There’s something unmistakably comforting about warm, crispy sticks rolled in sweet cinnamon sugar—my Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe hit all those cozy notes just right. They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even brunch parties when you want something fun and easy that everyone loves.

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 can’t tell you how many happy faces have appeared around my kitchen table after serving these homemade sticks. They’re crispy on the outside, perfectly soft on the inside, and that cinnamon sugar coating just takes them over the top. Seriously, this recipe is a little celebration in every bite.

Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry, so no last-minute store runs.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 20 minutes, these sticks come together faster than you’d think.
Kid-Friendly: Handheld and fun to dip, they’re a total crowd-pleaser for little ones and adults alike.
Flexible Serving Options: Enjoy them plain, dipped in maple syrup, or paired with fruit for a complete breakfast.

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 component in this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe plays a role in delivering that perfect balance of texture and flavor. Using thick Texas toast or French bread helps hold up when dipped without getting soggy, and the half and half adds that creamy richness to the custard bath.

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; they soak up the custard beautifully without falling apart.
Eggs: The binding agent that gives French toast its signature custardy texture.
Half and Half: Provides richness without being too heavy, creating that smooth custard coating.
Sugar: Just a touch in the batter to lightly sweeten and in the cinnamon sugar for the perfect outer crunch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the custard mixture.
Salt: Balanced sweetness by enhancing other flavors.
Butter: Vital for cooking; it promotes browning and adds a lovely buttery flavor.
Cinnamon: The star spice for the sweet coating, it pairs wonderfully with sugar to create that irresistible crunch.
Maple Syrup (optional): Great for dipping or drizzling, a classic way to enjoy French toast sticks.

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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

One of the best things about this Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe is how adaptable it is. I like to switch up the bread or add a little twist to the cinnamon sugar mix, and you can really tailor it based on what your family likes or what you have on hand.

Variation: I once swapped out cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice during fall, which gave these sticks a lovely seasonal flair my kids couldn’t get enough of.

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

Step 1: Slice and Prep the Bread

Start by cutting each thick slice of Texas toast or French bread into four sticks—the size makes them great for dipping and sharing. Set these aside while you prep your custard mixture so they’re ready to soak up all the flavor.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Custard

In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well combined. This blend creates the creamy custard that keeps the sticks moist and flavorful on the inside. Be sure to whisk well so no eggs remain clumpy.

Step 3: Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Combine sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This mixture is your crispy, sweet coating that adds the perfect crunch and spice once the sticks come off the skillet.

Step 4: Cook the Sticks

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add half a tablespoon of butter to melt and coat the surface. Dunk the bread sticks into the custard, letting the excess drip off, so they’re soaked but not soggy. Place 6-8 sticks into the skillet, taking care not to crowd them—give them room to get golden. Cook each side for about 1-2 minutes until beautifully browned.

Step 5: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar

As soon as you take the sticks off the skillet, transfer them to the cinnamon sugar bowl and roll to coat fully—don’t be shy, the coating is what makes these special! Arrange them on a serving tray and repeat with the remaining sticks, adding butter to the pan as needed.

Top Tip

Having made these French toast sticks many times, a few little tricks took it from good to amazing. These tips really helped me get that perfect golden crust every time without sticking or burning.

Butter Temperature: Melt your butter but don’t let it smoke; medium heat keeps the bread from burning before the inside cooks.
Custard Soak Time: Don’t soak too long or sticks get mushy and fall apart; a quick dip with excess allowed to drip off is just right.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leave space between sticks to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
Cinnamon Sugar Timing: Coat sticks immediately after cooking while still warm—this helps the sugar stick and form that wonderful crust.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

French toast sticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries on the side. Sometimes I'll add a dollop of whipped cream or a few slices of banana to amp up the breakfast feel. The cinnamon sugar coating packs plenty of sweetness, so extra syrup or sugary garnishes are totally optional.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness of the sticks. Crispy bacon or sausages pair wonderfully too if you like a savory contrast. It’s a complete brunch spread in no time!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party idea, I like to stack the sticks in a mason jar with a small dish of maple syrup on the side for dipping. It’s playful and practical—you can even arrange them like little logs for a rustic touch. Kids especially love building their own mini “stick piles.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens!), pop them in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, though you’ll want to re-crisp them before serving to keep that irresistible crunch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these sticks successfully by laying them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring to a freezer bag. They keep for about a month and thaw quickly when you want a quick breakfast treat.

Reheating

To revive the texture, I warm them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep them crisp – it tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the Texas toast for your favorite gluten-free bread that’s thick sliced. The cooking and coating process stays the same.

What type of bread works best for French toast sticks?

I find thick Texas toast or sturdy French bread gives the best texture because it soaks up custard yet holds shape when cooking. Avoid thin or very soft bread—it can get mushy.

Can I prepare the cinnamon sugar coating ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the cinnamon and sugar any time and store it in an airtight container. It keeps perfectly for weeks and makes prep even faster on cooking day.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover French toast sticks?

The toaster oven or conventional oven works best to preserve crispness. Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid microwaves, which tend to make the coating soggy.

Final Thoughts

Making these Homemade French Toast Sticks with Cinnamon Sugar Recipe brings a little magic to my mornings every time — something about that crunchy cinnamon sugar coating paired with the tender inside makes the whole kitchen smell like happiness. If you’re after a cozy, simple way to impress your family or guests, these sticks check all the boxes and will soon be a breakfast staple in your home, too.