Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Ever wish you could enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of French toast without the hassle of standing over the stove? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect solution. With their soft, custardy center and golden, cinnamon-kissed coating, they bring all the goodness of classic French toast in a fun, bite-sized form.

Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy breakfast treat is perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or meal prep. Plus, they’re completely kid-friendly and customizable—add chocolate chips, drizzle with maple syrup, or enjoy them as they are! Once you try these sweet, buttery muffins, they’ll become a go-to favorite for the whole family. Let’s get baking.

Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

If you love French toast but want something quicker, easier, and more fun to eat, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are just what you need. They bring together all the classic flavors of French toast with the convenience of a grab-and-go muffin. Here’s why they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen:

Quick & Easy – Perfect for Busy Mornings

Forget standing over the stove flipping slices of bread—this recipe comes together in just 25 minutes! Simply mix the ingredients, fill a muffin tin, and let the oven do the work. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family, prepping for the week, or hosting brunch, these muffins make mornings easier without sacrificing flavor.

Perfect Texture – A Delightful Contrast

One of the best parts of these muffins is their incredible texture. The bread cubes soak up a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, making the inside soft, moist, and packed with flavor. Meanwhile, the tops get slightly crispy as they bake, creating that golden, caramelized bite that makes each muffin irresistible.

Kid-Friendly & Family Approved

Looking for a fun, mess-free breakfast the whole family will love? These French toast muffins are a guaranteed hit! Their handheld size makes them perfect for little hands, and they can be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of honey. Plus, they’re easy to reheat, so you can make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week.

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins combine the best of French toast and muffins into one delicious, easy-to-make treat. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a quick breakfast on the go, they’ll bring warmth and sweetness to your mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

To create the perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, you’ll need a few simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that soft, custardy center and crisp, cinnamon-sugar-coated top. Let’s break down the essentials:

Best Bread Choices for French Toast Muffins

The type of bread you use will make a big difference in the final texture. Here are the best options:

• Brioche: Buttery, soft, and slightly sweet, making it the ideal choice.
• Challah: Rich and airy, perfect for soaking up the custard.
• Thick-Cut White Bread: Holds up well without becoming too soggy.

If your bread is slightly stale, even better! It absorbs more of the custard mixture without falling apart, resulting in a better texture.

Egg Mixture – The Heart of the Recipe

The egg mixture is what gives these muffins their classic French toast flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Eggs: Helps bind everything together while adding richness.
• Milk: Creates a smooth custard; you can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.

For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup to the mixture.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating – The Perfect Finishing Touch

What makes these muffins truly irresistible is the buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. It gives them a slight crunch and a warm, sweet finish. You’ll need:

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star ingredient that brings warmth and flavor.
• Melted Butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds richness.

Once the muffins are baked, they’re brushed with melted butter and coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture. This step elevates the flavor and texture, making each bite absolutely delicious.

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to how to make these easy, flavorful muffins step by step.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins is incredibly easy, and the results are absolutely delicious. Follow these simple steps to create a warm, custardy muffin with a crisp cinnamon-sugar topping that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Start by choosing the right bread—brioche, challah, or thick-cut white bread work best. Then:

• Cut the bread into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
• If the bread is fresh, let it sit out for a few hours to dry slightly. Day-old bread absorbs the custard better and prevents soggy muffins.
• Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin to ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

This rich, flavorful custard gives the muffins their signature French toast texture. In a mixing bowl:

• Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon.
• For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of maple syrup.
• Make sure the mixture is well combined for even coating.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Now it’s time to bring everything together:

• Dip the bread cubes into the custard mixture, ensuring they’re fully soaked but not overly mushy.
• Evenly distribute the coated bread pieces into the prepared muffin tin. Press them down slightly to create compact muffins.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly crisp on top.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The final step makes these muffins truly irresistible:

• While the muffins are still warm, brush them with melted butter.
• In a separate bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon.
• Roll or sprinkle each muffin with the cinnamon sugar, coating them evenly.

Now, your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are ready to enjoy! Serve them warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.

