Delicious Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks: The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Breakfast & Brunch Recipe

Imagine waking up to the sweet, warm scent of cinnamon and sugar wafting from your kitchen. That’s the magic of these Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks! They are an incredibly easy and universally kid-friendly breakfast that quickly becomes a family favorite. Whether you prefer them baked for a lighter option or fried for a classic indulgent crisp, they make a wonderful make-ahead meal for busy mornings or a standout dish for a leisurely brunch.

I originally published this cherished recipe back in 2018, and it has since cemented its place as a staple in our home. Over the years, I’ve refined the process, adding new photos and sharing even more helpful success tips to ensure your French toast sticks turn out perfectly golden and delicious every single time. This recipe is more than just instructions; it’s an invitation to create happy breakfast memories with loved ones.

Let me introduce you to my children’s all-time favorite breakfast: cinnamon sugar French toast sticks! While these delightful fried French toast sticks aren’t an everyday occurrence, they are an absolute must for special occasions, holidays, or any morning that calls for a little extra joy. Their unique stick shape makes them incredibly fun for little hands to hold and, more importantly, perfect for dipping and dunking into warm maple syrup, fruit compotes, or even chocolate sauce!

Beyond being a fantastic breakfast, these French toast sticks are also an ideal option for a brunch gathering. The flexibility to prepare them ahead of time and simply reheat when guests arrive is a game-changer for stress-free entertaining. My kids love them so much because, well, everything is more exciting when it’s made for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks Recipe

This recipe isn’t just a crowd-pleaser; it’s also incredibly practical. It’s designed for ease, using common pantry ingredients, and requires minimal prep time. Here are a few reasons why these homemade French toast sticks will become your go-to:

• **Simple & Quick:** With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, you can have a delicious breakfast on the table in under half an hour.
• **Kid-Friendly Fun:** The stick format makes them inherently fun and easy for children to eat, encouraging even picky eaters to enjoy their breakfast.
• **Make-Ahead Convenience:** Prepare a large batch and freeze them for quick breakfasts on busy weekdays, or assemble the components the night before a brunch.
• **Versatile Cooking Methods:** Whether you prefer the golden crispness of pan-fried or the lighter touch of baked French toast sticks, this recipe works beautifully for both.
• **Customizable:** Easily adapt the type of bread, the amount of cinnamon sugar, and your favorite toppings to suit any preference.
• **Budget-Friendly:** A great way to use up day-old bread, transforming it into a delightful treat rather than letting it go to waste.

Baked or Fried? Choosing Your Perfect French Toast Stick Experience

One of the great things about this cinnamon sugar French toast stick recipe is its versatility in cooking methods. I’ve personally prepared them both by frying and baking, and I can confirm that my children adore both versions equally. Speaking from a secret preference, I tend to lean towards the fried version for that unbeatable, slightly crispy, buttery exterior and tender interior – but shhh, don’t tell anyone!

However, the baked option is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a healthier approach, aiming to cook a larger batch simultaneously without constant flipping, or simply prefer a less messy clean-up. Each method yields a slightly different texture but promises the same delicious cinnamon-sugar flavor that makes these sticks so irresistible. Feel free to experiment and discover which cooking style best suits your family’s taste buds and your morning routine!

Essential Tips for Making the Best Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks:

To ensure your homemade French toast sticks are nothing short of perfect, here are some tried-and-true tips:

• **Bread Choice Matters:** While you can certainly use regular sandwich bread for these French toast sticks – and they will still taste wonderful! – opting for thick-cut Texas toast is highly recommended. The added thickness provides a much sturdier stick that holds its shape better, making it less floppy and easier for dipping, especially for kids.
• **Embrace Day-Old Bread:** This is a classic French toast secret! Bread that is a little less than fresh, or “day-old,” works best. Fresh bread can absorb too much of the egg mixture, leading to a soggy texture. If your bread is very fresh, simply lay the slices out uncovered on a baking rack overnight. This small step helps them dry out slightly, creating a firmer base that crisps up beautifully without getting mushy. It’s a trick I don’t always remember, but it definitely elevates the final result!
• **Don’t Over-Soak the Sticks:** When you dip the bread sticks into the egg mixture, do so quickly. A brief dip, ensuring both sides are coated but not fully saturated, is key. Over-soaking will make the sticks too soft and difficult to handle, resulting in a less desirable texture.
• **Master Your Skillet Temperature:** For frying, maintaining a medium to medium-low heat is crucial. If the heat is too high, the butter will burn, and the exterior of the French toast will brown too quickly, leaving the inside uncooked. Too low, and the sticks will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. A consistent medium-low heat ensures a golden-brown exterior and a perfectly cooked, custardy interior.
• **Roll in Cinnamon Sugar Immediately:** The moment your French toast sticks come out of the pan or oven, while they are still piping hot, is the best time to roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. The residual heat helps the sugar melt slightly and adhere beautifully to the surface, creating that irresistible sweet and spiced crust.

