This recipe has quickly become a family favorite. The kids, of course, are obsessed. My husband? He says it’s the perfect combination of sweet and comforting. I love it because it’s relatively easy to make, and it feels like such a treat without being overly complicated.
I’ll admit, the first time, I totally burned the bottom. I got distracted by a phone call (mom life, right?) and didn’t check on them soon enough. But hey, we’ve all been there! That’s when I learned the importance of keeping a close eye on these babies, especially towards the end of baking.
Fitting this recipe into our busy family life is all about prep. I sometimes assemble the rolls the night before and then just bake them in the morning. Total lifesaver on busy school mornings!
Trust me, once you try these peanut butter cup french toast rolls, they’ll become a staple in your breakfast rotation. Get ready for some serious smiles around the table!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delectable treats:
- 1 loaf of Brioche or Challah bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices (I always use Brioche; it’s so rich and buttery, it just takes these rolls to the next level!)
- 8-10 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, halved or quartered (My favorite brand is definitely Reese’s! You can find the miniature ones are perfect or the regular ones for a bigger burst of flavor.
- 4 large eggs (Here’s a trick I learned from my mom: let the eggs come to room temperature for a fluffier French toast.)
- 1 cup milk (I always use whole milk for extra richness, but you can use any milk you prefer.)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (This adds a wonderful velvety texture!)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (A touch of sweetness is essential.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (I always use pure vanilla extract – it makes a huge difference!)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Adds a warm, cozy flavor.)
- Pinch of salt (Balances the sweetness.)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (For brushing the baking dish and the rolls.)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (Optional, but it makes them look so pretty!)
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (Optional, but highly recommended!)
Shopping tip: You can often find Brioche or Challah bread at your local bakery or even in the bakery section of your grocery store. If you can’t find it, a good quality Texas toast works well too.
Here’s a cost-saving tip: Buy the large bag of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups from a wholesale club like Costco or Sam’s Club. You can store the extras in the freezer, and they’ll be ready for your next batch of these rolls (or, you know, for snacking!).
Storage tip for leftover ingredients: Make sure to store your leftover milk and heavy cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of peanut butter cup french toast rolls:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter. I learned the hard way – don’t skip the greasing, or the rolls will stick!
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; they’ll dissolve as you dip the bread.
- Take one slice of bread and gently flatten it slightly with a rolling pin. This makes it easier to roll up. You don’t want to flatten it too much, just enough to make it more pliable.
- Place a few pieces of the peanut butter cup halves or quarters (depending on the size you’re using) along one edge of the flattened bread.
- Carefully roll up the bread, starting from the edge with the peanut butter cups, until you form a tight roll. You’ll know it’s ready when it holds its shape nicely.
- Dip each roll into the egg mixture, making sure to coat all sides. Let the excess drip off before placing the roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. I learned that if you don’t let the excess drip off, the rolls can get a little soggy.
- Repeat with the remaining bread slices and peanut butter cups, arranging the rolls snugly in the baking dish.
- Brush the tops of the rolls with the remaining melted butter. This helps them get a lovely golden-brown color.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and the egg mixture is set. In my kitchen, this usually takes about 28 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on them. It should smell like a warm bakery in your house!
- Let the peanut butter cup french toast rolls cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and drizzling with chocolate syrup, if desired. This is the hardest part because everyone is so eager to dig in!
While that’s cooking, I like to get the table set and maybe brew a pot of coffee. It makes the whole experience feel a little more special. And, if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can whip up some homemade whipped cream to serve on top.
Serving Ideas
Here are a few ways to enjoy these delightful rolls:
My family enjoys these peanut butter cup french toast rolls most with a simple side of fresh berries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the rolls perfectly.
This is perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday breakfast, or even a special weeknight treat. I’ve even made them for dessert! The kids love it when I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – pure indulgence!
I learned that arranging the rolls on a platter with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate syrup makes them look so elegant. It’s all about presentation, right?
