Skip to content 
Mornings can be crazy, right? Between getting everyone dressed, out the door, and maybe even finding matching socks, breakfast can feel like a mad dash. But what if I told you there’s a way to make breakfast a moment of pure joy, even on the busiest days? My absolute go-to for my little ones (and honestly, for me too!) is these amazing Cinnamon French toast sticks. Seriously, they’re like little bites of heaven – perfectly crisp on the outside, wonderfully custardy on the inside, and just begging to be dipped. My grandma used to make French toast for us on lazy Sunday mornings, and getting to recreate that cozy feeling for my own kids with these dippable sticks just fills my heart.
- Why You'll Love These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- The Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
- Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks at Home
- Cooking Your Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Stovetop vs. Air Fryer
- Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- Serving Suggestions for Dippable Breakfast Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- Nutritional Information (Estimated)
- Share Your Cinnamon French Toast Stick Creations!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Seriously, these little guys are a breakfast game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Kid-Approved Deliciousness: They’re perfectly dippable and have that awesome cinnamon-sugar kick that little taste buds adore.
- Quick & Easy Prep: You can whip up a batch super fast, even on a school morning scramble.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Freeze them for later and have breakfast ready to go in minutes – a lifesaver for busy schedules!
- Super Versatile: They’re fantastic dipped in syrup, fruit compote, or even yogurt. Get creative!
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for brunches, sleepovers, or just a special weekend treat. Everyone loves them!
The Best Bread for French Toast Sticks
Okay, so let’s talk bread, because this is super important for making the *best* French toast sticks. Trust me, picking the right loaf makes all the difference between a mushy mess and those amazing, crispy-on-the-outside, custardy-on-the-inside sticks we’re aiming for. The secret? It’s all about using a nice, sturdy, thick-cut bread. That’s why the recipe specifically calls for Texas toast or brioche – they’re just perfect!
Why does it matter? Well, thinner, softer bread just soaks up too much egg mixture and can fall apart. But a good thick slice, especially one that’s a day or two old (a little bit stale is actually ideal!), can really hold its shape. It soaks up just enough of that eggy goodness without getting soggy, and it holds up beautifully when you’re cooking them. So, when you’re hunting for the best bread for French toast sticks, grab something hearty – you won’t regret it!
Gather Your Ingredients for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for these fantastic Cinnamon French toast sticks! It’s pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of these goodness right in your pantry already. First up, you’ll need 8 slices of a nice, thick-cut bread – think Texas toast or brioche, like we talked about. That’s the key to holding everything together!
For that lovely custardy dip, we’re going to whisk together 4 large eggs with 1/2 cup of milk. Then, for that warm, cozy flavor, we’ll add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, just a pinch of nutmeg (don’t go crazy with it!), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. A little pinch of salt helps balance all those sweet flavors, too.
And for the star of the show – that magical coating? You’ll want 1/2 cup of granulated sugar mixed with another tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is where the real cinnamon-sugar magic happens! And of course, have some butter or cooking spray handy for getting them perfectly golden when you cook them up. So easy, right?
How to Make Cinnamon French Toast Sticks at Home
Okay, so you’ve got your bread, you’ve got your ingredients – now let’s get down to the fun part: making these amazing Cinnamon French toast sticks! It’s really not complicated at all, and honestly, it’s kind of therapeutic. You’ll be a French toast stick pro in no time, a bit like making my easy homemade churros – messy but so worth it!
Prepare the Bread for Dipping
First things first, grab your bread slices. We’re cutting them into sticks! Just take each slice and cut it into about 3 or 4 strips. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. It’s like slicing bread, but for a super fun breakfast edition. Easy peasy!
Create the Custard Mixture for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Now for the magic dip! Grab a shallow bowl – one that’s wide enough to actually dip your bread sticks into. Whisk together those 4 eggs, the 1/2 cup of milk, that teaspoon of cinnamon, the nutmeg, vanilla, and that little pinch of salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined and looks nice and smooth. No one wants eggy streaks in their custard! It’s a little like getting the batter just right for my apple cinnamon muffins – consistency is key!
Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a separate shallow dish or bowl, we’re going to make our sweet, cinnamony coating. Just dump in that 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and the tablespoon of cinnamon. Stir it all up really well. You can totally adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio here if you’re a big cinnamon fan, just like my grandma always did!
