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Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite, offering a fun, finger-friendly way to enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar.
This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for busy mornings or casual brunches.
Made primarily from eggs and bread, it delivers a good boost of protein and energy to start your day.
Using stale bread helps create a firmer texture, preventing sogginess and making the sticks perfect for dipping in maple syrup.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is not only satisfying but also versatile—ideal for meal prep or serving to kids who love dipping foods.
The cinnamon adds antioxidant properties, while the moderate use of butter provides a touch of richness without overwhelming the dish with saturated fats.
Overall, it’s a balanced, crowd-pleasing recipe that marries convenience with comfort.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Non-Stick Frying Pan
Essential for evenly cooking the French toast sticks with minimal butter, ensuring a golden-brown crust without sticking.
Its versatility makes it a kitchen staple for sautéing, frying, and more.
Mixing Bowls
A medium-sized bowl for whisking eggs and milk allows thorough mixing of ingredients, helping the egg coating bind perfectly to the bread. Multipurpose for marinating, mixing, and prepping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precise measurement of milk, sugar, and cinnamon guarantees balanced flavors and consistent results, crucial for baking and cooking success.
Tongs or Slotted Turner
Ideal for flipping the French toast sticks safely and efficiently without breaking them.
Also useful for turning delicate foods during cooking.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
For removing crusts and slicing thick bread sticks accurately, providing uniform pieces that cook evenly and look appealing.
Cinnamon French Toast
Equipment
- 1 Non-stick frying pan (10–12 inch)
- 1 medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons set
- 1 Pair of kitchen tongs or slotted turner
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Sharp kitchen knife
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices white bread preferably slightly stale
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk
- A pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Maple syrup for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Start by trimming off the crusts from each slice of bread. Then cut each slice into three equal-sized thick sticks, about 1.7 cm (2/3 inch) wide. Using stale bread helps keep the sticks firm and prevents sogginess.
- Mix the Egg Wash: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and a small pinch of salt until fully combined and smooth. This will serve as the coating for the bread sticks.
- Combine Cinnamon Sugar: On a shallow plate, stir together the sugar and cinnamon evenly. This mixture will give the sticks their signature sweet and spicy coating.
- Heat the Pan and Melt Butter: Place a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling the pan to coat evenly.
- Cook the French Toast Sticks (First Batch): Quickly dip each bread stick into the egg mixture, rolling to coat all sides but without letting them soak too long. Shake off any excess liquid to avoid sogginess. Lay the sticks flat in the hot pan, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While the sticks are still warm, immediately transfer them to the cinnamon sugar plate and gently roll to cover all sides. The warmth helps the sugar stick perfectly.
- Cook Remaining Sticks: Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan, melt, and repeat the cooking and coating process for the second batch.
- Serve: Serve the cinnamon French toast sticks immediately while warm, alongside maple syrup for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Bread Thickness and Staleness: For best results, use thick-cut bread and let it become slightly stale. This ensures the sticks hold their shape during cooking and don’t become overly soft or soggy. Fresh bread tends to absorb too much egg mixture.
- Cutting Consistency: Cutting the bread into evenly sized sticks helps them cook uniformly and look more appealing.
- Quick Coating: Roll the sticks in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking while still hot to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Butter Use: Using butter adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy, golden crust but can be swapped with oil if preferred for a different taste or dietary needs.
Chef’s Secrets for Crispy French Toast
Achieving perfectly crispy yet tender French toast sticks is all about balance.
Using slightly stale, thick-cut bread prevents sogginess and helps the sticks hold their shape when dipped in the egg mixture.
Avoid soaking the bread for too long; a quick dip followed by shaking off the excess coating is key.
Cooking over medium-high heat ensures a golden crust without burning, while melting butter in batches keeps the flavor rich and the sticks crispy.
Immediately rolling the hot sticks in cinnamon sugar helps the coating stick firmly, maximizing flavor and texture.
If you want extra richness, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to your egg wash for a subtle aromatic boost.
Delicious Serving Suggestions to Enjoy
These cinnamon French toast sticks are incredibly versatile and perfect for dipping.
Serve them with warm maple syrup, honey, or fruit preserves for a sweet touch.
For a balanced breakfast, pair them with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
For a more indulgent treat, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
They also work wonderfully as finger food for brunch gatherings or a fun kids’ snack.
For a savory contrast, try them alongside crispy bacon or sausage.
The finger-friendly shape makes them ideal for sharing and dipping, adding a playful element to any meal.
Best Storage Tips for Freshness
French toast sticks are best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store leftovers properly to maintain taste and texture.
Allow the sticks to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 2 days and reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispiness—avoid the microwave as it tends to make them soggy.
For longer storage, freeze cooked sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to one month.
Reheat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crisp.
Avoid soaking bread too much when cooking leftovers, as it can make reheated sticks soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Recipe
1. Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free bread?
Yes! Whole wheat bread works well for a nuttier flavor, and gluten-free bread is a great alternative for those with sensitivities.
Just ensure the bread is thick-cut and slightly stale for best results.
2. Why is stale bread recommended?
Stale bread absorbs less egg mixture, preventing the sticks from becoming soggy or falling apart during cooking.
Fresh bread tends to soak up too much liquid, resulting in a floppy texture.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the bread sticks and cinnamon sugar in advance, but cooking them fresh ensures the best texture.
Alternatively, cook them ahead, then reheat in the oven or air fryer before serving.
4. What can I use instead of butter?
You can substitute butter with vegetable oil or coconut oil for a different flavor profile or a dairy-free option.
Keep in mind butter adds a rich taste and crispiness.
5. How do I get the cinnamon sugar to stick well?
Rolling the sticks in cinnamon sugar immediately after cooking while they’re still hot helps the sugar adhere perfectly, creating a flavorful, textured coating.
This recipe is inspired by recipetineats and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.