If you love the flavors of French toast but want something handheld and perfectly portioned, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate breakfast treat. Soft, fluffy muffins coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar mixture bring all the warmth and comfort of classic French toast in a convenient, grab-and-go form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-morning snack, they’re simple to make yet feel indulgent and special.
With a lightly crisp exterior and tender, fluffy interior, these muffins are a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. The sweet cinnamon-sugar coating gives every bite that nostalgic French toast flavor without the fuss of frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Handheld French toast: All the flavor in muffin form.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Soft and fluffy: Light texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or berries for extra fun.
- Vegetarian-friendly: A sweet breakfast everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Forms the base of the muffins, keeping them soft yet structured. - ½ teaspoon baking powder
Helps the muffins rise and become fluffy. - ½ teaspoon baking soda
Adds extra lift and tenderness. - ¼ teaspoon salt
Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor. - ½ cup granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter evenly. - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Adds richness and moist texture. - 2 large eggs
Bind the ingredients and give structure. - 1 cup milk
Keeps the muffins moist and tender. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Enhances sweetness and aroma. - ¼ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Creates the sweet, crunchy topping. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Brings that signature French toast flavor. - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Helps the cinnamon-sugar stick and adds richness.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Prep the Oven and Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep muffins light and fluffy.
Bake
Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Once muffins have cooled for 5 minutes, brush the tops with melted butter and dip each into the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat evenly.
Serve
Serve the muffins warm for the best texture and flavor. Optionally, drizzle with maple syrup for an extra sweet touch.
Tips for Success
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins tender.
- Cool slightly before coating to prevent sugar from melting off.
- Use fresh cinnamon for the most aromatic flavor.
Equipment Needed
- 12-cup muffin tin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or spoon
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate chip: Fold mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Berry muffins: Add blueberries or chopped strawberries for fruity flavor.
- Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- Maple glaze: Drizzle with a simple maple glaze instead of coating with cinnamon sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these muffins with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a complete breakfast experience.
FAQs
Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes, bake ahead and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze cooled muffins in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I use plant-based milk or butter?
Absolutely. Use your preferred dairy alternatives to make them vegan-friendly.
How do I get a crisp coating?
Brush the muffins with melted butter while warm and coat immediately with cinnamon sugar.
Can I make mini muffins?
Yes, adjust baking time to 12–15 minutes for smaller muffins.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful, easy way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of French toast in a portable, family-friendly form. Soft, sweet, and lightly spiced, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. Try this recipe for a quick homemade treat that’s sure to impress!
Print
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 muffins
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are delightful, fluffy muffins coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring just until incorporated.
- Spoon batter evenly into muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
- Bake 18–20 minutes until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon for coating. Allow muffins to cool 5 minutes.
- Brush muffin tops with melted butter and dip into cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.
- Serve warm, optionally with maple syrup.
Notes
- Do not overmix batter for fluffier muffins.
- Store in airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Can be frozen; reheat in oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American