Dip and Coat the Bread Sticks
Here comes the really fun part for the kids (and me!). Take your bread sticks that you cut earlier and give them a good dip in that egg mixture. Make sure all sides are nicely coated. Don’t let them sit too long, or they’ll get too soggy. As soon as they’re wet, gently dredge them through that cinnamon-sugar mixture. Press them *gently* into the sugar so it sticks all over. You want them totally covered in that delightful sweet coating. Arrange them on a plate and get ready for cooking!
Cooking Your Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Stovetop vs. Air Fryer
Alright, so now that our pretty little sticks are all coated and ready to go, it’s time to cook them up! You have two fantastic options here, and honestly, both are winners. Whether you love that classic stovetop method or you’re all about the speed and crispiness of an air fryer, you’ll get delicious results. It’s a bit like deciding whether to make air fryer mozzarella sticks or pan-fry them – both are great, just different!
Stovetop Method for Perfect Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
If you want that classic, comforting French toast experience, the stovetop is where it’s at! Melt about a tablespoon of butter (or a swirl of cooking spray works too) in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles, but not so hot that the butter burns instantly. Carefully lay your coated bread sticks in the pan, making sure not to overcrowch it – give them their own little space to get golden. Cook them for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that perfect, rich golden-brown color, and you’ll see they’ve puffed up just a bit. They should feel firm to the touch. These smell *amazing* while they cook!
Air Fryer Method for Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Now, if you’re looking to save a little time and get them extra crispy, your air fryer is your best friend for these air fryer French toast sticks! Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange your coated cinnamon french toast sticks in a single layer in the basket – don’t stack them, or they won’t get that lovely crisp all over. You might have to cook them in batches. Pop them in for about 6 to 8 minutes, and remember to flip them halfway through! That flip is key to getting them evenly golden and perfectly crisp on all sides, just like when I make crispy air fryer chicken wings. They come out incredibly light and crunchy!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Okay, let’s talk about that magical cinnamon sugar coating for our French toast sticks! This is where the real flavour pops, and it’s actually super easy to nail. My best tip for the perfect cinnamon sugar coating? Get the ratio just right! For every half cup of granulated sugar, I like to use a tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This gives you that lovely warm spice without being overwhelming. Whisk it all together really well in a shallow dish so there are no clumps!
Now, for it to *really* stick and give you that gorgeous crunchy exterior, make sure your bread sticks get a good, even coating in the egg mixture first. Don’t let them soak too long, just a quick dip on all sides. Then, gently press them into your cinnamon sugar. If you find you’re using a lot of sugar and it’s not sticking, you might need to give the bread another quick dip in the egg mixture. It’s all about getting that little bit of moisture on the bread so the sugar adheres beautifully. It’s kind of like making sure my pumpkin spice granola gets that perfect toasted crunch!
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips for Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
You know what I love most about these Cinnamon French toast sticks? They’re total lifesavers for busy mornings because you can totally make them ahead and freeze them! This is one of those brilliant make ahead French toast sticks secrets that saves so much time during the week. It’s just like how my make-ahead breakfast burritos get us through crazy Tuesdays!
So, here’s the magic. After you’ve dipped and coated your bread sticks in that yummy cinnamon-sugar mixture, don’t cook them right away if you’re prepping ahead. Instead, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop that whole baking sheet into your freezer for about an hour, or until the sticks are frozen solid. This stops them from sticking together in a giant lump. Once they’re firm, it’s time for proper freeze and reheat french toast sticks storage! Just transfer those frozen beauties into a freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep well for about a month – perfect for grabbing whenever you need a quick, delicious breakfast!
When you’re ready to serve them, just pop the frozen sticks straight into your preheated air fryer (about 375°F or 190°C for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway!) or into a warm oven (around 350°F or 175°C for about 10 minutes, again, flipping is good!). They’ll come out perfectly warm and crispy, just like they were freshly made. It’s a fantastic way to have a delightful breakfast ready in minutes, much like my freezer-friendly stuffed peppers!
