Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Category: Morning Meals Worth Getting Out of Bed For

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins deliver the comfort of classic morning flavors in an easy-to-serve muffin form. Each one features a soft, buttery crumb coated with cinnamon sugar, creating a sweet and lightly crisp exterior. The batter blends pantry staples like flour, eggs, milk, and fragrant cinnamon for a quick bake. To finish, a brush of melted butter ensures the cinnamon sugar clings to the tops, giving that signature French toast hint. Serve these warm for the best texture—ideal for breakfast spreads, brunch with friends, or a sweet afternoon treat. They freeze and reheat beautifully too.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 23 Jul 2025 20:22:06 GMT
A stack of cinnamon muffins on a plate. Save
A stack of cinnamon muffins on a plate. | lilicooks.com

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are the answer for cozy mornings when you want a little sweetness without standing at the stove. The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery crumb brings classic French toast flavor into a muffin form that is both portable and irresistible.

I first made this after a weekend sleepover and now it is my go to breakfast surprise for guests Everyone loves them warm right from the oven and the smell of cinnamon always draws a crowd

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: gives the muffins their soft structure and base Look for unbleached for a more tender crumb
  • Baking powder: adds height and fluffiness to the muffins Check the expiration date for best lift
  • Baking soda: balances the acid in the batter and helps browning Combine with the milk for extra rise
  • Salt: boosts all the sweet flavors Use fine salt for even mixing
  • Cinnamon: brings that classic French toast flavor Choose Ceylon if you want a softer spice
  • Granulated sugar: sweetens and helps with browning Also used for that crispy topping
  • Brown sugar: adds moisture and a rich molasses note Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor
  • Unsalted butter: melted butter keeps the crumb moist Go for quality butter for a better taste
  • Eggs: bind everything together and add richness Use large eggs at room temperature
  • Milk: thins the batter just enough to make it scoopable Whole milk gives a richer taste
  • Vanilla extract: adds warmth and a cozy aroma Pure extract gives the best flavor
  • Melted butter for brushing: helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the muffin tops Brush while warm for best coverage
  • Cinnamon sugar mix: the final sugary crunch that mimics French toast Use superfine sugar for an even coat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat The Oven:
Set the oven to three hundred fifty degrees and prep your muffin tin with liners or a light coat of oil to prevent sticking
Mix The Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl combine flour baking powder baking soda salt and cinnamon whisking until evenly blended
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl stir the melted butter with the white and brown sugar until smooth then add in the eggs milk and vanilla mixing until fully incorporated
Bring The Batter Together:
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients stirring gently with a spatula until no dry spots remain without overmixing
Bake The Muffins:
Divide the batter evenly into each muffin cup filling about three quarters full then bake for about twenty minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
Mix The Topping:
While the muffins are baking stir cinnamon and sugar together in a small bowl and set aside
Top The Muffins:
Once the muffins are out and slightly cooled brush the tops with melted butter and immediately dip them into the cinnamon sugar coating evenly
Serve Warm:
Enjoy these warm with coffee or juice and watch them disappear fast
A stack of three cupcakes with sugar on top. Save
A stack of three cupcakes with sugar on top. | lilicooks.com

Cinnamon is my favorite here because it instantly reminds me of weekends at home with warm tea and cozy blankets My kids always asked for seconds when these were on the table and it has become our weekend tradition

Storage Tips

Keep any extra muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days If you want them warm just microwave for ten seconds Muffins can be frozen without the topping and you can brush them with butter and cinnamon sugar after thawing for that fresh just baked crunch

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond or oat milk to make these dairy free Vegan butter works for both the batter and brushing Try coconut sugar for a different sweetness or replace some flour with whole wheat if you like a heartier bite

A plate of sugar coated donuts. Save
A plate of sugar coated donuts. | lilicooks.com

Serving Suggestions

These are great served alongside scrambled eggs or fruit for a full breakfast For extra indulgence slice them in half and spread with cream cheese They make the perfect brunch treat especially with hot coffee or freshly squeezed juice

Cultural Context

French toast style flavors have a classic American comfort that everyone seems to know These muffins deliver those familiar notes of cinnamon vanilla and warmth in every bite It is like having the nostalgia of weekend breakfasts in a portable easy to share form

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake these muffins in advance and reheat just before serving. For the best texture, apply the butter and cinnamon sugar after reheating.

→ Is it possible to substitute whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture, but the muffins may be denser compared to using all-purpose flour.

→ How can I make these dairy-free?

Replace the milk with almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter alternative for both the batter and for brushing the tops.

→ Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, freeze them without the cinnamon sugar topping. Add fresh butter and sugar coating after reheating for best results.

→ What mix-ins go well in these muffins?

Try chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture—fold them into the batter before baking.

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast

Tender muffins brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar—enjoy a classic breakfast twist, fresh and warm.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 12 Serves (12 muffins)

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Dry Ingredients

01 All-purpose flour
02 Baking powder
03 Baking soda
04 Salt
05 Ground cinnamon

→ Wet Ingredients

06 Granulated sugar
07 Brown sugar
08 Unsalted butter, melted
09 Eggs, large
10 Whole milk
11 Vanilla extract
12 Additional melted butter for brushing

→ Topping

13 Cinnamon sugar mix

Steps

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a muffin tin with liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, stir the melted butter with the granulated and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 04

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 05

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

While the muffins bake, mix the cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 07

Once the muffins have slightly cooled, brush their tops with melted butter and dip them into the cinnamon sugar until evenly coated.

Step 08

Enjoy the muffins warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips

  1. Do not overmix the batter as it may lead to dense muffins.
  2. Brush the muffins with butter while they are still warm to ensure the cinnamon sugar adheres better.
  3. Use fresh cinnamon for a brighter and more intense flavor.

Required Tools

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Pastry brush
  • Toothpick

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten from all-purpose flour.
  • Contains dairy from milk and butter.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Proteins: 3 g