There’s something irresistibly fun about breakfast you can hold in your hand, dipped in maple syrup and coated with just the right amount of sweetness. That’s exactly why I adore this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe—they’re cozy, crunchy, and perfect for sharing around the table.

The image shows a white plate stacked with about seven thick, rectangular sticks of golden brown French toast, topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar that adds a slightly rough texture. Around the toast on the plate are a few fresh, cut strawberries with bright red color and green leaves, along with some plump blueberries in a deep blue hue. A rose gold fork lies beside the toast on the plate's edge. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with another white plate partially visible in the corner and a jar of amber-colored syrup blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, these French toast sticks remind me of childhood breakfasts and weekend brunches, but made better because you control exactly what goes into them. Plus, dipping them in warm cinnamon sugar is like a little celebration with every bite.

Simplicity at its best: Just a few ingredients transform into a sweet, crunchy treat everyone will love.
Perfect for dipping: These sticks are ideal for dunking in syrup, chocolate sauce, or even fresh fruit yogurt.
Hands-on fun: Kids and adults alike can enjoy making these together—cutting, dipping, frying, and rolling.
Customizable comfort food: You can tweak the cinnamon sugar ratio or try different breads to suit your mood or pantry.

This image shows a white plate stacked with about seven thick rectangular pieces of golden-brown fried bread coated in sugar and cinnamon, with syrup being poured over from above. The top pieces are crispy and textured, with a dusting of fine sugar crystals. The plate includes fresh blueberries and a sliced strawberry near the bottom, adding pops of blue and red color. In the background, there is a white bowl of blueberries and blurred strawberries on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds a spoon with a copper and silver handle to the right of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe lies in its simple yet complementary ingredients. Each one contributes to that soft-yet-crispy texture and warm, sweet flavor we all crave first thing in the morning.

Flat lay of thick slices of rustic French bread, four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy half and half, a small white ceramic bowl filled with white granulated sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding golden vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of golden cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of soft pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl with a mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon, and a small white ceramic bowl of amber maple syrup, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Texas toast or French bread: Thick slices are key here, so your sticks hold up without getting soggy, while still absorbing the custard perfectly.
Eggs: They create the rich custard base that gives French toast its signature tenderness.
Half and half: Adds creaminess without being heavy, balancing moisture for a luscious bite.
Sugar: A touch in the egg mixture and more in the coating brings sweetness layered throughout.
Vanilla extract: Pure and fragrant—this little addition makes the flavor sing beyond just cinnamon and sugar.
Salt: Just a pinch to brighten all those sweet notes and keep everything in balance.
Butter: For cooking—the flavors meld as it browns, adding a lovely richness and crispness.
Cinnamon sugar mix: That golden dusting you roll each stick in right off the griddle, giving an addictive crunch and spice.
Maple syrup (optional): The classic dipper—but honestly, they’re great even without it if you want your cinnamon sugar to shine.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like these Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe best when they are crispy on the outside but pillowy soft inside. But guess what? You can switch things up easily to make them your own little breakfast masterpiece.

Variation: I sometimes swap the Texas toast for brioche when I want a richer flavor or gluten-free bread when friends visit; just note the texture and soaking times might shift slightly.
Sweeteners: Feel free to tweak the cinnamon sugar—more cinnamon for spice lovers, or add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle kick.
Dips and toppings: Besides maple syrup, try dusting with powdered sugar or dipping in warm fruit preserves for a fun twist.
Dietary: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of half and half for a dairy-free option that still tastes delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Cut your bread into sticks

Start by slicing each piece of Texas toast or French bread into 4 evenly sized sticks. Keeping them roughly the same size helps them cook evenly. I usually tuck these aside on a plate while I prepare the custard mix.

Step 2: Whisk the egg mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and salt. This custard mixture is where all the flavor blends beautifully. Make sure to whisk enough to get a smooth, frothy base—this helps the sticks soak in the flavor without falling apart.

Step 3: Prepare the cinnamon sugar coating

In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. This is your crunchy sweet coating, so mix them well and set aside near the stove for easy access once your sticks are cooked.

Step 4: Cook the French toast sticks

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add about half a tablespoon of butter, letting it melt and coat the pan. Dip the bread sticks into your egg mixture—you want them saturated, but not dripping wet to avoid sogginess. Place 6-8 sticks at a time in your skillet, keeping space so they get golden and crispy.

Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until beautifully golden brown. Flip carefully — a thin spatula helps—and watch for that perfect crust forming.

Step 5: Roll in cinnamon sugar & serve

As soon as the sticks come off the skillet, roll them immediately in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating every inch while they're still warm. Arrange them on your serving tray and repeat until you’ve cooked all your sticks, adding butter to the pan as needed.

Serve warm with a side of maple syrup if you like—it’s the perfect match, but they’re also delightful all on their own.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this recipe, a few key tricks have made all the difference for me. Trust me, these tips will help you avoid soggy or burnt sticks and keep things tasting fresh and perfect every time.

Right bread thickness: Use thick slices like Texas toast or sturdy French bread—thin slices soak up too much egg and tend to fall apart.
Don’t over-soak: A quick dip is enough—the sticks should be saturated but not dripping. Too much custard leads to sogginess and longer cooking times.
Medium heat is king: Cooking on medium heat lets the sticks brown evenly without burning the butter or leaving the centers uncooked.
Roll immediately: Rolling in cinnamon sugar right after cooking ensures the coating sticks well and creates that addictive crunchy crust.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

French toast sticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh berries on the side. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon for a little something special. It adds a pop of color and flavour without overpowering those cinnamon sugar sticks.

Side Dishes

These sticks pair wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a creamy yogurt parfait. If I’m feeling fancy, crispy bacon or sausage always rounds out the meal beautifully—sweet and savory magic! Plus, a hot cup of coffee or tea makes the whole breakfast relaxing and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or holiday brunch, I like to serve the sticks standing up in a tall glass with the cinnamon sugar visible on top, alongside small bowls of dipping sauces—maple syrup, chocolate ganache, even whipped cream. It’s fun and turns regular breakfast into a festive moment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover sticks in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay pretty good up to 2 days, but be aware that the cinnamon sugar coating might soften slightly over time—it’s still delicious!

Freezing

If you want to make a batch ahead, freezing works great. After cooking and coating the sticks, let them cool completely and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can keep for up to a month without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

I reheat frozen or leftover sticks in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This crisps up the outside again without drying out the inside. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but tends to soften the coating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the best bread to use for Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe?

The best bread for this recipe is thick-cut, sturdy bread like Texas toast or French bread. They soak up the egg mixture nicely without falling apart, and the thick slices create those perfect, dippable sticks.

Can I make these French toast sticks ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and cook the sticks ahead, then freeze them after they’ve cooled and been coated in cinnamon sugar. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for a crisp texture when you’re ready to serve.

What’s the secret to getting a crispy cinnamon sugar coating?

The secret is to roll the sticks immediately after they come off the hot skillet while they’re still warm. This helps the cinnamon sugar stick well and creates that wonderful crunchy texture everyone loves.

Can I use a dairy substitute in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap half and half for almond milk, oat milk, or your favorite dairy-free alternative. The texture might be slightly lighter but still delicious and custardy.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is one of those little breakfasts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or a weekend treat for yourself, these sticks bring comfort, smiles, and just the right amount of sweetness. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—once you do, it might just become your new go-to morning joy.