I stumbled upon the idea for these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins one Sunday morning when I craved the cozy comfort of French toast but didn’t want to stand at the stove. As I mixed the batter, the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and vanilla filled my kitchen, smelling like a weekend morning captured in a bowl. When they baked, the aroma intensified into something truly magical. Pulling a warm, golden muffin from the tin and rolling it in cinnamon sugar created a moment of pure, buttery bliss. It was the perfect solution: all the beloved flavor of French toast, baked into a portable, handheld delight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to fall in love with this recipe because it gives you all the nostalgic, cozy flavor of classic French toast without any of the fuss. No dipping, no frying, no juggling batches at the stove. They come together quickly in one bowl, bake up beautifully puffed and golden, and that final roll in cinnamon sugar creates a sweet, crackly crust that’s utterly irresistible. They’re perfect for feeding a crowd at brunch, for a make-ahead breakfast, or for a sweet snack that feels like a warm hug. They’re unbelievably easy and taste like you spent all morning in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup melted butter for brushing.
Each ingredient plays a specific role here. The combination of granulated and brown sugar gives depth and a hint of molasses richness. The cinnamon is non-negotiable for that signature French toast spice—don’t skimp! Using real melted butter (not oil) in the batter is key for that rich, bakery-style flavor and tender crumb. And for the milk, whole milk will give you the richest result, but 2% works perfectly well. That final butter brush and cinnamon sugar roll? That’s what transforms a simple muffin into a French toast replica. Trust me, do not skip that step.(See the next page below to continue…)