Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins

If you’re a fan of French toast and love the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon sugar, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins are the perfect treat for your next breakfast or brunch. With a soft and fluffy texture, topped with buttery cinnamon sugar, these muffins capture the essence of classic French toast in a portable, easy-to-make form. Whether you serve them fresh out of the oven or save them for a quick breakfast on the go, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and delicious.

Ingredients:

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease with cooking spray to ensure easy removal.

2. Prepare the Muffin Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy for a light, tender texture.

4. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full.

5. Bake the Muffins:
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5 minutes.

6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. While the muffins are still warm, brush the tops with melted butter and then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture until well coated for that irresistible French toast flavor.

7. Serve Warm or at Room Temperature:
Enjoy these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins fresh from the oven for the best flavor, or store them in an airtight container for up to three days. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet afternoon snack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 220 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 muffins

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

• Serve Warm: These muffins are best served warm when the cinnamon sugar topping is freshly coated and the buttery flavor shines through. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back their warmth.
• Pair with Breakfast Beverages: Serve these muffins with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a complete breakfast or brunch experience.
• Top with Maple Syrup: For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a bit of warm maple syrup over the muffins before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and complements the French toast flavor perfectly.
• Accompany with Fresh Fruit: To balance the sweetness, pair these muffins with a side of fresh fruit like berries, sliced bananas, or orange wedges for a refreshing contrast.

Storage Tips:

• At Room Temperature: Store leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their freshness and soft texture.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the muffins in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat them slightly before serving to restore their warmth and softness.
• Freezing: If you want to store the muffins for a longer period, you can freeze them. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw the muffins at room temperature or reheat them in the microwave or oven.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the muffins in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. This will refresh the muffins and bring back their soft, fresh-baked texture.

Following these serving and storage tips ensures that your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins remain fresh, flavorful, and enjoyable for days!

Variations:

1. Maple Glazed Muffins
   Drizzle a simple maple glaze over the warm muffins for extra sweetness. Combine powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk to create a smooth glaze. The maple syrup adds a delicious twist to the French toast flavor.
2. Stuffed French Toast Muffins
   For a surprise center, add a spoonful of cream cheese or Nutella in the middle of each muffin before baking. This adds a rich, creamy filling that elevates the classic flavor of French toast.
3. Blueberry French Toast Muffins
   Mix 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a fruity burst of flavor. Blueberries add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon sugar topping, making the muffins even more delightful.
4. Pumpkin Spice French Toast Muffins
   Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for a seasonal spin. This variation is perfect for fall and offers a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of pumpkin bread.
5. Banana Cinnamon Muffins
   Mash 1 ripe banana and stir it into the wet ingredients. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the muffins extra tender with a hint of banana flavor.
6. French Toast Muffin Bites
   Turn these muffins into bite-sized treats by baking them in a mini muffin tin. This variation is perfect for parties or brunch spreads, offering a smaller, more portable version of the classic muffin.
7. Chocolate Chip French Toast Muffins
   Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, chocolaty variation. The combination of chocolate and cinnamon sugar creates a fun and indulgent breakfast treat.
8. Apple Cinnamon French Toast Muffins
   Dice 1 small apple and fold it into the batter for an apple-cinnamon twist. The apple adds moisture and a fresh, fruity flavor that pairs well with the cinnamon sugar topping.
9. Almond French Toast Muffins
   Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking. This variation adds a nutty flavor and a little crunch to the soft muffins.
10. Gluten-Free French Toast Muffins
    Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the proper texture.

These variations allow you to experiment with different flavors and textures, making your Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins even more versatile and delicious!

FAQs:

1. Can I make these muffins ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make these muffins ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
2. Can I freeze Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins?
   Absolutely! Freeze the muffins by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven or microwave.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
   Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the muffins will be denser. If you prefer a lighter texture, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
4. Can I use a different type of milk?
   Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. The muffins will still turn out soft and flavorful.
5. How do I prevent the muffins from sticking to the liners?
   To prevent sticking, make sure to use non-stick muffin liners or grease the muffin tin with cooking spray or butter before adding the batter.
6. Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet muffin. However, keep in mind that the sweetness contributes to the French toast flavor.
7. Can I add mix-ins like fruit or chocolate chips?
   Absolutely! You can add mix-ins like blueberries, diced apples, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently before baking.
8. What can I serve with these muffins?
   These muffins pair well with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. They also make a great addition to a breakfast or brunch spread.
9. Can I use oil instead of butter for the topping?
   Butter gives the topping its rich, traditional flavor, but you can use melted coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil if needed. Just note that the flavor may differ slightly.

These Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins bring all the warmth and flavor of French toast into a convenient muffin form, making them a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch. With their soft, fluffy centers and cinnamon-sugar-coated tops, they’re the perfect sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these muffins will quickly become a family favorite!