits at the center with chocolate surrounding it – mimicking the structure of a peanut butter cup.
Step 3: Roll with Purpose
Starting from the bottom edge (the peanut butter side), carefully roll the bread up into a tight cylinder. The peanut butter should now be nestled in the center, embraced by the chocolate spread – just like a Reese’s cup. Place each roll seam-side down temporarily while you prepare the remaining slices.
Step 4: Create Your French Toast Bath
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until completely combined. This mixture will transform our rolls from simple bread creations into proper French toast with that characteristic custard-like quality.
Step 5: The Golden Transformation
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous knob of butter. Once melted and bubbling slightly (but not browning), it’s time to cook. Roll each bread cylinder in the egg mixture, ensuring it’s coated on all sides but not soaked through. Place them seam-side down in the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, rotating until all sides achieve a beautiful golden color.
Step 6: The Finishing Touch
While the rolls are still hot, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating by mixing the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Roll each hot French toast cylinder in this mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. The heat from the rolls will slightly melt the sugar, creating a delicate crust that adds wonderful texture.
Step 7: Drizzle and Serve
For the ultimate peanut butter cup experience, melt a little extra peanut butter (about 15-20 seconds in the microwave will do) and drizzle it over your rolls just before serving. This final touch not only adds visual appeal but reinforces that peanut butter flavor we love so much.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls
- Bread selection matters: Super fresh, soft sandwich bread works best. Day-old bread might tear when rolling.
- Don’t overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on the peanut butter and chocolate, too much filling will squeeze out during cooking.
- Keep the heat medium: Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside warms and melts. Too cool, and the rolls will absorb too much oil.
- Seal with care: Make sure to place the rolls seam-side down first when cooking to help them seal shut.
- Serve immediately: These rolls are at their absolute best when fresh from the pan with those molten centers.
Variations to Try
- Berry Bliss: Add thin slices of strawberry alongside the peanut butter for a PB&J inspired version.
- Banana Boost: Layer thin banana slices with the peanut butter for an Elvis-worthy breakfast treat.
- Marshmallow Madness: Include a thin layer of marshmallow fluff for a s’mores-inspired variation.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the chocolate spread for a Mexican-inspired heat that pairs beautifully with the sweetness.
- Cookie Butter Swap: Replace the peanut butter with cookie butter for a speculoos-inspired version.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While these French toast rolls are best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can prepare them in advance if needed:
- Prep ahead: Roll up the bread with fillings and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. Dip and cook in the morning.
- Leftovers: Store any cooked leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore some crispness.
- Freezer friendly: Cooked rolls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a toaster oven for best results.
Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls
Description
These Peanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls are breakfast magic in every bite! Soft bread embraces melty peanut butter and chocolate, finished with cinnamon sugar and a peanut butter drizzle. They deliver that beloved Reese’s flavor in a dippable, portable format that’s perfect for special mornings but simple enough for any day!
Ingredients
- 8 slices of soft white bread
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons Nutella or chocolate spread
- 2 medium eggs
- 50ml milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Butter for cooking
- Extra peanut butter for drizzling
Instructions
- Remove the crusts from all bread slices and flatten each with a rolling pin.
- Spread peanut butter on the bottom half of each slice and Nutella on the top half.
- Starting from the peanut butter end, roll each slice into a tight cylinder, placing seam-side down.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
- Dip each roll in the egg mixture, coating all sides, then place in the hot pan seam-side down.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, rotating until golden all around.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll the hot French toast cylinders to coat.
- Drizzle with melted peanut butter and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pro Tip #1: For the ultimate gooey center, let the rolls rest for 30 seconds after cooking before rolling in cinnamon sugar – this allows the filling to reach that perfect melty consistency without becoming too runny!
- Pro Tip #2: Want to make these extra special? Try using brioche bread instead of white sandwich bread for a more buttery, rich base that elevates these rolls to brunch-worthy status!
Serves: 4 (2 rolls per person) | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes