There’s something deeply comforting about warm, crispy treats that also melt in your mouth. This Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly—crispy outside, tender inside, and utterly irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want these for breakfast or anytime snack cravings.

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

I was hooked the moment I dunked those thick Texas toast sticks into that rich egg mixture and fried ’em up to golden perfection. There’s a special joy in rolling them in warm cinnamon sugar while still hot—pure nostalgia with every bite.

Easy to Make: You only need simple ingredients and a few minutes to whip up this crowd-pleaser.
Perfect for Sharing: These sticks are great for family breakfasts, brunch parties, or even after-school snacks.
Customizable Comfort: The recipe adapts well to different breads and flavor boosts, which makes it fun to experiment with.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Rolling them in cinnamon sugar turns breakfast into a tasty game everyone will enjoy.

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

Each ingredient in this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe plays a distinct role—bringing texture, flavor, or that perfect balance of sweet and creamy. Using Texas toast or thick French bread gives the sticks a soft center that holds up well when cooked.

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 soak up the custard mixture well without falling apart.
Eggs: The base of the custard, binding and enriching the bread.
Half and half: Adds creaminess and richness beyond milk but keeps it light.
Sugar (for custard): Adds subtle sweetness to the egg mixture, balancing flavors.
Vanilla extract: Gives warmth and depth that complements cinnamon perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—it’s a must!
Butter: For frying, it lends a lovely golden crust and buttery richness.
Sugar and cinnamon (for coating): The star duo creating that irresistible crunchy cinnamon sugar finish.
Maple syrup (optional): Classic drizzle for added sweetness at serving time.

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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 love playing around with this recipe, and you’ll find it’s easy to make it your own. Sometimes I swap out the bread for brioche for an extra buttery vibe or add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon sugar for a cozy twist. Don’t be shy—adjust the cinnamon-to-sugar ratio based on your sweetness preference!

Gluten-Free Variation: I’ve experimented with gluten-free bread, and it works well as long as it’s thick and sturdy enough to soak up the custard.
Spiced Up: A dash of pumpkin pie spice in the egg mixture adds seasonal flair that’s perfect for fall mornings.
Vegan Twist: Use almond milk and a flax egg substitute to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly. The texture changes a bit, but it’s still delicious.

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

Step 1: Slice and Prepare the Bread

Start by cutting each thick slice of Texas toast or French bread into four even sticks. This makes them easy to dip and perfect for dipping into syrup later. Thick bread is key here—it soaks up the custard without becoming soggy or breaking apart, trust me on this!

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and salt until smooth. I like to whisk it really well, so every bit of bread gets coated evenly and soaks in all those lovely flavors. It’s your base for soft, rich sticks inside.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

In another bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. This is your magic finishing dust that gives those golden sticks their signature sweet crunch. Set this aside so you’re ready to roll the sticks as soon as they’re cooked.

Step 4: Cook the French Toast Sticks

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half a tablespoon of butter until it coats the pan nicely. Then, dip each bread stick into the custard, letting the excess drip off before placing it carefully in the skillet. I usually fit about 6 to 8 sticks at a time without crowding to get an even, crispy crust. Let them cook 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Step 5: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar While Warm

Remove the sticks from the skillet and immediately roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is crucial—warm toast sticks attract the sugar more than cold ones, creating that perfect crunchy coating. Place them on a tray and keep repeating until all are done, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few ways to get this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe just right—especially if you want to wow everyone at the table.

Use Thick-Cut Bread: I can’t stress this enough. Thin bread soaks up too much custard and falls apart. Thick slices hold their shape and get that perfect fluffy center.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the sticks room to cook evenly. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of frying, which means no crispiness.
Fresh Butter for Each Batch: Adding a little fresh butter between batches keeps that delicious buttery flavor consistent and helps you get a golden crust every time.
Roll Them Hot: Cinnamon sugar sticks best when the toast is still warm. Coat ’em right out of the skillet for that crunchy, sweet magic.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

French toast sticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple—just a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty touch. Sometimes I add a few fresh berries or a sprig of mint for a fresh pop of color and some brightness to balance the sweet cinnamon sugar. These small extras can really elevate your breakfast vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair these with crispy bacon or sausage links for that salty-sweet breakfast combo I love. Fresh fruit salad or even a creamy yogurt parfait add refreshing elements that balance the richness. For a cozy brunch, a hot cup of coffee or chai latte completes the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve arranged my Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe in a mason jar or a rustic wooden tray with small bowls of syrup, whipped cream, and fruit on the side. It turns a simple dish into a fun build-your-own treat station that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They tend to soften, so I recommend reheating them to crisp them back up.

Freezing

I sometimes make a big batch and freeze the sticks in a single layer on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep well for 1-2 months. When you want a quick breakfast, just pop them directly in the toaster or oven to reheat—they thaw and crisp nicely.

Reheating

To get that just-cooked texture back, I pop the sticks on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. You can also use an air fryer for a few minutes until they’re warm and crunchy again—way better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Yes! While Texas toast or thick French bread works best due to its sturdiness, you can try brioche, challah, or even a sturdy sourdough. Just make sure the slices are thick enough so they don’t fall apart when soaked and cooked.

What’s the best way to keep the French toast sticks crispy?

The key is not to overcrowd the pan while cooking and to roll them in the cinnamon sugar immediately while they’re still hot. For storing leftovers, reheating in the oven or air fryer helps restore crispiness better than microwaving.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can whisk together the egg mixture an hour ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before dipping the bread sticks. However, I don’t recommend soaking the bread sticks too far in advance as they can get soggy.

Is maple syrup necessary to serve with these French toast sticks?

Maple syrup is traditional and delicious, but these sticks are perfectly sweet and flavorful on their own thanks to the cinnamon sugar coating. Feel free to enjoy them plain or with syrup, honey, or even a fruit compote—whatever you love.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is one of those special finds I keep coming back to when I want breakfast that feels both cozy and fun. It’s easy, fast, and just a little bit nostalgic—plus, it always makes my kitchen smell like happiness. I hope you love making and sharing these with your people as much as I do.