If you have extras (which is rare in my house!), they’re delicious reheated in the microwave or oven. Just be careful not to overheat them, or the peanut butter cups will melt too much.
For a seasonal variation, try adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to the egg mixture in the fall. It adds a lovely warm flavor that’s perfect for the season. And during the holidays, I sometimes add a splash of peppermint extract to the chocolate syrup for a festive touch.
My friends always ask for the recipe when I make these for brunch. They’re always so impressed by how delicious and easy they are to make. I love seeing their faces light up when they take their first bite!
FAQs
Oh, I’m so glad you asked these questions! I get them all the time.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! While I prefer Brioche or Challah, you can use any sturdy bread you like. Texas toast, French bread, or even sourdough would work. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the filling. You know what I do when I only have regular sandwich bread? I layer two pieces on top of each other before flattening it!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls the night before and store them in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Then, bake them in the morning as directed. They might need a few extra minutes in the oven if they’re cold. I’ve done this so many times on busy mornings, and it’s a total lifesaver!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can substitute it with milk or half-and-half. The rolls won’t be quite as rich, but they’ll still be delicious. My mom always used milk, and they were still amazing.
Can I use different types of candy?
Of course! Get creative and use your favorite candies. Snickers, Milky Ways, or even chopped-up chocolate bars would be delicious. The possibilities are endless! My kids love experimenting with different fillings.
How do I prevent the rolls from getting soggy?
The key is to not over-soak the bread in the egg mixture. Dip each roll quickly and let the excess drip off before placing it in the baking dish. Also, make sure your oven is hot enough.
What if my peanut butter cups melt too much?
If the peanut butter cups start to melt too much while baking, simply tent the baking dish with foil. This will help to slow down the melting process. I learned this the hard way when I accidentally turned the oven up too high!
Can I freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze the baked rolls. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then warm them in the oven or microwave.
My Final Thoughts
These peanut butter cup french toast rolls are more than just a recipe; they’re a memory in the making. They represent those cozy weekend mornings, the laughter around the breakfast table, and the simple joy of sharing something delicious with the people you love. I hope they bring as much happiness to your family as they have to mine.
My Pro Tips:
- Use day-old bread: It soaks up the egg mixture better and doesn’t get as soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking dish: This ensures that the rolls bake evenly.
- Let the rolls cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar: Otherwise, the powdered sugar will melt.
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Nutella French Toast Rolls: Substitute Nutella for the peanut butter cups. My daughter is obsessed with these!
- Apple Cinnamon French Toast Rolls: Fill the rolls with diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar. My husband loves this version, especially in the fall.
- Strawberry Cream Cheese French Toast Rolls: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and chopped strawberries for a sweet and tangy filling. The kids devour these in the summertime!
I’d love to hear how you make these peanut butter cup french toast rolls your own! Do you add any special ingredients or toppings? Let me know in the comments below.
I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do. Happy cooking, friend!
Check out these related recipes, Peanut Butter Cup Cheesecake Brownies and Honey Butter Cornbread Popper Recipe and enjoy!
For perfect doneness, see Perfect Pasta Cooking Times. For more information about nutrition, see National Peanut Board: Peanut Butter Nutrition. Please check internal temps when baking, FoodSafety.gov: Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures
PrintPeanut Butter Cup French Toast Rolls: A Divine Breakfast Treat
These Peanut Butter Cup Rolls are a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream! Soft, fluffy rolls filled with peanut butter cups and topped with a chocolate ganache.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 rolls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) frozen sweet roll dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 12 miniature peanut butter cups, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking pan.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out each sweet roll into a 4-inch circle.
- Spread about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter onto each circle.
- Place a peanut butter cup in the center of each circle.
- Bring the edges of the dough up and around the peanut butter cup, pinching to seal.
- Place the rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the rolls are baking, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Remove from heat and add chocolate chips. Let stand for 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the warm rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips in the ganache. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped peanuts on top of the ganache.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: peanut butter, chocolate, rolls, sweet rolls, dessert