(with classic French toast option)
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If you’re looking for a breakfast recipe that feels familiar but a little special, these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are one you’ll come back to again and again. They cook up golden on the outside with a soft, custardy center and are finished in a warm cinnamon sugar coating that makes them perfect for dipping.
Made with simple pantry ingredients and quick stovetop or griddle steps, this recipe is easy enough for busy mornings but special enough for weekend brunch or holiday breakfasts. It’s scaled to serve 6–8 and works just as well as classic French toast slices if you prefer a traditional presentation.
Want an even smoother finish? Try topping with our Homemade Whipped Cream!
Why You’ll Love These French Toast Sticks
- Kid-friendly and easy to eat
- Coated in warm cinnamon sugar for extra flavor
- Made with basic pantry staples
- Works as sticks or classic French toast slices
- Great for family breakfasts or feeding a crowd
Equipment You’ll Need
Electric griddle – I like using a large electric griddle for French toast sticks because it cooks evenly and gives you plenty of space to work in batches. It makes flipping easier and keeps everything cooking at the same temperature.
Mixing bowl – For whisking together the cinnamon sugar coating and egg-milk mixture.
Whisk – Helps blend the custard mixture smoothly so each stick gets perfectly coated.
Tongs or spatula – Handy for flipping the French toast sticks without losing any of the cinnamon sugar on them.
Pastry brush (optional) – I like using a pastry brush to lightly brush butter or extra seasoning onto the sticks as they cook. It adds an extra layer of flavor without making them greasy.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks
This French toast follows a simple, classic stovetop method.
You’ll start by whisking together eggs, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to create a light custard. Thick slices of bread are quickly dipped — just enough to coat — so they stay soft inside without becoming soggy.
The bread is cooked in butter over medium-high heat until golden and crisp on all sides. While still warm, the French toast is rolled in a cinnamon sugar mixture so the coating sticks evenly and creates that signature sweet finish.
The result is a comforting, dependable breakfast with crisp edges, a tender center, and just the right amount of sweetness.
Slice the bread into sticks for a fun, handheld option, or leave the slices whole and serve it as classic French toast with syrup and butter.
Don’t feel bad if yours don’t look perfectly uniform – if I’m not making them to photograph for this blog, mine will always look like this, and that’s ok! They still taste just as good!
Roll your French Toast Sticks in the cinnamon sugar mix, or, like my oldest daughter prefers, simply dust them with powdered sugar.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks
Golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and coated in cinnamon sugar, this French toast is made for dipping. Slice it into sticks for a fun, handheld breakfast, or keep the bread whole for a classic French toast plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
- Total Time: 30-40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
French Toast
- 12 slices slightly stale bread
(I recommend using 1 loaf of Our Grateful Kitchen’s homemade bread cut into thick slices, or store-bought white bread, preferably a couple days old) - 6 large eggs
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter, divided
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For Serving (optional)
-
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (ran out? Make your own powdered sugar!)
- Your favorite syrup (we like real maple syrup or sugar-free table syrup)
Instructions
-
Prepare the bread:
Remove the crusts if desired. Slice each piece of bread into 3 thick sticks, or leave the slices whole for traditional French toast. -
Mix the batter:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth. -
Make the cinnamon sugar:
Combine the sugar and cinnamon on a large plate or shallow dish. Set aside. -
Heat the pan:
Heat a large griddle over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. -
Dip and cook:
Working quickly, roll each piece of bread in the egg mixture just until coated — do not soak. Shake off excess and place directly into the hot pan. Cook in batches, turning as needed, until all sides are golden brown. -
Coat while hot:
Transfer the cooked French toast immediately to the cinnamon sugar mixture and gently roll to coat while still warm so the sugar sticks. Dust with powdered sugar if using. -
Repeat:
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter as needed and repeat with the remaining bread. -
Serve:
Serve warm with maple syrup for dipping or drizzling.
Notes
If You Don’t Have Stale Bread
I recommend drying in the air fryer for a couple minutes or toasting just slightly so bread releases some of the moisture inside it.
To Make Classic French Toast:
Leave the bread slices whole and cook as directed. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after cooking or serve with syrup, butter, and toppings of choice.
Best Bread Tip:
Slightly stale, thick-cut bread holds its shape better and won’t become soggy.
Crowd Cooking Tip:
Use a large griddle or two skillets to speed things up when cooking for a group.
Notes & Tips
- Slightly stale bread works best and holds its shape while cooking
- Thick slices make flipping easier and prevent sogginess
- Cook in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan for even browning
What to Serve With French Toast
- Bacon or breakfast sausage
- Scrambled eggs
- Fresh fruit or fruit salad
- Yogurt parfaits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I bake these instead of cooking on the stove?
Yes! If you’d like a hands-off approach, you can place the coated bread sticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method still gives you golden, slightly crisp edges with a tender interior, just without the stovetop attention.
What kind of bread works best for French toast sticks?
Slightly stale or day-old bread is ideal because it soaks up just the right amount of custard without falling apart. Thick-sliced sandwich bread, brioche, challah, or Texas toast all perform beautifully here. Very fresh, soft bread can get too soggy and become mushy when dipped.
Can I make the cinnamon sugar mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cinnamon sugar coating can easily be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. It’s a great time-saver when making breakfast for a crowd.
How do I know when they are done cooking?
When the French toast sticks have a golden brown exterior and are cooked through in the center, they’re ready. The sticks should feel slightly firm and not mushy in the middle when pressed lightly with your spatula or tongs.
Can I use a dairy-free or egg-free version?
Yes! You can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or another dairy-free alternative in place of the milk, and try an egg replacer (like a flax egg mix or a store-bought egg replacer) if needed for dietary preferences. Keep in mind that texture and color may vary slightly from the classic version.
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