Can I make cinnamon sugar French toast instead of sticks?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can easily follow all the same instructions to make classic cinnamon sugar French toast slices instead of cutting them into sticks. Just prepare your bread as whole slices (or halves, depending on size) and proceed with dipping and cooking. The delicious flavor profile will be exactly the same. However, I’ve found that kids (and many adults!) often prefer the stick format because it’s simply more fun to dip and easier to eat on the go or with fingers.

Can I use different bread for French toast sticks?

Certainly! While thick-cut Texas toast is my top recommendation for its ideal sturdiness and absorbency, you have several fantastic alternatives. Rich brioche, elegant challah, or even a robust sourdough can all make excellent French toast sticks. The key is to choose a bread that is relatively firm and dense enough to hold up after being dipped in the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy. Simply cut your chosen bread into sticks of similar size and proceed with the recipe instructions. Each type of bread will offer its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment to discover your personal favorite!

How do you reheat fried French toast sticks?

Reheating French toast sticks effectively is crucial for preserving their delicious taste and texture. Nobody wants soggy French toast! Here are my preferred methods:

• **Skillet Reheat (Best for Crispness):** For the ultimate reheat, place your cooled French toast sticks in a skillet over medium-low heat with a small pat of butter. Cook for a few minutes per side until they are warmed through and the exterior is nice and crisp again. This method brings them closest to their freshly cooked glory.
• **Air Fryer Reheat (Quick & Crispy):** The air fryer is a fantastic tool for reheating! Lightly brush the frozen or refrigerated sticks with a touch of butter or spray with non-stick spray. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are hot and crispy.
• **Oven Reheat (Great for Batches):** If you’re reheating a larger quantity, the oven is your best bet. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the French toast sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until they are thoroughly heated.
• **Microwave (Use as a Last Resort):** While you *can* reheat them in the microwave for speed, I generally don’t recommend it. This method often results in a softer, sometimes soggy texture that lacks the appealing crispness of fresh or skillet/air-fried French toast. If you must use a microwave, heat for 30-40 seconds per stick until warmed through.

What to serve these French Toast Sticks with:

These sweet cinnamon sugar French toast sticks are delicious on their own, but they truly become a memorable meal when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to complete your breakfast or brunch spread:

• **Maple Syrup:** The classic choice! A generous pour of warm, pure maple syrup is essential for dipping these delightful sticks.
• **Fresh Fruit:** Add a burst of freshness and color with a side of fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), sliced bananas, or a vibrant mix of seasonal fruit. For an extra special touch, consider a refreshing Creamy Key Lime Fruit Salad.
• **Whipped Cream:** A dollop of homemade whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of vanilla or a dash of cinnamon, adds an indulgent, airy topping.
• **Yogurt Parfait:** A side of plain Greek yogurt or a fruit-flavored yogurt offers a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness.
• **Savory Sides:** To make it a complete meal, pair your sweet French toast sticks with savory breakfast staples like scrambled, poached, or fried eggs, crispy bacon, or savory sausage links.
• **Nut Butters:** Offer a small dish of peanut butter, almond butter, or even a chocolate-hazelnut spread for an extra layer of flavor and protein.
• **Fruit Compote or Jam:** Homemade berry compote, apple butter, or your favorite fruit jam can add a wonderful fruity sweetness.

More Delicious Brunch Options to Explore:

If you’re hosting a brunch, looking to expand your breakfast menu, or simply in search of more delightful recipes, here are some other fantastic dishes from my kitchen that perfectly complement these French toast sticks or stand out beautifully on their own:

• Lemon Muffins: Light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor – a perfect addition to any breakfast spread.
• Ham and Cheddar Biscuit Rolls: A savory, cheesy counterpoint to the sweet French toast, these are always a hit.
• Ham and Cheddar Scones: For a slightly more sophisticated savory option, these scones are wonderfully flavorful.
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls: A sweet and fruity pastry that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to whip up.

Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just craving a comforting, sweet start to your morning, these homemade Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Sticks are the perfect answer. They’re quick to make, incredibly easy, and always a guaranteed hit with everyone. Get ready to fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and create some delicious, lasting memories!