Serving Suggestions for Dippable Breakfast Ideas
These Cinnamon French toast sticks are just begging for a delicious dip, aren’t they? They’re practically made for it! While pure maple syrup is always a classic (and my kids could drink it straight from the bottle!), there are so many other yummy options. You could whip up a quick fruit compote – maybe something like a warm peaches and cream kind of situation, or berries!
For something a little lighter and tangier, a simple yogurt dip is fantastic. Just mix some plain or Greek yogurt with a tiny drizzle of honey and a shake of cinnamon. It’s a great way to get some protein in, too! Or, if you want to switch it up from syrup, try a little drizzle of softened cream cheese frosting or even just a light dusting of powdered sugar. You could even whip up some fun yogurt pops! Remember my yogurt parfait popsicles? Those would be a hit! The possibilities for these dippable breakfast ideas are really endless!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
Got questions about these cozy, dippable delights? I’ve got you covered! These amazing little sticks are pretty forgiving, but a few tips can make them even better.
Can I use regular sandwich bread for these French toast sticks?
You can, but I really recommend using thick-cut bread like Texas toast or brioche if you can! Regular sandwich bread is much thinner and can get a bit too soggy when you dip it in the egg mixture. If you only have sandwich bread, just be super quick with your dipping – don’t let it soak for more than a split second! It’s similar to why my egg muffin cups work best with certain ingredients; the base really matters!
What if my bread is too fresh? Can I still use it?
Oh, this happens! If your bread is super fresh and soft, it might fall apart when you dip and coat it. The best trick is to lightly toast it first. Just pop those slices into the toaster for a minute or two until they’re slightly firm but not brown. This little step gives them just enough structure to handle the dipping batter like a champ. It’s like getting my pumpkin banana bread to have the perfect crumb – a little texture helps!
How do I prevent my French toast sticks from getting soggy?
Soggy French toast sticks are a no-go! The key is not to let the bread soak too long in the egg mixture – just a quick dip on each side is perfect. Also, making sure your cooking surface (whether it’s a skillet or an air fryer) is properly preheated is super important. A hot pan or air fryer helps the outside crisp up quickly, sealing in that fluffy, custardy inside. And remember, don’t overcrowd the pan – give them space to get crisp!
Can I bake these instead of cooking them on the stovetop or in the air fryer?
You sure can bake them! It’s a great option if you’re making a big batch for a crowd or want to skip the stovetop or air fryer. Just arrange your coated sticks in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They’ll come out golden and delicious, though maybe not quite as super-crispy as the air fryer version. Baking is a fantastic way to get these ready, especially when thinking about back to school breakfasts!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a little heads-up, the nutrition info for these delightful Cinnamon French toast sticks is an estimate, of course. It can really change depending on the type of bread you use and how much syrup you drizzle on top later! Generally, you’re looking at around 350 calories per serving (which is usually about 3-4 sticks), with about 10g of protein to get your day started right. They usually have around 45g of carbs and 15g of fat, thanks to that lovely bread and butter we use. Enjoy them!
Share Your Cinnamon French Toast Stick Creations!
I just love hearing from you all! Have you tried making these awesome Cinnamon French toast sticks? I’d be thrilled if you’d pop down into the comments and share how they turned out for you! Did your kids gobble them up? Did you try a fun new dipping sauce? If you have any variations or tips to add, please let me know! Sharing our kitchen wins helps everyone. And if you loved them, a quick rating would be amazing! You can also reach out anytime through my contact page!
PrintCinnamon French Toast Sticks
Crispy on the outside and custardy on the inside, these cinnamon French toast sticks are a perfect kid-friendly breakfast. They are easy to make ahead and freeze for busy mornings.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-Frying/Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast or brioche recommended)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Butter or cooking spray for cooking
Instructions
- Cut each slice of bread into 3-4 sticks.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the coating.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well coated on all sides.
- Press the coated bread sticks into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, coating all sides.
- For stovetop cooking: Melt butter or spray a non-stick skillet with cooking spray over medium heat. Cook the French toast sticks for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- For air fryer cooking: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated French toast sticks in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like maple syrup or fruit compote.
Notes
- For make-ahead and freezing: After coating the sticks, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen sticks to a freezer bag or container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until crisp.
- Ensure your bread is slightly stale for best results; it will hold up better to the egg mixture.
- Adjust the cinnamon-sugar coating to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 sticks
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg