Kate Walton
Golden, fluffy, and kissed with a warm cinnamon sugar crust, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are like biting into a cozy Sunday morning. With a moist interior that tastes just like classic French toast and a sweetly spiced exterior that crunches ever so slightly, these muffins deliver all the comfort of your favorite breakfast dish in an easy, handheld treat.
Perfect for busy mornings, brunch parties, or a late-night craving, these muffins are baked to perfection in under 30 minutes and are wonderful fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Dust them with powdered sugar or dip the tops in melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mixture for an indulgent twist.
What Kind of Bread Should I Use?
While many French toast recipes call for day-old brioche or challah, these muffins skip the bread entirely! Instead, we capture the rich, custardy flavor of French toast using simple pantry ingredients. If you like a hint of chewiness or want to repurpose leftover bread, you can gently fold small cubes of brioche into the batter for added texture.
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides the base and structure for the muffins.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the cinnamon flavor.
- Baking Powder: Gives the muffins a good rise and light texture.
- Salt: Enhances the other flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Ground Cinnamon: Delivers the signature French toast spice.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and create a soft, rich crumb.
- Milk: Keeps the muffins moist and adds creaminess to the texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and a hint of warmth to the flavor profile.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the muffins.
- Powdered Sugar (optional): For dusting on top as a sweet finishing touch.
How To Make the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with paper liners. This prevents sticking and helps with easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these first ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs and then whisk in the milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Do not overmix—a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep the muffins tender.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with a little melted butter and sprinkle with a cinnamon-sugar mixture (optional but highly recommended). Let them cool slightly in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve and Store Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Serve these muffins warm from the oven with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a brunch-worthy treat. They also pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or chai latte for an afternoon pick-me-up.
To store, let the muffins cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the muffins in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make the cinnamon sugar topping stick?
The easiest way is to brush the tops of the warm muffins with melted butter right out of the oven and then dip or sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar.
Can I make these muffins dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk and a vegan butter substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Do these muffins taste like traditional French toast?
Yes! The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and eggs in the batter gives them that classic French toast flavor, just in muffin form.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Can I add mix-ins like raisins or chocolate chips?
Sure! Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins to the batter before baking.
What if I don’t have muffin liners?
Just grease the muffin tin well with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
Description
A cozy mashup of classic French toast and tender muffins, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a warm, spiced treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. Moist on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, they’re finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter (plus extra for topping)
- Cinnamon sugar mixture (for topping)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, then add milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix gently until combined.
- Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake 18–22 minutes or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- While warm, brush muffin tops with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Cool slightly in pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast