Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful treat that brings all the cozy flavors of classic French toast into a fun, portable form. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these muffins are soft and tender on the inside with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating on top. They’re a great way to enjoy that comforting cinnamon warmth, with a bit of extra flair.
Making these muffins is as easy as it is rewarding. The batter comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and a hint of vanilla. A touch of nutmeg adds a warm, spiced depth that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon in the batter. Once baked to golden perfection, the muffins are dipped in a cinnamon-sugar mixture while still warm, giving them that irresistible, sweet crust that makes every bite a delight.
For an added twist, you can pop them back into the oven for a couple of minutes after coating to get an extra crispy top. Serve them warm, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a true French toast experience. Whether enjoyed on their own or alongside fresh berries, these muffins are sure to become a favorite treat that you’ll want to make again and again!
Why You’ll Love It:
Perfect for Busy Mornings: These muffins can be prepped in advance, making them a lifesaver on hectic mornings. Just warm them up, and you’re ready to go!
French Toast Meets Muffins: Enjoy the comforting, warm flavors of French toast in a portable muffin form. The cinnamon sugar coating gives it that classic, sweet crust.
Kid-Friendly: These muffins are sure to be a hit with kids (and adults too!). They’re sweet but not overly so, making them a delightful breakfast or snack.
Versatile Toppings: Whether you prefer whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of maple syrup, these muffins can be dressed up or kept simple—your choice!
Key Ingredients:
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the muffins, providing structure. For a slightly nuttier flavor, you can substitute up to half of the flour with whole wheat flour.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the batter and creates a perfect cinnamon-sugar coating. If you prefer a richer taste, try swapping half of the granulated sugar for brown sugar.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give the muffins their classic warm flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg offers a more intense, aromatic touch if you have it on hand.
Unsalted Butter: Melted butter provides richness. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter.
Milk: Any milk will work here—dairy or non-dairy (like almond or oat milk). The choice depends on your dietary preference.
Vanilla Extract: A small amount of vanilla extract enhances the sweet, warm flavors. If you want to experiment, try using maple extract for a twist.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Muffins
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Batter
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. This forms the dry base of your muffin batter.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the muffins light and fluffy.
Step 2: Cook the Muffins
Fill the Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full to allow for rising.
Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. The muffins should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Cool: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This will give the muffin tops a sweet, crunchy finish.
Coat the Muffins: While the muffins are still warm, dip the tops into the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well, adding an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Step 4: Make it Crispy
Crisp the Tops: For a crispy finish, return the muffins to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch them closely to prevent overbaking, which can dry them out.
Serving Suggestions:
These muffins are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your breakfast:
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy touch, turning these muffins into a decadent dessert.
Drizzle with Maple Syrup: For the ultimate French toast vibe, a little maple syrup pairs perfectly with the warm cinnamon flavors.
Serve with Fresh Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries add a burst of freshness and balance the sweetness.
Pair with a Latte or Hot Chocolate: These muffins are excellent alongside your favorite warm beverage. Try pairing them with a spiced chai latte for a cozy fall treat.
Storage/Meal Prep Tips:
Storing: Keep any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain their crispy tops, leave the container slightly open to avoid trapping moisture.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the muffins individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Bake them fresh in the morning for warm, fluffy muffins with minimal morning effort.
