Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

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Introduction

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on classic French toast – an easy-to-make handheld version that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. These muffins bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar together while maintaining the soft, custardy interior that French toast is known for. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to win your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

You’ll need the following simple ingredients to create this delicious cinnamon sugar treat:

– Bread: Choose a hearty, day-old bread like brioche or challah to soak up all the custard while maintaining structure.
– Eggs: Provides the base for the custard mixture.
– Milk: Use whole milk for a creamier texture, or you can opt for your preferred milk alternative.
– Sugar: Granulated sugar works best for sweetening both the custard mixture and the topping.
– Ground Cinnamon: The key spice that delivers the warm, aromatic flavor.
– Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweet, warm profiles of the recipe.
– Butter: Melted butter helps create the cinnamon sugar topping and ensures the muffins have a moist texture.

Prep Time

Before you begin, allow yourself about 15 minutes for preparation. This includes cutting the bread, mixing the custard ingredients, and preparing the muffin tin.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook-time for these French toast muffins is around 25 minutes. Including prep time, the total time to make this recipe is just 40 minutes. This batch will yield approximately 12 muffins, perfect for serving a small crowd or saving some for later.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a standard muffin tin by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with muffin liners. This will ensure the muffins don’t stick after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding so it doesn’t cook the eggs. Mix thoroughly until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3: Cube the Bread

Take your bread and cut it into small, uniform cubes, about 1-inch pieces. You can use day-old bread or any type of bread with a dense texture for better results.

Step 4: Combine the Bread and Wet Mixture

Add the cubed bread to the wet mixture in the bowl. Toss gently until all the bread pieces are evenly coated and have absorbed the mixture. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to ensure the bread absorbs most of the liquid.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well to create a cinnamon-sugar mixture that will be used for coating the muffins.

Step 6: Fill the Muffin Tin

Spoon the soaked bread mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tin. Press the mixture down gently to compact it into each muffin cup. Make sure the cups are filled with enough mixture but not overflowing.

Step 7: Bake the Muffins

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. Check for doneness with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 8: Cool the Muffins

Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely, or serve warm.

Step 9: Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar

Once the muffins are slightly cool, brush their tops lightly with melted butter. Then, sprinkle or roll them generously in the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cinnamon-sugar French toast muffins warm or at room temperature. These pair wonderfully with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or fresh fruits for added flavor.

Notes

Choosing the Bread

For the best texture, use sturdy, day-old bread like brioche, challah, or sourdough. Avoid overly soft sandwich bread as it might turn mushy.

Storage Tips

Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave to revive their texture before serving.

Freezing Instructions

These muffins freeze well. Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or a microwave when ready to enjoy.

Customizations

Feel free to add raisins, chopped nuts, or chocolate chips to the bread mixture before baking for additional flavor and texture.

Sugar Adjustments

If you prefer a less sweet treat, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cinnamon-sugar mixture or omit it altogether for a plain French toast muffin.

Cook Techniques

Properly Mixing the Batter

Ensure all wet and dry ingredients are measured accurately and combined thoroughly to create a smooth batter with no lumps. This helps achieve an even texture for the muffins.

Coating Muffins in Cinnamon Sugar

Once baked, while the muffins are still slightly warm, carefully coat them in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for an even flavor distribution.

Using a Muffin Pan with Liners

To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier, use well-greased muffin liners or a non-stick muffin pan when preparing these muffins.

Softening Butter

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before using it in the recipe for smoother mixing and to ensure it blends well with the other wet ingredients.

Cooling Muffins Properly

Allow the muffins to cool slightly in the pan, and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture and easier handling.

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the texture may be denser due to the higher fiber content in whole wheat flour.

Can these muffins be made ahead of time?

Absolutely. Store them in an airtight container and reheat slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I store leftover muffins?

Store any leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Yes, wrap them individually or store in a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Do I have to coat the muffins in cinnamon sugar?

No, the coating is optional, but it adds extra sweetness and flavor to the muffins.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or raisins?

Yes, feel free to mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or other add-ins to customize the muffins to your liking.

What type of sugar works best for this recipe?

Granulated sugar works best for the batter and coating, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are a delightful twist on a breakfast favorite, perfect for starting your day with a warm and comforting treat. Easy to make and bursting with the flavors of cinnamon and sugar, these muffins pair perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack later, this recipe is sure to brighten your mornings and satisfy your cravings.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Classic French Toast

Elevate your mornings with a traditional French toast recipe topped with maple syrup and fresh berries.

Cinnamon Sugar Pancakes

Opt for fluffy pancakes dusted with cinnamon sugar for a similar flavor profile in a different form.

Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Combine the warmth of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of apples for a fruity twist.

Churro Bites

For a bite-sized treat, try making churro bites sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with chocolate sauce.

Vanilla Glazed Donuts

Pair these muffins with homemade vanilla-glazed donuts for a beautiful mix of sweetness.

Maple Pecan Granola

Serve alongside a crunchy maple pecan granola mix for a balanced breakfast spread.

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

For fall vibes, enjoy pumpkin spice muffins as a complementary treat to the cinnamon sugar muffins.