Okay, hear me out—cinnamon sugar French toast muffins might just be the best thing to ever happen to your breakfast table. I whipped up a batch last weekend with some leftover bread and a craving for something sweet. The result? Golden, fluffy bites with that dreamy cinnamon crunch on top. Think French toast meets bakery-style muffin… yeah, it’s that good.
These little guys are perfect for lazy mornings, Sunday brunch, or honestly—anytime you need a treat that feels cozy but takes barely any effort. If your kitchen needs to smell like a hug, cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are the answer. Let’s get into it, because trust me—you’re gonna wanna make these ASAP.
Why You’ll Love These Muffins
There’s just something magical about cinnamon sugar French toast muffins. They’re like warm comfort wrapped in a crispy, sweet shell—and they hit the spot every time. Whether you’re running late on a weekday or treating yourself on a slow Sunday, these muffins bring that sweet, cozy vibe without much fuss.
They’re great for picky eaters (yep, even the little ones), they reheat like a dream, and they honestly feel like something you’d grab from a fancy bakery. The best part? You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now. And once you taste these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins, you’ll wanna keep them on repeat.
Perfect for dipping in coffee or pairing with a sea moss smoothie, these muffins bring the kind of comfort that works for any vibe—sweet morning treat or feel-good snack break.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Simple Stuff, Big Flavor
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up cinnamon sugar French toast muffins. Most of this is already hangin’ out in your pantry or fridge. Just one look at this list and you’ll be like—yep, got it.
- 6 slices of thick bread (brioche or challah works great, but any sturdy bread will do)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives the richest flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for mixing)
For the topping:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pro Tip:
Day-old bread works best—it soaks up all that cinnamon-vanilla goodness without getting mushy. And trust me, the buttery cinnamon sugar topping is what gives cinnamon sugar French toast muffins their signature crunch and bakery vibe.
Step by step instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
1 Cube the Bread
Grab your bread and chop it into bite-sized cubes—think crouton size. Toss them into a big mixing bowl. For the best cinnamon sugar French toast muffins, slightly stale bread works like a charm.
2 Whisk the Wet Stuff
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything’s smooth and blended. This is your classic French toast custard—but muffin-style.
3 Combine It All
Pour that eggy goodness over the bread cubes and gently toss until every piece is soaked. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes so the bread really soaks it all in.
4 Scoop Into Muffin Tin
Spray your muffin tin (or grease it well). Scoop the soaked bread mixture into each cup, filling them pretty full. You want them piled high for that bakery muffin look.
5 Bake It
Pop ’em in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and the edges are just slightly crispy.
6 Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While they’re still warm, brush the tops with melted butter, then sprinkle (or roll!) each one in the cinnamon sugar mix. This final touch gives cinnamon sugar French toast muffins that iconic sweet crunch we all love.
Tips & Tricks
Make ’Em Ahead, Freeze for Later
If you’re like me and love having breakfast on standby, you’ll be happy to know these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins freeze really well. Just let them cool, wrap individually, and pop ’em in a freezer bag. Warm ’em up in the microwave or air fryer for a fresh-out-the-oven feel.
Don’t Skip the Butter & Sugar Finish
Seriously—don’t skip that buttery cinnamon sugar topping. It takes these muffins from good to “whoa, did you buy these?” level. The coating adds a light crunch and sweet finish that makes cinnamon sugar French toast muffins totally crave-worthy.
Best Bread = Best Texture
Use thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or even Texas toast. Avoid super soft sandwich bread—it turns mushy fast.
Want a Twist?
Add a handful of chopped pecans, swirl in some cream cheese, or drizzle with maple syrup for a little extra magic. You can even make a pumpkin spice version in the fall (yeah, I said it)
Variations & Substitutions
Make It Your Own, Muffin-Style
One of the best things about cinnamon sugar French toast muffins is how easy they are to tweak. Whether you’re working with what you’ve got or just wanna change it up, these swaps and twists totally work.
Bread Swaps
- Brioche or challah = rich and fluffy
- French bread = chewy and sturdy
- Croissants = buttery and indulgent
- Gluten-free bread = yes, it works! Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to soak up the custard
Dairy-Free Options
- Sub the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk
- Use plant-based butter for brushing the tops
Add-Ins That Work
- Chopped apples or pears
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- A little swirl of cream cheese or Nutella (don’t overdo it, just a dollop goes far)
Flavor Variations
- Add pumpkin spice in the fall
- Toss in orange zest for a citrus twist
- Top with crushed pecans for extra crunch
Honestly, cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are super forgiving—you can mix things up without messing them up. Just keep that base mix solid and have fun with the extras.
Storage Options
Keep ’Em Fresh, Toasty, and Ready to Go
Whether you’re meal-preppin’ for the week or just trying not to eat the whole batch in one go (we’ve all been there), here’s how to store your cinnamon sugar French toast muffins so they stay just as tasty the next day… or even next week.
Fridge
Let the muffins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3–4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds or pop in the toaster oven for a little crispiness.
Freezer
Want to freeze them? Do it! Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then toss into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight or microwave from frozen in short bursts.
Reheating Tips
To bring back that warm, bakery feel:
- Microwave: 25 seconds for soft and steamy
- Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes for crisp edges
- Oven: 300°F for 10 minutes if you’re reheating a bunch
No matter how you warm them up, cinnamon sugar French toast muffins taste just as amazing the second (or third) time around.
Frequently asked questions
How do you keep cinnamon from clumping in French toast batter?
Great question! Cinnamon tends to clump when it hits liquid because it doesn’t mix well with moisture right away. To fix that, whisk it into the sugar first—dry to dry. That way, when you add it to the milk and egg mix, it blends way smoother. This trick works great in the batter for cinnamon sugar French toast muffins, too!
What is the history of cinnamon sugar toast?
Cinnamon sugar toast has been around forever—like, since the Great Depression era in the U.S. It was a cheap, sweet treat made with basic pantry staples: bread, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Parents used it as a quick breakfast or snack, and honestly, it’s still just as comforting today. You’ll taste that same classic flavor baked into every bite of these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins.
What is the trivia about French toast?
Here’s a fun one: French toast actually isn’t French. It dates way back to Ancient Rome! The name “French toast” was first recorded in 17th-century England, and it likely got the “French” label from Americans who thought anything fancy or eggy must be French. Either way, it’s stuck—and thank goodness it did.
What is the difference between French toast and cinnamon French toast?
Standard French toast usually keeps it simple: eggs, milk, bread, and maybe a splash of vanilla. Cinnamon French toast kicks things up with—you guessed it—cinnamon and sugar added to the mix. It’s sweeter, spiced, and smells like comfort. That’s the flavor combo that inspired these muffins, making cinnamon sugar French toast muffins the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Alright, friend—if your mouth isn’t already watering, I don’t know what to tell ya. These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are everything we love about weekend breakfasts rolled into one sweet, easy bite. They’re quick to make, big on flavor, and honestly? They disappear fast. (Trust me—I’ve watched a whole tray vanish before my second coffee.)
Give these cinnamon sugar French toast muffins a shot and let me know how yours turn out! Leave a comment below, share with your brunch crew, or tag your kitchen wins on social. Happy baking—and even happier eating!
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