Amazing cinnamon sugar french toast muffins 1

Hi, I’m Alex, and I am so incredibly thrilled you stopped by for this one. If you’ve ever wished you could bottle up that cozy feeling of a weekend brunch—you know, the soft sweet center of French toast with that irresistible crunchy cinnamon sugar exterior—but needed a better way for busy mornings, then you’ve hit the jackpot. Seriously, these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins are the answer to everything! When I first started finding joy in transforming simple batters into something amazing, recipes like this proved that comfort food doesn’t need complicated techniques. I really hope you explore more of what we’re doing here at Pure Cooking Joy to find that same peace in your kitchen as I did. Trust me, these deliver that pure cooking joy in every single bite.

Why You Will Love These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

I created this recipe because sometimes you just don’t want to stand over a hot skillet waiting for every slice to get golden brown. These muffins fix that problem completely!

• They deliver that classic French toast flavor profile without the frying pan—making them the ultimate no fry french toast alternative.
• The texture is unbelievably soft and fluffy inside, living up to our promise of fluffy morning treats.
• They are genuinely easy breakfast muffins; you mix everything in two bowls!
• They freeze beautifully, which makes them the perfect option for a quick grab and go breakfast later in the week.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Okay, listen up, because the key to getting that unbelievably soft crumb—that truly satisfying tender muffin recipe feel—comes down to making sure you have these exact things ready to go. We have two sections: what goes into the actual muffin and the magical coating that goes on top afterward. I know it seems like extra steps, but dipping them after they bake is what makes them taste like actual French toast, not just cinnamon muffins. Trust me on this; using day-old bread cubes is cheating, but in the best way possible!

For the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Batter

We need a good base here. Make sure your milk and egg aren’t ice-cold; room temperature stuff mixes way better.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (this sweetens the batter itself)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for the inside flavor)
• 1 large egg (make sure this is whisked lightly first)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cubed day-old bread (optional, but it’s my little secret for *texture*!)

For the Best Cinnamon Sugar Topping

This part is critical for that gorgeous, sparkly exterior. The butter dip is non-negotiable if you want the sugar to cling properly. That golden outer layer is what seals in the moisture and gives you the flavor payoff. It leads to the best cinnamon sugar topping, hands down. If you want to see how I make other quick, fluffy baked goods, check out my guide on easy French toast—the flavor profile is similar!

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (reserved specifically for the topping)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (reserved for mixing with the topping sugar)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for dipping before coating)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

This guide is laid out so you can whip these up before the kettle even finishes boiling! Remember, baking should be fun, not frantic. You’ve got this. If you’re looking for more joyful baked items, I have another great recipe for French toast muffins that follows a similar, simple vibe.

Preparation and Mixing the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Batter

First things first: crank that oven up to 375°F (190°C) while you get your ingredients organized. Line up 12 muffin cups—paper liners are my favorite for easy clean-up. Now, we mix dry things in the biggest bowl you have: flour, the first measure of sugar, leaveners, salt, and that teaspoon of cinnamon. Just give it a quick whisk. In a smaller bowl, whisk your egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla together until they stop looking suspicious. Pour the wet into the dry ingredients—and this is key for getting those easy breakfast muffins fluffy—mix only until you see the flour disappear. A few lumps are totally fine! If you’re using those day-old bread cubes, fold those guys in now. Don’t go crazy stirring!

Baking and Creating the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Scoop your beautiful batter into the cups, filling them about two-thirds full. Send them into the hot oven for about 16 to 19 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top springs back lightly when you poke it, or your toothpick comes out clean. While they are baking, prepare your topping station! Mix the topping sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Once the muffins are out, let them sit in the pan for just two minutes—we want them warm, not burning hot. Dip the top of each muffin into your melted butter first, making sure the whole top is coated. Immediately—and this is what defines these cinnamon sugar french toast muffins—press that buttery top right into your cinnamon sugar mixture. It should stick right away! Place them on a rack to finish cooling slightly.

