Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: The Ultimate Guide to Making Them at Home

Cinnamon French Toast Sticks: Who can resist the allure of warm, golden-brown sticks of pure breakfast bliss? I know I certainly can’t! These aren’t just any breakfast treat; they’re a nostalgic trip back to childhood, reimagined for the modern palate. Forget the soggy French toast of yesteryear; we’re talking perfectly crisp exteriors giving way to soft, custardy interiors, all infused with the comforting warmth of cinnamon.

French toast, in its various forms, has a surprisingly long and fascinating history. Some believe its origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where a similar dish was prepared by soaking bread in milk and eggs. Over the centuries, it evolved and spread across cultures, each adding its own unique twist. But the addition of cinnamon? That’s where the magic truly happens, transforming a simple dish into something truly special.

People adore cinnamon French toast sticks for so many reasons. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend brunches. The combination of sweet, spiced flavor and satisfying texture is simply irresistible. Plus, their convenient stick shape makes them ideal for dipping in syrup, fruit compote, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, these delightful treats are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. So, let’s get started and create some breakfast magic!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (1 pound) challah or brioche bread, cut into 1-inch thick slices
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% recommended for richness)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Vegetable oil or cooking spray, for greasing the griddle or pan

Preparing the Egg Mixture:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is create the luscious egg mixture that will transform our bread into golden, cinnamon-y goodness. This is where the magic happens, so pay close attention!

1. Whisk the Eggs: In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or a wide bowl), crack all six eggs. Whisk them vigorously until they are light and frothy and the yolks and whites are fully combined. This is important for a smooth and even coating on the bread.
2. Add the Milk and Cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream (if you’re using it). The cream adds a wonderful richness, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you prefer a lighter version.
3. Incorporate the Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the mixture. The brown sugar adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of molasses that complements the cinnamon beautifully. Whisk until the sugars are completely dissolved. You don’t want any gritty bits in your French toast!
4. Spice it Up: Now for the best part – the spices! Add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon is the star of the show, but the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and complexity. The vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, and the salt balances the sweetness.
5. Whisk Thoroughly: Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, homogenous, and fragrant. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or sugar granules remaining. This ensures that each slice of bread is evenly coated with flavor.

Soaking the Bread:

Now comes the crucial step: soaking the bread. This is where the bread absorbs all that delicious egg mixture, transforming it from ordinary bread into something truly special. Don’t rush this process!

1. Prepare the Bread: Make sure your challah or brioche bread is sliced into 1-inch thick slices. This thickness is ideal for soaking up the egg mixture without becoming soggy.
2. Soak Each Slice: Dip each slice of bread into the egg mixture, making sure to fully submerge it. Let it soak for about 20-30 seconds on each side. You want the bread to be saturated but not falling apart. If the bread is very fresh, it might soak up the mixture more quickly, so keep an eye on it. If the bread is a little stale, you might need to soak it for a bit longer.
3. Remove Excess Mixture: Gently lift each soaked slice of bread from the egg mixture and let any excess drip off. You don’t want the bread to be dripping wet, as this will make it difficult to cook properly.
4. Arrange on a Tray: Place the soaked bread slices on a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking and make it easier to transfer them to the griddle or pan.

Cooking the French Toast Sticks:

Alright, we’re almost there! Now it’s time to cook those soaked bread slices into golden-brown, irresistible French toast sticks. This is where patience and a little bit of technique come in handy.

1. Prepare the Cooking Surface: Heat a large griddle or skillet over medium heat. You want the surface to be hot enough to cook the French toast evenly but not so hot that it burns.
2. Grease the Surface: Lightly grease the griddle or skillet with vegetable oil or cooking spray. You can also use a little bit of butter for extra flavor, but be careful not to let it burn.
3. Melt the Butter: Add about 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot griddle or skillet. Let it melt completely and coat the surface evenly. The butter will add a rich, golden-brown color and a delicious flavor to the French toast.
4. Cook the French Toast: Place the soaked bread slices onto the hot griddle or skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You want to leave enough space between each slice so that they can cook evenly.
5. Cook on the First Side: Cook the French toast for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until it is golden brown and slightly crispy. Keep an eye on the heat and adjust it as needed to prevent burning.
6. Flip and Cook the Second Side: Carefully flip each slice of French toast with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the second side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through. The French toast should be cooked through but still slightly soft in the center.
7. Repeat with Remaining Bread: Repeat the process with the remaining soaked bread slices, adding more butter to the griddle or skillet as needed.
8. Cut into Sticks: Once each slice is cooked, place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into 3-4 sticks.

Serving and Enjoying:

Congratulations, you’ve made delicious Cinnamon French Toast Sticks! Now it’s time to serve them up and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few serving suggestions to take your French toast sticks to the next level:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Drizzle with Maple Syrup: Classic maple syrup is always a winner. Use real maple syrup for the best flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Berries: Fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of freshness and color.
• Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream is a decadent treat that complements the cinnamon flavor perfectly.
• Sprinkle with Chopped Nuts: Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Make a Dipping Sauce: Create a simple dipping sauce by mixing together maple syrup, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon.

Tips for Success:

• Use good quality bread: The quality of the bread will greatly affect the final result. Challah or brioche are the best choices for French toast because they are rich, eggy, and absorbent.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the French toast to steam instead of brown.
• Adjust the heat as needed: Keep an eye on the heat and adjust it as needed to prevent burning.
• Serve immediately: French toast is best served immediately while it is still warm and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade Cinnamon French Toast Sticks! They’re perfect for a weekend brunch, a special breakfast, or even a sweet treat any time of day.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are more than just a breakfast; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and sweetness to their morning routine, or even as a fun and easy dessert. The combination of the crispy exterior, the soft, custardy interior, and that irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating is simply divine.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up a batch of these golden goodies. The ingredients are readily available, the instructions are straightforward, and the results are consistently amazing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? I’ve got you covered! These Cinnamon French Toast Sticks are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a few tasty accompaniments. A drizzle of pure maple syrup is a classic choice, of course. But don’t be afraid to get creative! Try dipping them in a homemade berry compote, a rich chocolate sauce, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For a healthier option, serve them with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! Want to add a little extra flavor? Try incorporating a dash of vanilla extract or almond extract into the egg mixture. For a richer, more decadent treat, use brioche or challah bread instead of regular white bread. You could even experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to create your own unique flavor profile. If you are feeling adventurous, you can add a thin layer of cream cheese between two slices of bread before dipping them in the egg mixture. This will create an incredibly rich and decadent treat that is sure to impress.

Another great variation is to make these Cinnamon French Toast Sticks ahead of time. Simply prepare them as directed, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just pop them in the toaster or oven until they’re heated through and crispy. This is a great way to have a quick and easy breakfast on hand for busy mornings.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bread. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade Cinnamon French Toast Sticks.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite dipping sauces? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let’s create a community of Cinnamon French Toast Sticks enthusiasts! Don’t hesitate to ask any questions you might have. I’m here to help you every step of the way. Happy cooking!