Warm Cinnamon Sugar Toast

Section: Start Your Day Right with Delicious Breakfast Ideas

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins offer a tender crumb with a crisp, sugary topping. Made from a blend of flour, spices, and melted butter, they bake to a golden finish and are brushed warm with butter before a coating of cinnamon sugar. Perfect for mornings or gatherings, they combine a soft interior with a crunchy top, evoking nostalgic flavors without fuss. Easy to prepare and kid-approved, they freeze well when topping is added fresh after reheating.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Fri, 26 Sep 2025 23:52:50 GMT
Two cinnamon sugar french toast on a plate. Bookmark
Two cinnamon sugar french toast on a plate. | imaninthekitchen.com

These cinnamon sugar French toast muffins bring together the comforting warmth of cinnamon and sugar with the rich tenderness of butter and a crisp sugary topping. Baked until golden and brushed with more melted butter, each muffin is then dipped in cinnamon sugar to recreate the nostalgic flavors of a classic breakfast. They offer a wonderful balance of soft, moist interiors and a lightly crunchy top. Perfect for morning gatherings or a sweet snack, these muffins have a way of brightening any breakfast table and delighting kids and adults alike.

I first made these after a weekend sleepover and now they have become my go to breakfast treat for guests. Their ease and warm flavors always bring a smile, and the cinnamon sugar topping makes them feel extra special without any fuss.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: Gives the muffins their soft structure and base. Look for unbleached flour for a more tender crumb.
  • Baking powder: Adds height and fluffiness to the muffins. Check the expiration date for the best rise.
  • Baking soda: Balances the acidity and promotes browning. Mixing it with the milk helps with extra lift.
  • Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors. Use fine salt for even distribution.
  • Cinnamon: Brings that classic French toast flavor. Choose Ceylon cinnamon for a softer, more delicate spice.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning. It is also used for the crispy sugar topping.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich molasses note. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper flavor profile.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted butter keeps the crumb moist. Use quality butter for richer taste.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness. Use large eggs at room temperature for best mixing.
  • Milk: Thins the batter just enough to make it scoopable. Whole milk lends a richer taste.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and cozy aroma. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Melted butter for brushing: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to muffin tops. Brush while warm for even coverage.
  • Cinnamon sugar mix: The final sugary crunch mimicking French toast. Use superfine sugar for an even coat.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare your muffin tin by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the flour baking powder baking soda salt and cinnamon until everything is evenly combined. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are fully distributed for uniform flavor and rise.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl stir the melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs milk and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
Bring the Batter Together:
Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Use a spatula to fold the batter until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix as that can lead to dense muffins. The batter should be smooth with some thickness.
Bake the Muffins:
Divide the batter evenly into your muffin cups filling each about three quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for around twenty minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The muffins should be golden on top.
Mix the Topping:
While the muffins bake combine cinnamon and granulated sugar to create the cinnamon sugar topping. This mixture will be used to coat the muffins after baking.
Top the Muffins:
Once the muffins are out of the oven and slightly cooled brush each muffin top generously with melted butter. Then immediately dip them into the cinnamon sugar mixture pressing lightly to coat evenly. This gives the muffins their signature crispy sweet crust.
Serve Warm:
These muffins are best enjoyed warm alongside your favorite morning beverages like coffee or juice. Their soft centers and crunchy tops make for an irresistible treat.
A stack of cinnamon sugar French toast.
A stack of cinnamon sugar French toast. | imaninthekitchen.com

Cinnamon is my favorite ingredient in this recipe because it immediately brings back memories of quiet weekend mornings at home with warm tea and cozy blankets. The kids always ask for seconds once these muffins make their way to the table. The cinnamon sugar topping delivers that nostalgic French toast feel packaged in an easy portable muffin.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat simply microwave a muffin for about ten seconds to warm and soften. If you plan to keep them longer freeze the muffins without the cinnamon sugar topping. When ready to enjoy thaw and add the topping fresh to keep the crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap regular milk for almond or oat milk to make it dairy free. Coconut sugar makes a good replacement for brown sugar offering a deep rich flavor. Whole wheat flour can replace part of the all purpose flour for a heartier muffin with a nuttier taste and more fiber.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these muffins alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. Spread cream cheese on a cut muffin half for extra indulgence. They shine at brunch paired with freshly squeezed juice or a cup of hot coffee.

A plate of cinnamon sugar French toast.
A plate of cinnamon sugar French toast. | imaninthekitchen.com

These muffins are a delightful portable take on classic cinnamon sugar French toast. Serve them warm for the best contrast between soft centers and crunchy tops.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I prepare the muffins in advance?

Yes, you can bake these muffins ahead and reheat them when needed. Add the cinnamon sugar topping after warming for the best texture and flavor.

→ Is it okay to substitute whole wheat flour?

Whole wheat flour can be used, though expect a slightly denser and heartier crumb compared to all-purpose flour.

→ How do I make these muffins dairy-free?

Use plant-based milks like almond or oat milk and replace butter with vegan alternatives both in the batter and for brushing.

→ Can the muffins be frozen?

Yes, freeze them without the cinnamon sugar topping. Add the topping fresh after thawing and reheating to maintain crunch.

→ What extra ingredients can I add?

Mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts add flavor and texture variety to these muffins.

Cinnamon Sugar Toast Muffins

Soft, buttery muffins with a cinnamon sugar crunch, ideal for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Breakfast Recipes

Skill Level: Great for Beginners

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 12 Serves (Twelve muffins)

Diet Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

→ Dry Ingredients

01 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
02 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
05 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Wet Ingredients

06 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 1/4 cup dark brown sugar, packed
09 2 large eggs, room temperature
10 3/4 cup whole milk
11 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Topping

12 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
13 1/4 cup granulated sugar
14 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly blended.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, stir melted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.

Step 04

Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until no dry patches remain, taking care not to overmix.

Step 05

Distribute batter evenly into muffin cups, filling about three-quarters full. Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 06

While muffins bake, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 07

Once muffins are removed from the oven and slightly cooled, brush tops with melted butter then immediately dip into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.

Step 08

Serve the cinnamon sugar coated muffins warm for optimal texture and flavor.

Additional Notes

  1. Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense texture. Use fresh cinnamon for a vibrant flavor. Brush butter while muffins are warm for better topping adhesion.
  2. Leftovers keep for up to three days at room temperature in an airtight container. Reheat briefly and apply topping fresh. Muffins freeze well without topping.
  3. Milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk, and vegan butter substitutes can be used to make a dairy-free version.

Must-Have Tools

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Pastry brush

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, dairy, and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 180.5
  • Fats: 6.7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28.3 g
  • Proteins: 3.5 g