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Expert Tips for Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

I learned the hard way that muffins and tenderness require a gentle hand. When I first tried this recipe, I got impatient and mixed the batter until it was completely smooth. Big mistake! That resulted in 12 dense, rubbery hockey pucks that tasted fine but certainly weren’t the fluffy morning treats I was aiming for. Don’t let that happen to you!

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My rule now is simple: stop mixing the moment you can’t see dry streaks of flour anymore. A few lumps mean you’re right on track for that soft, custardy interior we want in a tender muffin recipe. The butter also needs to be properly melted but cool enough that it doesn’t cook the egg when you mix it in. That perfect temperature check is key to that beautiful rise.

Also, don’t skip the day-old bread if you can help it! It absorbs some of that custard batter while baking, giving you that authentic, slightly spongy texture that screams French toast. If you want to see how I handle getting pancakes super fluffy, you might find some overlapping tips about gentle mixing in my fluffy pancake guide!

Variations on Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

Part of pure cooking joy is making a recipe *yours*, right? These cinnamon sugar french toast muffins are fantastic as written, but they are also absolute sponges ready for a little creative flair. Don’t feel like you have to stick just to the recipe card—that’s just a suggestion! I love tweaking things based on what I have lingering in the fridge, and these little guys handle additions really well, making them perfect for those sweet brunch ideas you want to serve.

Here are three easy ways I change things up:

• Add Some Brightness with Zest: Toss in the zest of one full orange right when you mix your dry ingredients. Orange and cinnamon are such a classic, cozy pairing! It really wakes up the flavor without changing the texture at all.
• Spice It Up Beyond Cinnamon: If you want a deeper, warmer profile, swap out half a teaspoon of the cinnamon in the batter for nutmeg or even a tiny pinch of cardamom. It gives these muffins a surprisingly homemade, gourmet feel.
• Incorporate Baked-In Fruit Power: If you skip the bread cubes, this frees up space for something delicious! Fold in about half a cup of finely chopped, high-quality dried cranberries or raisins. They hydrate beautifully during the bake time and give you those lovely bursts of sweetness.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

One of the best things about these little beauties is that they truly are amazing make ahead breakfast muffins. I usually bake a big batch on Sunday afternoon because I know that having something delicious ready for busy mornings feels like cheating—you deserve that little win!

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Because of that wonderful, buttery cinnamon sugar topping, you need to be careful about how you store these so the coating doesn’t melt or get sticky. If I’m only keeping them for a day or two, I let them cool completely first. Then, I just put them in a large, airtight container on the counter. They stay perfectly soft and fresh for about three days that way.

If you want them to last longer, freezing is totally the way to go! You should freeze them before adding the cinnamon sugar topping, actually. That sugary crust gets weird when it freezes and thaws, so bake them, let them cool completely, toss them in my favorite freezer bags—you can read my tips on organizing those here—and stash them away. They last up to three months easily.

When you pull them out, reheating is simple. For just one or two, I zap them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. That gets them warm and soft right away. If you have a frozen batch you want to refresh later, pop them on a baking sheet at 350°F for maybe 10 minutes. Once they are warm, *then* you can quickly dip the tops in melted butter and roll them in your reserved cinnamon sugar mixture. It’s totally worth the quick extra step!

Serving Suggestions for Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

These muffins are basically an entire French toast platter packaged into one perfect little dome! Because they are already rich with butter and that sweet cinnamon sugar goodness, they pair beautifully with things that cut through the sweetness just a bit. They transition perfectly from a busy Tuesday morning treat to a stunning centerpiece for a cozy weekend breakfast spread. Honestly, sometimes all I do is make a fresh pot of coffee and grab one of these, and I feel completely taken care of.

