Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins are the perfect blend of classic French toast and a grab-and-go muffin. If you love cinnamon sugar on everything, this recipe will be your new breakfast favorite. Inspired by the famous Pioneer Woman, these muffins offer the same cozy, comforting flavors she is known for. Best of all, they’re easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. In this article, you’ll learn how to make them, why they’re so popular, and how to make them your own.
What Are Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins combine the best parts of French toast and muffins. Traditional French toast is made by soaking slices of bread in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices, then frying it. Instead of slices, this recipe uses cubes of bread mixed with a custard-like batter, baked in muffin tins, and topped with cinnamon sugar.
The result is a crispy, golden muffin with a soft, fluffy inside—perfect for breakfast or a snack. The Pioneer Woman has popularized many comfort foods, and this recipe fits right in with her style of making easy, delicious meals for the whole family.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the ingredients you’ll need to make these muffins:
- 1 loaf of day-old bread (preferably brioche or challah)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for optional glaze)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (for optional glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Bread
Cut your bread into cubes. Day-old bread works best because it absorbs more liquid without becoming soggy. Brioche and challah are soft, sweet breads that pair perfectly with cinnamon sugar. - Make the Custard Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. This mixture will soak into the bread, giving the muffins their soft, French toast texture. - Soak the Bread
Pour the egg mixture over the bread cubes and gently mix until all the pieces are coated. Let the bread soak for about 10 minutes to ensure the cubes absorb all the flavors. - Fill the Muffin Tins
Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper cups. Fill each muffin cup with the soaked bread cubes, packing them down gently. - Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the muffins for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on top. The muffins should feel firm but soft in the center when pressed. - Add Cinnamon Sugar
While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. This step gives the muffins their sweet, crunchy topping.
Why These Muffins Are Perfect for Any Occasion
Easy to Make for Busy Mornings
One of the best things about cinnamon sugar French toast muffins is how easy they are to make. You can prepare the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and bake them in the morning. They’re perfect for busy weekdays when you need a quick breakfast or for leisurely weekend brunches.
If you want to try more make-ahead breakfast ideas, check out this list of overnight breakfast recipes.
Great for Brunches and Family Gatherings
These muffins are ideal for brunch because they’re both impressive and convenient. You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd. The individual muffin portions are easy to serve, and they look beautiful on the table.
Pair them with a fresh fruit salad, bacon, or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast. You can also set up a toppings bar with maple syrup, whipped cream, and fresh berries, so guests can customize their muffins. If you’re looking for more brunch inspiration, try this banana chocolate brownies recipe for a sweet pairing.
Customizing Your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
Add-Ins to Make Them Your Own
While the classic version is always a hit, you can easily customize these muffins to suit your tastes. Here are some ideas for add-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter version, fold in a handful of chocolate chips before baking.
- Fresh Berries: Add blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the muffins.
- Cream Cheese: Swirl some softened cream cheese into the batter for a tangy surprise inside the muffins.
Each of these variations adds a unique flavor to the base recipe while keeping the cinnamon sugar goodness intact.
Glaze and Toppings
A simple glaze can take these muffins to the next level. To make an easy glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a bit of milk. Drizzle it over the muffins for an extra sweet finish.
You can also try topping the muffins with:
- Whipped Cream
- Fresh Fruit
- Caramel Sauce
Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to find your favorite combination.
Healthier Options for a Guilt-Free Treat
Use Whole-Grain Bread
For a healthier version, swap out white bread for whole-grain bread. This will add fiber and nutrients while still giving you that French toast flavor.
Lower the Sugar
You can also reduce the sugar in this recipe by cutting the cinnamon sugar topping or using a sugar substitute like Stevia. For the custard mixture, try using unsweetened almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk.
Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options
If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can easily make these muffins gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. To make them dairy-free, use almond milk or another dairy-free milk, and replace the butter with coconut oil. For more tips on making baked goods gluten-free, check out this gluten-free baking guide.
Serving Suggestions for Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins
What to Serve with These Muffins
These muffins pair perfectly with a variety of breakfast foods. Serve them with:
- Fresh Fruit: A bowl of fresh berries or sliced bananas adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness.
- Bacon or Sausage: The savory flavors of bacon or sausage complement the muffins’ sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait: A parfait with yogurt, granola, and honey adds texture and protein to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
If you want to freeze the muffins, let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Muffins Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the bread mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just fill your muffin tins and bake.
What Type of Bread is Best?
Brioche and challah are the best options because they’re soft and slightly sweet. However, you can use any type of bread, including sandwich bread or even leftover dinner rolls.
Can I Freeze These Muffins?
Absolutely. These muffins freeze well. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before freezing to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion
Cinnamon sugar French toast muffins Pioneer Woman style is the perfect breakfast treat. These muffins combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar and French toast with the convenience of muffins. Whether you make them for brunch, a special occasion, or just because, they’re sure to be a hit.
if you want learn more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinnamon_sugar
With endless customization options and the ability to make them ahead of time, these muffins will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to experiment with your own unique add-ins!