Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are tender, fluffy, and coated in a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like your favorite classic French toast. These warm, cozy muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an anytime snack, and they come together with simple pantry ingredients in under 40 minutes. The soft interior and crisp sugary top make them irresistible, especially when served with maple syrup, whipped cream, or fresh berries. They’re kid-friendly, beginner-friendly, and great for meal prep since they stay soft for days.
Ingredients
Muffins:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
Whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh berries, maple syrup, chopped nuts
Optional Substitutions:
Whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose flour
Brown sugar instead of white sugar
Almond or oat milk instead of dairy
Coconut oil instead of butter for dairy-free
Pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, milk, eggs, nutmeg, and vanilla until smooth. Add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid making the muffins dense.
Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
In a shallow bowl, mix the 1/2 cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Dip the tops of the warm muffins into the mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Return the muffins to the oven for 2–3 minutes to help the sugar crisp on top, then remove and let them cool slightly before serving.
How to Serve Them
Serve these muffins warm for the best texture. You can enjoy them plain or elevate them with a drizzle of maple syrup, a swirl of whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries. They pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and work beautifully as part of a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, or yogurt.
Storage and Reheating
Store completely cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the muffins for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave for 10–12 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to bring back the crisp cinnamon-sugar top.
Tips for Best Results
Don’t over-mix the batter or the muffins will turn out tough. Make sure spices are fresh for maximum flavor. For an even better coating, brush the muffin tops lightly with melted butter before dipping them into the cinnamon sugar. A cookie scoop helps create evenly sized muffins.
Recipe Variations
Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist, or fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Create apple cinnamon muffins by mixing in small diced apples. For something extra indulgent, fill the center with a small spoonful of cream cheese before baking. You can also make these muffins gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my muffins turn out fluffy?
You may have over-mixed the batter or baked them too long. Mix only until combined and check early for doneness.
Can I prepare these ahead?
Yes. They stay soft for days and also freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep.
Can I change ingredients?
Yes, you can swap the milk for non-dairy, replace butter with coconut oil, or use gluten-free flour if needed.
