If you’re looking for a sweet, cozy, and make-ahead breakfast idea, look no further than these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins. They’re crispy on the outside, tender in the middle, and loaded with warm cinnamon flavor. Imagine all the comforting taste of traditional French toast—wrapped in a muffin form that’s perfect for brunch, holidays, or busy weekday mornings.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need: a step-by-step recipe, handy baking tips, variations, and answers to common questions. Let’s get started with your new favorite breakfast treat!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
These muffins are more than just delicious—they’re convenient, family-friendly, and full of comforting flavor. Here’s why you should add them to your breakfast rotation:
1. Perfect for Busy Mornings
When time is short, having breakfast ready to go is a lifesaver. These muffins are ideal for meal prep—you can bake a batch ahead of time, refrigerate or freeze them, and simply reheat them in seconds. Whether you’re heading out the door or preparing lunchboxes, this grab-and-go format is a winner.
2. Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved
These sweet breakfast muffins are a hit with kids and adults alike. The soft, pillowy texture and cinnamon sugar topping make them feel like a treat, while the wholesome ingredients make parents feel good about serving them.
For picky eaters or little hands, these mini French toast cups are easy to eat and even easier to love.
3. Comforting and Full of Flavor
Cinnamon and sugar are a timeless duo. When paired with vanilla-soaked bread and baked to golden perfection, the result is cozy, bakery-style muffins that smell incredible straight from the oven.
Not only do they taste like a warm hug, but they also make your kitchen smell like a cinnamon wonderland.
4. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients
You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Just basic pantry staples like bread, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar come together to create these muffin-style French toast bites. Simple, satisfying, and stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need for French Toast Muffins
Before jumping into the baking process, let’s take a closer look at what goes into these delicious muffins.
1. Basic Pantry Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a dozen Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins:
- 6 cups cubed bread (brioche, challah, or French bread recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1¼ cups milk (any type—whole, almond, oat, etc.)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing)
- Optional: a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth
Using day-old or slightly stale bread works best for this recipe, as it absorbs the custard more evenly without falling apart. Not sure what to do with leftover bread? Here are smart ways to use leftover bread beyond French toast muffins.
2. Topping Ideas
To elevate your muffins with extra flavor and crunch, consider these simple toppings:
- A mix of sugar and cinnamon for the classic finish
- A maple syrup drizzle for sticky sweetness
- A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist
3. Tools You’ll Need
You likely already have what you need in your kitchen:
- Standard muffin tin (12-cup)
- Mixing bowls and whisk
- Spatula or ladle
- Non-stick spray or muffin liners
If you’re making these for a crowd, using a silicone muffin pan can make cleanup even easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ready to bake? These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins come together in just a few easy steps. The process is similar to making classic French toast, but with a twist.
1. Prepare the Bread Base
- Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Lightly grease your muffin tin or line it with paper cups.
- Divide the bread cubes evenly among the 12 muffin cups, pressing them down gently to fit.
If you’re using extra-thick bread slices, give them a quick toast before cubing to ensure they soak up more custard.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Egg Custard for Your French Toast Muffins
In a large mixing bowl:
- Whisk together the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Then:
- Use a ladle or spoon to pour the mixture evenly over each muffin cup.
- Make sure all bread cubes are fully moistened.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the bread can absorb the mixture.
🥄 The soak time is crucial. It gives the muffins a creamy interior and prevents them from drying out during baking.
3. Top and Bake
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Sprinkle this mixture generously on top of each muffin for a sweet crust.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
4. Cool and Serve
- Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Serve warm, with optional toppings like syrup, powdered sugar, or fruit.
For a bakery-style presentation, add a drizzle of maple glaze right before serving.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
There’s more than one way to enjoy these French toast muffins. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or looking to wow guests at brunch, here are some creative twists:
1. Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Want to save time in the morning?
- Prepare the muffins the night before and refrigerate unbaked.
- In the morning, pop them in the oven while your coffee brews.
- Fully baked muffins can also be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
2. Flavor Variations for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Try these add-ins for a personalized twist:
- Fruits: blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins
- Chocolate chips for a dessert version
- Pumpkin puree + pumpkin pie spice for fall vibes
- Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a richer caramel note
Experimenting with different spices and mix-ins is a fun way to create seasonal versions of this classic.
3. Creative Ways to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Here are some creative ways to plate and serve your muffins:
- With a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a balanced breakfast
- On a brunch board with fruit, boiled eggs, and jam
- As a sweet side dish with savory omelets or breakfast sausage
- Packed in school lunchboxes for a midday surprise
Looking for another sweet treat to round out your brunch spread? Try these fun and easy white chocolate pretzels — they pair perfectly with coffee or fruit platters.
FAQs About Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Still have questions? Here are answers to the most common ones.
1. Can I Use Regular Bread to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Absolutely! Regular white or whole wheat bread works just fine. However, keep in mind that enriched breads like brioche offer a softer texture and richer taste.
2. How should I store leftover muffins?
Let the muffins cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven as needed.
3. Are these muffins dairy-free or gluten-free?
They can be!
- Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk
- Swap in gluten-free bread to accommodate gluten intolerance
- Use dairy-free butter substitutes as needed
4. Do I need to let the bread soak overnight?
No, although you certainly can. Letting the mixture rest for 10 minutes before baking gives the muffins great texture. Overnight soaking in the fridge will make them even more custardy and soft inside.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are everything you want in a breakfast: quick, cozy, versatile, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you serve them for Sunday brunch, weekday mornings, or as a sweet snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table.
So grab your muffin tin, preheat your oven, and let the scent of cinnamon sugar fill your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
Love cinnamon-forward recipes? Don’t miss our rich and indulgent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake — it’s a showstopper for holidays or weekend baking.