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This breakfast treat combines two childhood favorites – peanut butter cups and French toast – into an irresistible morning indulgence. The pillowy soft bread gets filled with creamy peanut butter and chocolate, then transformed into a caramelized, cinnamon-sugar coated roll that's somehow both comforting and exciting.
I created these rolls one rainy Saturday morning when my nephews were visiting. What started as a way to use up leftover sandwich bread has become our special tradition whenever they stay over. The combination of warm peanut butter and chocolate gets them out of bed faster than anything else I've tried!
Ingredients
- Soft sandwich bread: essential for rolling without tearing use the freshest loaves
- Peanut butter: provides the classic flavor choose natural or conventional both work beautifully
- Chocolate spread: creates the candy cup experience look for one with real cocoa butter
- Eggs: form the custard base that transforms bread into French toast
- Milk: adds richness to the egg mixture whole milk gives the best flavor
- Vanilla extract: enhances the sweetness without adding sugar
- Granulated sugar: creates the crispy caramelized exterior
- Cinnamon: adds warmth and complexity to the sugar coating
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Remove crusts from each slice of bread using a sharp knife. With a rolling pin, gently flatten each slice by rolling from the center outward. Apply even pressure until the bread is about half its original thickness but still intact. This creates more surface area for filling and helps the rolls stay together.
- Apply the Fillings:
- Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each flattened slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Add about 1 teaspoon of chocolate spread on top of the peanut butter, keeping it to the center so it doesnt squeeze out during rolling. The ratio should be more peanut butter than chocolate for the authentic peanut butter cup flavor.
- Roll with Care:
- Starting from one end, tightly roll each slice into a compact log. Press the seam gently to seal it. If any filling escapes, simply wipe it away before proceeding to the egg dip. Place seam side down while you prepare the remaining rolls.
- Create the Custard Bath:
- In a shallow bowl wide enough to fit the rolls, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla until completely combined. The consistency should be smooth with no visible egg whites. This mixture will transform the bread into custardy French toast.
- Master the Dipping Technique:
- Working with one roll at a time, place it in the egg mixture and quickly roll to coat all sides. Dont let it soak too long or it will become soggy and difficult to handle. Use a fork to gently lift each roll from the mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Cook to Golden Perfection:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or cooking spray. Place the rolls in the pan, seam side down first to seal them. Cook for about 2 minutes per side, rotating to ensure even browning all around. The exterior should be golden and slightly crisp while the interior remains soft.
- Apply the Sweet Finish:
- While rolls are still hot, roll them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The heat will help the sugar mixture adhere and create a delicate crust. Work quickly as the coating sticks best to warm rolls.
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My favorite part is watching the chocolate and peanut butter get melty and gooey as the rolls cook. It reminds me of the way my grandmother would make special weekend breakfasts that felt like dessert but still counted as a proper meal. That first bite when the warm peanut butter meets the crispy cinnamon sugar exterior is pure magic.
Make-Ahead Options
These French toast rolls can be prepared up to the rolling stage the night before. Simply cover the uncooked rolls with plastic wrap and refrigerate. In the morning, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before dipping in the egg mixture and cooking. This makes them perfect for holiday mornings or when you have guests staying over.
Flavor Variations
The basic recipe is just the beginning. Try filling the rolls with cream cheese and berry jam for a cheesecake version. Hazelnut spread with sliced bananas creates a decadent treat. Apple butter and cinnamon make a fall inspired variation that tastes like apple pie. The technique remains the same regardless of your chosen fillings just be careful not to overfill.
Serving Suggestions
While these rolls are delicious on their own, they reach new heights when served with complementary sides. Offer pure maple syrup for dipping, or create a peanut butter drizzle by warming 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of cream. Fresh berries provide a lovely contrast to the richness. For special occasions, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and call it dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Any leftover rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. The cinnamon sugar coating may absorb moisture during storage, so you might want to roll them in fresh cinnamon sugar after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use any type of bread for these rolls?
Soft sandwich bread works best for this recipe as it flattens easily and rolls up smoothly. Whole wheat or similar soft breads are good alternatives if preferred.
- → What type of peanut butter is recommended?
Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter work well. Choose based on personal preference for texture, but creamy spreads more evenly.
- → How can I make these rolls if I don’t eat Nutella?
You can substitute Nutella with any chocolate spread, or skip it entirely if you'd prefer a purely peanut butter filling.
- → Can I prepare these ahead of time?
It's best to prepare and cook these rolls fresh to maintain their crispy texture, but you can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead and cook them right before serving.
- → What can I pair with these rolls for serving?
Serve the rolls with a drizzle of maple syrup, melted peanut butter, or whipped cream. Fresh fruits like strawberries or bananas also pair wonderfully with them.
- → Can I skip the cinnamon sugar coating?
Yes, the cinnamon sugar coating is optional but highly recommended for added flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness level by using more or less sugar.