Want to make these ahead? Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Tips & Variations for the Best Results

To make your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins truly stand out, here are some helpful tips and delicious variations. Whether you’re tweaking for dietary preferences or looking to add a creative twist, these ideas will elevate your muffin game.

Best Bread to Use

The bread you choose plays a huge role in the texture of your muffins. Here’s what you should know:

• Slightly stale bread is your best bet! Bread that’s a little dry will soak up more of the custard, ensuring a moist, flavorful muffin without getting soggy.
• Thick-cut brioche, challah, or white bread works best for a perfect balance of softness and sturdiness. But, any hearty, slightly dense bread will do the trick.
• If your bread is fresh, simply leave it out for a couple of hours to dry a bit before using it.

Make It Dairy-Free

For those who need or prefer a dairy-free version, this recipe is fully adaptable:

• Swap milk for almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk you prefer.
• Use a dairy-free butter substitute when brushing the muffins with melted butter.
• These substitutions maintain the muffins’ richness while making them suitable for those with lactose intolerances or dietary preferences.

Add-Ons & Mix-Ins

Take these muffins to the next level with exciting add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get your creativity flowing:

• Chocolate chips: For a sweet, indulgent twist that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness to each bite.
• Maple syrup drizzle: After baking, drizzle a little maple syrup on top for extra sweetness and a lovely finish.
• Fresh fruit: For a light, refreshing option, add berries to the muffin tin before baking. They’ll burst and add a nice contrast to the sweetness.

Pro Tip: To ensure your mix-ins are evenly distributed, fold them into the custard mixture before soaking the bread cubes. This will prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensure every muffin gets a bit of that extra flavor.

By following these tips and experimenting with variations, you can customize your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins to fit your preferences. Enjoy the process and make these muffins your own.

How to Store & Reheat Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat them for the best results, so you can enjoy these delicious treats even on busy mornings.

Storing

To keep your muffins fresh and ready to eat, follow these simple steps:

• Airtight Container: Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their flavor and texture.
• Paper Towel Trick: Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture. This keeps the muffins from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for longer, freezing them is a great option. Here’s how to do it:

• Freeze Individually: To prevent the muffins from sticking together, freeze them individually on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Storage Time: They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them.

Reheating for the Best Texture

Nothing beats the warmth and crispness of freshly baked muffins. To restore that perfect texture:

• Oven Reheating: For a crispy exterior, reheat the muffins in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will bring back their golden-brown finish and keep the inside soft and custardy.
• Microwave: If you’re in a rush, you can microwave the muffins for about 20-30 seconds. They’ll be soft and ready to enjoy, though the exterior won’t be as crispy.

Meal Prep Tip

Want to save time in the mornings? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are great for meal prep! Here’s a simple tip:

• Make Ahead: Prepare the muffins the night before and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast option that’s ready in minutes.

By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for days to come—whether you’re savoring them fresh or reheated.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a breakfast or snack that’s soft on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and bursting with that classic cinnamon-sugar sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a quick morning treat or preparing them ahead of time for a busy week, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family.

So, why not give them a try? I’m sure once you taste these muffins, you’ll be hooked! Share your creations and experiences with me—I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Happy baking.

FAQs

Can you use cinnamon sugar for French toast?
Absolutely! Cinnamon sugar is a perfect addition to French toast. When you coat your French toast with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, it adds a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor that elevates the dish. You can also sprinkle it on top of your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for an extra touch of sweetness.

How do you make easy French toast cups?
Making easy French toast cups is as simple as using a muffin tin! Start by cutting your bread into small cubes and soaking them in a custard mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla. Once soaked, place the bread into muffin cups and bake until golden and crispy. These individual French toast cups are the perfect bite-sized option.

What is the trick to French toast?
The trick to perfect French toast lies in the custard mixture! The right balance of eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of cinnamon creates a rich base that makes the bread soft and flavorful on the inside, while still being golden and slightly crispy on the outside. Don’t forget to use thick-cut bread for optimal texture.

Do you toast muffins?
Typically, muffins are baked rather than toasted, but if you want to add a bit of crispness to the top of your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, feel free to toast them lightly in the oven for a few minutes. This adds a nice crunch to the exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.