Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer a delicious twist on the classic breakfast favorite. They combine a fluffy, moist interior with a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar coating that makes each bite memorable. Perfect for weekends, brunch gatherings, or a special breakfast treat, these muffins will quickly become a go-to recipe.

I first made these muffins for a busy Sunday morning when I wanted something quick but special, and they were such a hit my family asked me to make them again the next week

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: makes the base light and tender; look for unbleached for better texture
• Baking powder and baking soda: provide just the right rise for fluffy muffins
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the muffins while contributing to a pleasant crumb
• Unsalted butter, melted: adds richness and moisture; use fresh butter for the best taste
• Large eggs: help bind the ingredients and add structure
• Milk: keeps the batter smooth and creates a tender crumb; whole milk works best but you can use 2%
• Vanilla extract: adds warmth and depth of flavor; choose pure extract if possible
• Ground cinnamon: lends the signature sweet spicy note for the sugar coating
• Extra granulated sugar for the topping: creates a sweet crunchy crust on each muffin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius. Grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly with butter or spray with nonstick spray so the muffins release easily once baked

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and half a cup of granulated sugar until evenly combined. This ensures the leavening agents are distributed evenly throughout the flour which helps the muffins rise uniformly

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. This step helps create a tender and moist batter

Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry ingredients gradually, stirring gently just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing as this can develop gluten in the flour resulting in tougher muffins instead of light and tender ones

Fill the Muffin Tin:

Spoon the batter evenly into each of the prepared muffin cups, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising but avoid overflow

Bake the Muffins:

Place the muffin tin in the middle of the oven and bake for between eighteen and twenty minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your muffins are ready. They should be golden brown on top

Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

While the muffins bake, stir together a quarter cup of granulated sugar with one teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. This will become the flavorful topping

Coat the Muffins:

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about five minutes to firm up slightly. Then brush the tops generously with melted butter and immediately dip the top of each muffin into the cinnamon sugar mixture making sure to coat well for a crunchy sweet crust

Serve and Enjoy:

For the best flavor and texture, serve these muffins warm straight from the oven. They are wonderful on their own or can be paired with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgence. These also go beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast moment

Save

The cinnamon sugar coating is my favorite part because it adds that classic French toast flavor in an unexpected muffin form. I remember serving these one lazy Sunday and watching everyone smile as they bit through the sugar crust to the soft inside. It feels like a warm hug on a plate

Storage Tips

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about fifteen to twenty seconds to bring back that warm, soft texture. For longer storage freeze the muffins in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or microwave in short bursts. Do not freeze the cinnamon sugar coating separately as it may lose its texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber but expect a denser texture. Milk can be replaced with any dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk without impacting the taste much. Use coconut oil melted instead of butter for a dairy-free option but keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor. If you do not have vanilla extract, a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can add complementary warm notes

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins warm with maple syrup and fresh fruit for a fully rounded breakfast. They also pair wonderfully with yogurt or a soft cheese spread like cream cheese for a different taste experience. For a brunch spread add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon or sausage alongside to make a hearty plate everyone will love. These muffins hold up well packed in a lunchbox as a sweet treat or snack too

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these muffins soft and fluffy?

The combination of baking powder, baking soda, and eggs creates a light texture, while melted butter and milk add moisture for a tender crumb.

→ Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar coating in advance?

Yes, the cinnamon sugar mix can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container to sprinkle on the muffins right after baking.

→ How should I store leftover muffins?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months for longer freshness.

→ What’s the best way to reheat the muffins?

Microwave them for 15-20 seconds to warm through, which helps maintain their soft texture and enhances the cinnamon sugar coating.

→ Are these muffins suitable for brunch gatherings?

Absolutely; their individual portions and cozy flavor make them a convenient and crowd-pleasing choice for brunch occasions.