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Here are a few ways I love serving them up to make the meal feel extra special:

• The Essential Coffee Pairing: You simply cannot beat these with a hot beverage. If you are looking for something slightly different than your usual brew, you absolutely have to check out my recipe for a quick coffee smoothie. It sounds wild, but the cool, creamy texture against the warm, sugary muffin is Heaven.
• Fresh Fruit Balancer: Because the texture inside is so soft and cake-like, I always pair it with something bright. A simple side of sliced strawberries or fresh blueberries adds acidity and makes the whole plate feel balanced. Plus, the vibrant colors look fantastic on the table.
• A Dollop of Dairy: For a richer experience, skip the syrup and just top the halved muffin with a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt or even a tiny swirl of lemon-flavored cream cheese frosting just before serving. It gives you that classic diner feel without drowning the delicate cinnamon sugar coating.
• Brunch Board Star: If you’re making these for a bigger brunch, set them out alongside some crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. The salty, savory meat offers the perfect counterpoint to this very sweet baked good.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

I always get questions when people try this recipe for the first time, usually revolving around making sure they get that perfect texture or keeping the topping stuck on! It’s totally normal; this is a little hybrid recipe that borrows from two classics.

Can I skip the day-old bread in this recipe?

You absolutely can skip it, but I have to warn you, you’ll miss out on that authentic French toast feel! The bread cubes soak up some of the custard batter, which stops the muffin from becoming *too* cake-like and helps create that spongy, tender interior. If you skip it, you’ll still have delicious cinnamon sugar baked goods, just leaning more towards a classic sweet muffin. If you skip the bread, maybe add an extra tablespoon of milk to compensate.

How do I keep the topping from falling off my muffins?

This is the secret sauce to making these the best! You must dip the tops of the muffins in melted butter immediately after pulling them from the oven while they are still piping hot. The butter melts just enough to create a sticky layer. Once the butter coat is on, immediately press the top firmly into the cinnamon sugar mixture. If you let them cool too much, the topping won’t adhere, and you’ll end up with a much less exciting result.

Are these a good no fry french toast alternative for busy mornings?

Yes, 100%! That’s why I developed them in the first place. Standing by the stove flipping pieces of toast is great for a lazy Sunday, but not so great when you are trying to get out the door for work or school. Since these are already baked and ready to be a quick grab and go breakfast, they really simplify the morning routine. They are your perfect no fry french toast alternative.

What should I pair with these sweet brunch ideas?

Since these muffins are already pretty sweet and rich—especially once you add that sugary coating—I usually pair them with something slightly tart or high-protein. Think a side of plain Greek yogurt or maybe some cottage cheese. For drinks, a nice, strong black coffee or maybe some black tea really cuts through the sweetness beautifully. For more transparency about how I run this site, check out my disclosure policy.

Nutritional Estimates for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

I try to keep things simple here, but as I always say, this is where things get a little vague because everyone uses slightly different flour, or maybe you were heavy-handed with that butter dip! These numbers are based strictly on the recipe provided above, offering a general idea of what’s in one muffin. This information is for guidance only and will vary based on the exact brands and amounts you use during your baking session.

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Nutritional Estimates for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

I try to keep things simple here, but as I always say, this is where things get a little vague because everyone uses slightly different flour, or maybe you were heavy-handed with that butter dip! These numbers are based strictly on the recipe provided above, offering a general idea of what’s in one muffin. This information is for guidance only and will vary based on the exact brands and amounts you use during your baking session.

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 4g

The Ultimate Fluffy Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins (Easy Weekend Breakfast)

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Make these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for a soft, sweet breakfast treat that tastes just like classic French toast without the frying pan mess. They are quick to prepare and perfect for brunch or a grab-and-go morning.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 18 min
• Total Time: 33 min
• Yield: 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for batter)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cubed day-old bread (optional, for texture)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for topping dip)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease well.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix. If using bread cubes, fold them in now.
5. Fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full with batter.
6. Bake for 16 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. While the muffins bake, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping. In a shallow dish, mix the 1/2 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the topping.
8. As soon as the muffins come out of the oven, let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes.
9. Dip the top of each warm muffin into the 4 tablespoons of melted butter, coating the top surface lightly.
10. Immediately press the buttered top of each muffin into the cinnamon sugar mixture until coated.
11. Transfer the coated muffins to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Using day-old bread cubes helps mimic the texture of soaked French toast and reduces waste.
• You can make a double batch and freeze the cooled muffins. Reheat them in the microwave for a quick snack.
• For an extra rich flavor, substitute half the milk with buttermilk.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg