Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe

These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are the ultimate breakfast treat—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and absolutely loaded with sweet cinnamon-sugar goodness. Ready in just 25 minutes, they’re everything you love about classic French toast but in a fun, dunkable form! Whether you’re rushing to get the family fed on a weekday morning or looking for a cozy weekend brunch option, these are a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Family-Friendly: From kitchen to table in under 30 minutes. No fuss, just delicious results.
• Crispy and Soft Texture: The golden-brown crust contrasts beautifully with the tender interior—every bite is pure comfort.
• Perfect for Dipping: These sticks were made for dunking! Maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or even a dusting of powdered sugar—yes, please.
• Kid-Approved and Freezer-Friendly: Kids absolutely adore them, and you can make a batch ahead and freeze for busy mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into making these cinnamon-sugar wonders:

• Bread: Thick-cut slices like Texas toast or brioche work best. You want something sturdy that won’t fall apart when soaked.
• Eggs: Essential for the custardy coating. They help achieve that soft, rich interior.
• Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter. Whole milk is ideal, but you can use any milk you have.
• Cinnamon: The star flavor here! Adds warmth and sweetness to every bite.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a splash deepens the flavor and makes the whole house smell heavenly.
• Sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for the irresistible coating.
• Butter: For frying—gives the sticks that golden, slightly crisp exterior.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out the flavors.

Variations

Want to make it your own? Try these tasty twists:

• Stuffed Version: Add a layer of cream cheese or Nutella between two slices before cutting into sticks.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread and dairy-free milk for a more allergy-friendly option.
• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the custard mix for a seasonal variation.
• Savory-Sweet: Drizzle with a little maple syrup and top with crispy bacon bits for the best of both worlds.

How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Slice your thick-cut bread into even sticks, about 1-inch wide. If your bread is super fresh, let it sit out for a few hours or toast it lightly—slightly dry bread soaks up the custard without getting soggy.

Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, a little cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This will be your flavorful custard base.

Step 3: Dip the Sticks

Quickly dip each bread stick into the custard mixture, making sure to coat all sides, but don’t let it soak too long—you want them coated, not soggy.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sticks in the pan and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, turning until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar

While still warm, roll each cooked stick in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. The heat will make the coating stick beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pile them high on a plate and serve immediately with warm maple syrup or your favorite dip!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Over-Soak: Dip quickly—too long in the egg mixture and your bread could fall apart.
• Preheat the Skillet: A hot skillet helps the sticks get golden and crispy without absorbing too much butter.
• Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread holds up better and creates the perfect texture.
• Batch Cooking Tip: Keep cooked sticks warm in the oven at 200°F while you finish the rest.

How to Serve

These cinnamon French toast sticks are versatile and super fun to serve:

Classic Dipping:

Serve with warm maple syrup, honey, or chocolate sauce on the side for dunking.

Fancy Brunch:

Top with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

On-the-Go:

Wrap a few in foil or store in a thermos container—perfect for busy mornings or breakfast in the car.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Pop them in the toaster oven or air fryer for best results. You can also use the microwave, but they’ll be softer rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I make these in the oven instead of frying?
Yes! Line a baking sheet with parchment, spray the sticks lightly with oil, and bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. You won’t get quite the same crispness, but it’s still delicious.

What kind of bread works best?
Thick, sturdy bread like brioche, challah, or Texas toast works best. Avoid thin sandwich bread, which tends to fall apart.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.

How do I prevent soggy French toast sticks?
Use slightly stale bread, don’t soak too long in the egg mixture, and cook on medium heat until nicely crisp on all sides.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a true breakfast hero—easy, quick, and downright addictive. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting brunch, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a keeper. So grab that bread, fire up the skillet, and enjoy every cinnamony, syrup-drenched bite!

Print