Description:
These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins bring the best of breakfast together in one delightful, handheld treat. With the sweet, comforting flavor of classic French toast in muffin form, these are the perfect breakfast or snack for busy mornings, brunches, or any time you’re craving something warm and cinnamon-sugary. Each bite is soft, fluffy, and coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that’s simply irresistible.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Classic flavor: If you love the sweet, comforting taste of French toast, these muffins are a fun and easy way to enjoy that same flavor with minimal effort.
- Perfect for breakfast or snack: Whether you serve them for a cozy breakfast, a brunch with friends, or as a quick grab-and-go snack, these muffins are versatile and delicious.
- Easy to make: With basic pantry ingredients and a simple preparation process, this recipe is ideal for beginner bakers or those looking for a quick and satisfying treat.
- Make-ahead friendly: These muffins can be made ahead of time, stored in an airtight container, and even frozen for future enjoyment.
- Buttery cinnamon-sugar topping: The indulgent cinnamon-sugar coating on top adds an extra layer of flavor that will make these muffins a family favorite.
Introduction:
Who doesn’t love the sweet, cozy flavor of French toast? Now imagine enjoying that same taste in a soft, fluffy muffin that you can eat on the go. These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast dish, perfect for busy mornings or when you want a comforting snack without the hassle of standing over a stove. With their rich cinnamon-sugar topping and buttery soft interior, these muffins have all the comforting flavors of French toast but with a lot less effort.
The muffins are simple to make, using ingredients you likely already have on hand, like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cinnamon. After baking to golden perfection, they’re dipped in melted butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar, creating a crunchy, sweet exterior that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender crumb inside. Whether you enjoy them warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these muffins are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon-sugar topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Preparation:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease the muffin cups to prevent sticking.
Step 2:
Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures your muffins have a light, fluffy texture.
Step 3:
Mix the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined. The combination of butter and oil gives these muffins a rich, moist crumb while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor.
Step 4:
Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; it’s okay if the batter has a few lumps. Over-mixing can lead to dense muffins.
Step 5:
Fill the muffin cups.
Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about ¾ full to allow space for the muffins to rise as they bake.
Step 6:
Bake the muffins.
Place the muffins in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the muffins towards the end of the bake time.
Step 7:
Cool and coat the muffins.
Let the muffins cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. While the muffins are still warm, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing ¼ cup of sugar with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, melt the ¼ cup of butter.
Step 8:
Dip and coat the muffins.
Take each warm muffin and dip the top into the melted butter, then immediately roll the buttered top in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until well-coated. This step gives the muffins a delicious, sweet, and slightly crunchy topping that makes them taste like French toast.
COOKING Rating:
This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal baking skills. The process of mixing and dipping is easy and straightforward, making it a fun and satisfying recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins warm with a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For brunch, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit or a savory egg dish for a balanced meal. These muffins are equally delicious at room temperature, making them perfect for packing in lunchboxes or serving as a quick snack.
Tips:
- Don’t over-mix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until combined. Over-mixing the batter can result in dense, tough muffins.
- Use paper liners: If you prefer a mess-free option, use paper muffin liners, which make it easier to remove the muffins from the tin and help with cleanup.
- Customize the flavor: You can add a dash of nutmeg or even a pinch of cardamom to the batter for a little extra spice. If you love maple syrup, you could add a tablespoon of it to the wet ingredients for an additional flavor boost.
- Serve warm: These muffins are best enjoyed warm, right after they’ve been dipped in the cinnamon-sugar coating. If you’re serving them later, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them up.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Baking Time:
20-25 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate per muffin, based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
Conclusion:
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins offer a delightful twist on traditional breakfast fare. With the rich flavors of French toast and the convenience of a muffin, these treats are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a quick snack, their irresistible combination of cinnamon, sugar, and buttery goodness will keep everyone coming back for more. Plus, with their simple preparation and everyday ingredients, you can whip up a batch any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting.
FAQs:
1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the muffins a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat them briefly in the microwave to keep them warm.
2. Can I freeze these muffins?
Absolutely. These muffins freeze well. Let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.
3. Can I substitute the cinnamon in this recipe?
If you’re not a fan of cinnamon or want to change things up, you can substitute it with other spices like nutmeg or allspice. You could also try a mix of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part or all of the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the muffins denser and give them a heartier texture.
5. How should I store these muffins?
Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw or reheat before serving.
