Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins : Perfect Dish Breakfast

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent breakfast that comes together with everyday ingredients and minimal cleanup, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are everything you need. With warm cinnamon, sweet sugar, and that classic French toast flavor baked into individual muffins, this recipe is the perfect solution for busy mornings, festive brunches, or any time you want to treat yourself without turning on the stove.

This recipe fits the bill for so many occasions—from Easy Muffin Breakfast Ideas to Breakfast Party Recipes and even thoughtful Mother’s Day Breakfast Easy menus. Plus, they’re portable, kid-friendly, and can be made ahead, making them one of the best options for a good brunch food that feels homemade, comforting, and a little bit fancy.

Let’s break down exactly how to make these delicious breakfast muffins from scratch, what tools you need, and how to personalize them for every season or special occasion.

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What Are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?

These muffins are a hybrid between classic French toast and soft, tender breakfast pastries. Cubed bread is soaked in a cinnamon-vanilla custard, portioned into muffin cups, baked until golden, and then rolled or sprinkled in a cinnamon-sugar mixture. The result is a soft, slightly crispy-on-the-edges muffin that tastes like a warm, handheld bite of French toast.

Unlike traditional French toast that requires griddling each slice individually, this easy one dish breakfast recipe allows you to make an entire batch at once—with no standing over the stove or flipping required.

They’re just as ideal for cozy weekends as they are for easy grab n go breakfast options you can reheat during the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need (With Measurements)

This recipe uses pantry staples and simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 12 muffins:

• 6 cups cubed day-old bread (such as brioche, challah, or French bread)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

You can use a mix of white and brown sugar for added depth or adjust the cinnamon level to your liking.

For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based milk and butter. The result is still rich and delicious.

Recommended Kitchen Tools for Easy One Dish Breakfast Baking

Here are the tools you’ll need for this recipe:

• Standard 12-cup muffin tin
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Pastry brush (for buttering)
• Wire cooling rack

Using a non-stick muffin pan or greasing each cup well is key to ensuring easy removal of each muffin.

Parchment muffin liners can also be helpful if you want a less-mess cleanup.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the bread
Cube your bread into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). If your bread is fresh, you can lightly toast it in the oven at 300°F for 5–10 minutes to dry it out slightly.

Step 2: Make the custard
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Soak the bread
Add the cubed bread to the custard and toss gently until fully coated. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the bread can soak up the mixture.

Step 4: Fill the muffin tin
Grease a standard muffin tin well or line it with paper liners. Spoon the soaked bread into each cup, packing it in slightly but not overfilling.

Step 5: Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the muffins for 25–30 minutes or until the tops are golden and the custard is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.

Step 6: Add cinnamon sugar topping
While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle or roll in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 7: Serve and enjoy
Let cool slightly before serving. These are best warm but still delicious at room temperature.

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Tips for the Best French Toast Muffins Every Time

Use sturdy, slightly stale bread. Softer, fresh bread may become too soggy and lose texture.

Don’t skip the soak. Giving the bread time to absorb the custard ensures a rich, even flavor in every bite.

Bake until golden. You want a light crunch on the top and a soft interior, just like classic French toast.

Brush with butter while warm. It helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a luxurious bakery-style finish.

Use a cooling rack to prevent sogginess on the bottom of the muffins after baking.

These little touches will turn your muffins from good to bakery-quality brunch ideas dessert.

Easy Muffin Breakfast Ideas and Flavor Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Fruity twists:

• Add diced apples, bananas, or blueberries to the bread mixture before baking.
• Top with a spoonful of strawberry jam after baking.

Decadent versions:

• Mix in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of Nutella.
• Add a cream cheese filling for a stuffed muffin.

Savory spins:

• Skip the sugar and cinnamon, and try mixing in cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, or green onions.

Holiday-inspired:

• Use pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon for fall flavor.
• Drizzle with maple glaze for a festive brunch dish.

With these ideas, you can keep reinventing this muffin base for every season and taste preference.

How to Serve for Brunch, Breakfast Parties, and Holidays

These muffins are a standout addition to any breakfast party recipes or pastry brunch ideas. Here’s how to serve them in style:

For casual mornings:
Pair with fresh fruit, yogurt, or hard-boiled eggs for a balanced breakfast.

For brunch spreads:
Display on a tiered serving tray alongside muffins, pastries, and mini quiches.

For special occasions:
Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup or warm caramel sauce.

For dessert:
Top with whipped cream and berries for a sweet treat that bridges breakfast and dessert—perfect for brunch ideas dessert menus.

These muffins are also great for gifting during holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

These muffins store and reheat beautifully, making them an ideal easy grab n go breakfast option.

To store:
Place cooled muffins in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for 1–2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

To reheat:
Microwave individual muffins for about 15–20 seconds until warmed through. You can also reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes.

To freeze:
Wrap each muffin in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave directly from frozen.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Muffin)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one muffin:

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Cholesterol: 60 mg
Sodium: 140 mg
Carbohydrates: 23 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 10 g
Protein: 5 g
Calcium: 6% DV
Iron: 8% DV

Nutrition will vary depending on bread type and toppings used. You can lighten this recipe by using low-fat milk and reducing sugar slightly.

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Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins FAQ

Can I make these muffins the night before?
Yes, assemble and soak the bread the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake fresh in the morning.

What type of bread is best?
Brioche, challah, and French bread are ideal. They’re rich, sturdy, and soak up custard beautifully.

Can I use non-dairy milk?
Absolutely. Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well in this recipe.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.

Do they need to be refrigerated after baking?
If not eaten within 24 hours, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

How can I make them extra crispy?
Try baking a few extra minutes and broiling the tops briefly. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts and Encourage Sharing

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are proof that simple ingredients can turn into something truly special. From holiday mornings to everyday routines, this recipe covers all the bases: it’s warm, comforting, portable, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Perfect as part of your Mother’s Day Breakfast Easy menu or served at your next brunch gathering, these muffins are sure to impress without the stress.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends, save it to your favorite breakfast boards, and subscribe to our blog for more cozy, delicious, and family-friendly breakfast recipes.

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