If you’ve been searching for a cozy breakfast treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with the comforting texture of muffins, then you are going to adore this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe. Imagine biting into soft, fluffy muffins that taste just like your favorite French toast, bursting with cinnamon-spiced sweetness in every single crumb. It’s the perfect way to start a morning, impress guests at brunch, or simply indulge yourself any time of the day with a bite of pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe lies in a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the ideal balance of flavor, moistness, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar crunch on top.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed for soft yet firm muffins.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a golden muffin exterior.
- 1 tsp baking powder: A leavening agent that ensures your muffins rise perfectly fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Enhances the rise and tender texture when combined with acidic ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the overall flavors.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with that iconic aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Adds richness and a delicate crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds to the muffin’s light texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Used for the topping to create a delicious caramelized crunch.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping): Sprinkled on top for an extra burst of cinnamon goodness.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease your muffin tin thoroughly. This preparation ensures your muffins bake evenly and release easily once baked, laying the foundation for muffin perfection.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the cinnamon and leavening agents evenly for consistent flavor and rise throughout every muffin.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, crucial for that classic soft texture that makes this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe so inviting.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—the batter should look a bit lumpy to ensure your muffins stay light and tender after baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. This topping is the star that adds a sweet, crunchy layer reminiscent of the sugar crust on classic French toast.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Cups and Layer
Fill each muffin cup halfway with batter. Then sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon sugar topping over it before adding more batter to fill each cup to the top. This layering technique creates little pockets of luscious cinnamon sugar within and on top of your muffins.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Delicious
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the muffins sport a warm golden-brown hue. It’s like breakfast magic happening right before your eyes.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes to firm up, then carefully remove them to a wire rack or plate. This little patience moment helps them set so you can enjoy them without any crumbling — though honestly, crumb is part of the joy with these little delights.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly dust the muffins with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of maple syrup to amplify the sweetness and add a touch of elegance. A cinnamon stick on the side adds a charming touch if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
These muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit like berries or sliced bananas, alongside a dollop of creamy yogurt or a smear of butter for a balanced, indulgent breakfast spread. For brunch, consider serving with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe into a brunch centerpiece by stacking the muffins on a tiered plate with little bowls of jam, whipped cream, and honey. Another fun idea is to serve them warm in mini skillets topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unexpected dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This makes it easy to grab a quick breakfast or snack without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to make a batch to enjoy over time, these muffins freeze beautifully. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag for up to three months—perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, simply unwrap and warm the muffins in a microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are warmed through and the cinnamon sugar topping regains its perfect sugary crunch.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour for this Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a gluten-free flour blend that supports baking, and keep an eye on the texture. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly if the batter feels too thick or thin.
What kind of cinnamon is best to use?
Ceylon cinnamon is often praised for its sweeter, more delicate flavor, but classic ground cassia cinnamon works perfectly well here and is what most recipes call for in the Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe for that warm, familiar taste.
Can I substitute milk with a non-dairy alternative?
Yes, non-dairy milks such as almond, oat, or soy milk work just fine and will keep these muffins moist and delicious without altering the flavor too much.
Is it possible to make these muffins vegan?
With a few swaps, like using flax or chia eggs instead of real eggs, vegan butter, and a plant-based milk, you can create a vegan version that’s still full of cinnamon sugar comfort!
How do I know when the muffins are perfectly baked?
The best test is a clean toothpick! Insert one in the center of a muffin and if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they’re perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins Recipe is one of those rare finds that hits every delightful note you want in a breakfast treat — tender, sweet, warm, and irresistibly cinnamon-spiced. Trust me, once you bake a batch, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles to your table on any day. So grab your ingredients and get baking — your mornings will never be the same again!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight your mornings with these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins, a perfect blend of soft, fluffy texture and sweet cinnamon flavor. Easy to prepare and ideal for breakfast or brunch, these muffins combine classic French toast ingredients with a cinnamon sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well mixed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon to create the cinnamon sugar topping.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon the batter halfway into each muffin cup, sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar topping, then fill the rest of the muffin cup with more batter.
- Bake: Bake the muffins in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve warm.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep muffins light and fluffy.
- These muffins can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Reheat muffins in the microwave or oven to enjoy them warm.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
