Crispy Cinnamon French Toast Sticks Recipe with Maple Dip

French Toast Sticks are a beloved childhood favorite and surprisingly easy to make at home. This French toast sticks recipe produces tender, golden sticks of bread finished with a warm cinnamon-sugar coating that melts into the exterior for a crisp, flavorful bite.

These French toast sticks make an ideal, kid-friendly breakfast or brunch. They pair perfectly with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or yogurt for a balanced morning meal. If you’re looking for other easy family breakfasts, try baked egg dishes or a simple oatmeal bake.

What are French Toast Sticks?

French toast sticks are an American riff on classic French toast: slices of thick bread are cut into finger-sized sticks, soaked in an egg-and-milk batter, then pan-fried until golden. Their manageable size makes them popular with kids, and they were a staple on many school lunch menus for that reason.

French Toast Sticks Ingredients

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Use the bread and milk you prefer—dairy or plant-based both work well.

• Eggs: 6 large eggs for a rich wash; farm-fresh or organic if available.
• Milk: 3/4 cup of any milk—dairy or dairy-free (almond, oat, soy) will work.
• Maple syrup: 1 tablespoon for a subtle sweet note in the batter.
• Thick-cut bread: 8 slices of thick-cut artisan bread, brioche, or challah are ideal; white bread soaks evenly, while whole grain will be heartier.
• Butter: 3 tablespoons to pan-fry and add flavor and browning.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

The cinnamon sugar topping is quick and elevates the sticks with a sweet, spiced crust. Combine:

1. 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
2. 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Optional: swap in a spice blend like chai or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.

How to Make French Toast Sticks

Follow these simple steps for reliably tender insides and crisp, cinnamon-sugary outsides.

Prepare the egg wash

Whisk together 6 large eggs, 3/4 cup milk, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup in a medium bowl until combined. A whisk or fork both work fine.

Slice the bread

Cut 8 slices of thick bread into sticks. Depending on your loaf width, slice each piece in half or thirds lengthwise to create finger-sized sticks.

Dip and soak

Submerge each stick in the egg wash, flipping to coat both sides. Let them soak for about a minute so the bread absorbs plenty of the mixture, then lift and allow excess to drip off.

Fry and flip

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Place a third of the sticks in the pan without crowding. Cook until golden on the first side (about 3 minutes), then flip and raise the heat to medium to finish browning, about 2–3 more minutes.

Add cinnamon sugar

Before removing the sticks from the pan, sprinkle a generous amount of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on the cooked side, flip, and toast the other side for about 20 seconds so the sugar forms a light crisp layer. Repeat in batches until all sticks are cooked.

How to Make French Toast Sticks Healthier

• Use whole grain bread: Choose thick-cut whole grain or whole wheat to boost fiber and nutrients.
• Skip the cinnamon sugar: Use only cinnamon to cut back added sugar while keeping the warm spice flavor.
• Reduce fat: Swap butter for a light spray of cooking oil or a smaller amount of butter to lower calories and fat.

Topping Ideas

Serve with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and any of these extras for variety:

• Fresh berries or sliced banana
• Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
• Peanut butter or almond butter
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Thinly sliced apple or a sprinkle of chocolate chips

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal by adding protein and some veggies: scrambled or baked eggs, oven-baked bacon, or a sweet potato hash all pair nicely with French toast sticks for a complete family breakfast.

Storage

Allow cooked French toast sticks to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–5 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to restore crispness.

Can You Freeze French Toast Sticks?

Yes. Freeze them to enjoy quick breakfasts later:

1. Cool completely after cooking.
2. Wrap four sticks (one serving) tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap, removing as much air as possible.
3. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster oven or conventional oven until warmed through and crisp.

Recipe Details

Recipe: French Toast Sticks — an easy, kid-friendly breakfast made with thick-cut bread, eggs, milk, maple, and a cinnamon-sugar topping. Serves 4. Prep time: about 15 minutes. Cook time: about 15 minutes.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 6 large eggs
• 3/4 cup milk, any kind
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 8 slices thick-cut bread (artisan, brioche, or similar)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• Cinnamon sugar: 1 tablespoon light brown sugar + 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Whisk eggs, milk, and maple syrup in a separate bowl and set aside.
3. Slice each bread piece into sticks (halves or thirds depending on loaf width).
4. Dip each stick into the egg mixture and allow to soak for about one minute, then lift and let excess drip off.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a single layer of sticks without crowding and cook about 3 minutes until golden.
6. Flip, increase heat to medium, sprinkle on cinnamon sugar, and cook 2–3 minutes more. Flip again for 20 seconds to crisp the sugar on the second side. Repeat with remaining sticks, adding more butter as needed and wiping the pan of any burnt bits between batches.

Tips & Notes

• Bread: Thick slices work best to hold the egg wash. Whole wheat is fine, but white brioche or challah gives extra tenderness.
• Heat: Start at medium-low to ensure the egg cooks through without burning; adjust heat as needed for your stove.
• Storage & freezing: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months.