If you’re craving a cozy, nostalgic breakfast that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious, then this Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe is absolutely perfect for you. Imagine thick, golden sticks of bread, soaked in a sweet cinnamon-spiced custard, cooked to a crisp on the outside yet soft and fluffy inside, then rolled in cinnamon sugar for that extra touch of magic. It’s a breakfast treat that feels like a warm hug and always brings smiles at the table—whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special occasion morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe relies on simple pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that perfect balance of taste and texture, ensuring your sticks are crispy, tender, and bursting with cinnamon goodness.
- Thick-cut bread (4 slices): Brioche or Texas toast are ideal for their sturdy yet soft texture, perfect for soaking up the custard without falling apart.
- Eggs (2 large): The base of your custard, eggs add richness and bind everything perfectly.
- Whole milk (1/2 cup): Provides creaminess to the custard, keeping your French toast sticks tender.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): The star spice that infuses warmth and aroma into every bite.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the dish.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Used for cooking to achieve that irresistible golden crust.
- Cinnamon sugar for coating (2 tablespoons sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon): This finishing touch ensures every stick is perfectly coated and extra delightful.
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bread Sticks
Start by slicing each slice of thick bread into 3 or 4 equal sticks. This makes them the perfect size for dipping and dipping into syrup later. Using slightly stale bread here is a clever trick—it soaks up the custard without getting soggy, resulting in a better texture overall.
Step 2: Mix the Custard
In a shallow bowl, whisk together your eggs, whole milk, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and just a pinch of salt. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. The cinnamon and vanilla work together to build that irresistible aroma and flavor that makes this recipe so special.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet and Start Cooking
Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbling, it’s time to dip your bread sticks into the custard. Let the excess drip off gently—too much dripping can cause sogginess or excess butter splatter during cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Sticks
Arrange the soaked sticks in a single layer in your skillet. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Flip carefully with tongs or a spatula. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter as needed for the rest of the batch to ensure even coloring and richness.
Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately after cooking, roll the warm French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step gives them a lovely crunch and an extra punch of cinnamon sweetness—trust me, it’s the part everyone looks forward to.
How to Serve Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe
Garnishes
For a truly inviting presentation, sprinkle your French toast sticks with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm maple syrup on top to elevate the experience even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe with crisp bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a simple yogurt parfait also works beautifully, balancing the sweetness with some freshness and tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the sticks in a rustic wooden board or serve them in individual small baskets lined with parchment paper for a charming brunch vibe. Another fun idea is to provide a lineup of different dipping sauces: classic maple syrup, homemade berry compote, or even a rich chocolate sauce for the adventurous eaters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and honestly, it’s tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the sticks fresh, so you can easily enjoy a quick breakfast or snack later.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked cinnamon French toast sticks by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes a convenient ready-to-go breakfast that you can pull out whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5 to 7 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that wonderful exterior texture—the oven does the trick beautifully here.
FAQs
Can I use regular sandwich bread instead of brioche or Texas toast?
Absolutely! While brioche or Texas toast gives the best texture and flavor, regular sandwich bread can work in a pinch. Just try to use a thicker slice for better soaking and sturdiness.
Is it better to use fresh or stale bread for this recipe?
Slightly stale bread is definitely preferred because it absorbs the custard mixture without becoming too soggy. If your bread is fresh, you can toast it lightly before slicing to help it firm up a bit.
Can I make these French toast sticks dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free alternative you prefer. Use a plant-based butter substitute for cooking to keep it fully dairy-free.
How do I make these sticks ahead for a crowd?
Prepare and cook the sticks, then keep them warm in an oven set to about 200°F. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes as a hands-off cooking method, flipping halfway through. This makes feeding a crowd a breeze.
What’s the best dipping sauce for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe?
Classic maple syrup is always a hit, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Try fruit syrups, honey, or even a cinnamon cream cheese dip to complement those cinnamon sugar-coated sticks.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe tucked into your breakfast arsenal, you’re set for mornings filled with smiles and satisfied appetites. It’s simple, cozy, and irresistibly tasty—perfect for sharing with family or surprising guests. I encourage you to give this recipe a try soon; once you do, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to breakfast treats as well.
Print
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delightful breakfast treat made by dipping thick-cut bread sticks in a rich cinnamon-vanilla custard and cooking them to golden perfection on the stovetop. Coated with a cinnamon sugar mixture and served warm with maple syrup, they offer a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful interior, perfect for a kid-friendly and easy homemade brunch option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices thick-cut bread such as brioche or Texas toast
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the bread sticks: Slice each piece of bread into 3 to 4 evenly sized sticks to create manageable portions for dipping and cooking.
- Make the custard mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, ensuring the pan is evenly coated and ready for cooking.
- Dip and coat the bread sticks: Dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, turning to coat all sides thoroughly, then allow any excess liquid to drip off before cooking.
- Cook the French toast sticks: Arrange the coated sticks in a single layer in the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, adding more butter as needed for subsequent batches.
- Coat with cinnamon sugar: While still warm, roll the cooked French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture until they are evenly coated for a sweet and fragrant finish.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon French toast sticks immediately with maple syrup on the side for dipping to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard without becoming soggy, resulting in a better texture.
- For a baked version, place coated sticks on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or toaster oven to maintain crispness.
