Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the ultimate feel-good breakfast treat — golden, buttery, and swirling with cozy cinnamon sweetness inside a handheld muffin! Imagine the plush richness of French toast married to the playful charm of a muffin, then crowned with a crunch of sugar and spice that will make you swoon. They’re the sort of recipe you’ll find yourself making whenever you want brunch to feel downright special or you have an excuse to treat yourself and your favorite people, no excuse needed.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins come together with just a handful of pantry staples — each one brings a little magic to the mix! From pillowy bread for perfect texture to aromatic cinnamon for irresistible flavor, every ingredient earns its place in these muffins.

Day-old brioche or challah bread (8 slices, cut into 1-inch cubes): The soft, eggy bread soaks up the custard beautifully and gives every muffin bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Large eggs (4): Provide the backbone of the custard and rich structure for the muffins.
Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess and moisture for a tender muffin interior.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup): Brings extra decadence and keeps the muffins luxuriously soft.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup for custard): Sweetens the mix so the muffins aren’t too sugary but perfectly balanced.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Warm, fragrant vanilla sharpens those classic French toast notes.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon for custard): Lends sweet spice to the base for that signature flavor.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to brighten and balance the overall taste.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted for drizzling): Adds richness and helps the tops brown beautifully.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup, for topping): Ensures an indulgently crunchy, sparkly cinnamon-sugar crown.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon, for topping): Intensifies that sweet spice in every bite.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted for dipping): Lets the cinnamon sugar topping cling perfectly and delivers extra buttery goodness.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Preheat Oven

First things first: get your kitchen ready! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. This ensures your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins pop out easily and bake to golden perfection without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Custard Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. This custard is the magic elixir that soaks into the bread and transforms it into French toast heaven. Take a moment to enjoy the aroma — it’s worth it!

Step 3: Soak the Bread Cubes

Add your cubed brioche or challah right into the custard once it’s smooth. Gently stir until all the pieces are coated, ensuring every inch of bread is ready to bake up creamy on the inside and golden on the outside. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes, giving the bread time to soak up all that silky custard.

Step 4: Fill and Prepare Muffin Cups

Divide the soaked bread mixture evenly among the 12 muffin cups, gently pressing down just a bit to compact. This creates muffins that hold their shape and deliver a plush texture inside. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over each to encourage browning and rich flavor as they bake.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes. The muffins should be puffy, golden on top, and set in the centers. Don’t be surprised if your kitchen fills with that irresistible cinnamon sugar fragrance!

Step 6: Mix Cinnamon Sugar Topping

While the muffins are baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar magic. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until thoroughly mixed. This topping is what gives Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins their signature spark and crunch.

Step 7: Dip, Roll, and Serve

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for just 5 minutes before removing them. Dip each top into the melted butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture so every bite has a sweet, slightly crunchy finish. Serve warm, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Garnishes

Dress up your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a swirl of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a light scattering of chopped toasted nuts can make your muffins extra eye-catching and delicious.

Side Dishes

These muffins shine on their own, but they’re fabulous with crisp bacon, breakfast sausage, or a side of creamy yogurt. Add scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a well-rounded brunch spread that feels both indulgent and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive brunch, arrange the muffins on a cake stand lined with parchment or tuck them in a basket with a gingham napkin for a cozy touch. You can even serve them as “French toast muffin sliders” with bacon and fruit tucked inside for a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftovers, keep your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. They’re great for grab-and-go breakfasts later in the week.

Freezing

To freeze, let the muffins cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months — just label and date the bag so you remember the treat waiting for you!

Reheating

To restore that fresh-baked magic, reheat muffins in a 300°F oven for about 8 minutes, or use an air fryer for an extra-crisp outside. For a super quick fix, a microwave works in a pinch, though the exterior won’t be as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast

Absolutely! Any sturdy, thick-cut bread will do the trick. Texas toast, French bread, or even a rustic white bread can soak up the custard and still bake up beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins gluten free?

Yes, using your favorite gluten free loaf (look for a firm, thick-cut variety) will yield a similar texture. Just keep an eye on moisture, as some gluten free breads absorb custard differently.

How can I keep the muffins from sticking to the pan?

Grease your muffin tin generously with nonstick spray or butter, or use parchment muffin liners for easy release. If you’re still concerned, running a thin spatula around the muffins after cooling helps pop them out without a fuss.

Can I assemble these the night before?

Definitely! You can soak the bread in the custard overnight, covered tightly in the fridge. In the morning, just give it a gentle stir, fill the muffin cups, and bake as directed for a stress-free brunch.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Feel free to cut back on sugar in the custard or topping to suit your preferences. The muffins will still have plenty of flavor from the cinnamon, vanilla, and buttery bread!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to turn even an ordinary morning into something memorable, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are guaranteed to do the trick. Give them a try and let their sweet, cozy warmth light up your breakfast table!

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on traditional French toast, baked into individual portions for a convenient and tasty breakfast or brunch treat. With a crispy cinnamon-sugar topping, these muffins are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread Cubes:

8 slices of day-old brioche or challah bread (cut into 1-inch cubes)

Custard Mixture:

4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Topping:

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for dipping)

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
Mix Custard: Whisk eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Add bread cubes, let sit for 10 minutes.
Fill Muffin Cups: Divide soaked bread into cups, press down, drizzle with melted butter. Bake 25-28 minutes.
Prepare Topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon. Coat baked muffins in melted butter, roll in sugar mixture.
Serve: Enjoy warm!