There’s just something about warm, cinnamon-coated sticks of golden French toast that feel like the ultimate breakfast hug. This Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe hits that nostalgic spot with a crunchy sugar coating and soft centers—perfect for dipping and sharing with family or friends.

The image shows a stack of thick, golden-brown sticks of cinnamon sugar toast on a white plate. The toast sticks are arranged in three layers, sprinkled with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds texture and a warm color contrast. Around the plate, there are fresh sliced strawberries and whole blueberries adding bright reds and deep blues to the scene. A fork with a wooden handle rests on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface with some blurred fresh fruits and a bottle of syrup visible in soft focus. 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 Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited whenever I make these homemade French toast sticks, and I think you will be, too! They’re quick to whip up yet feel like a special treat everyone will ask for again and again.

Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar Coating: The sticks get a delightful crunch from rolling them in cinnamon sugar right after cooking—so addictive!
Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients you probably have on hand, plus the step-by-step method is foolproof.
Perfect for Dipping: Cut into sticks, these are fun to dip into maple syrup, chocolate sauce, or even fresh fruit compote.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the finger-food aspect, which turns a classic breakfast into an interactive experience.

A white plate holds a stack of six rectangular golden-brown French toast sticks with a crispy texture and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top. The sticks are arranged in two layers, with four sticks on the bottom and two on top, some tilted to show their fluffy inside. Maple syrup is being poured over the top sticks, creating a glossy stream. Around the toast sticks, there are fresh, sliced red strawberries and whole blue blueberries adding bright color. A copper spoon rests on the edge of the plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a blurred bowl of blueberries and a blurred plate of more toast sticks in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe plays its part to create that soft, custardy inside and crisp, sweet outside. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need and why.

Flat lay of thick slices of fresh French bread cut into sticks, four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy half and half, a small white bowl filled with fine white sugar, a small white bowl with light golden vanilla extract liquid, a small white bowl containing fine white salt, a few cubes of fresh pale yellow butter, a small white bowl with a mix of brown cinnamon powder and granulated sugar, and a small white bowl holding amber maple syrup, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: I love using thick slices for the perfect fluffy interior and the sturdy texture that holds up well when cut into sticks.
Eggs: They provide rich flavor and help create that classic French toast custard base.
Half and half: Gives extra creaminess without being too heavy—feel free to use milk if that’s what you have!
Sugar: A touch sweetens the custard and feeds the caramelization on the pan for that beautiful golden crust.
Vanilla: Adds a warm aroma that brings all the flavors together.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and deepen the flavor.
Butter: It's essential for cooking the sticks and adding richness.
Cinnamon sugar: This coating is what transforms French toast into irresistible sticks with a sweet crunch you're going to want to double.
Maple syrup (optional): The classic accompaniment, although you might find the cinnamon sugar coating enough on its own!

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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 how versatile this Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe is—sometimes I mix up the spices or swap out the coating to keep breakfast exciting. Let your creativity shine!

Variation: For a warm twist, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the egg mixture during fall. I did this last year, and it instantly felt cozy and festive.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the half and half for almond or oat milk and use a plant-based butter substitute; they cook up just as nicely.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free thick bread—just be gentle when dipping to avoid sogginess.
Sweet Coating Swap: Sometimes I toss the sticks in powdered sugar or drizzle with honey instead of cinnamon sugar for different flavor profiles.

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

Step 1: Prep the Bread Sticks

Start by cutting each thick slice of Texas toast or French bread into four sticks. I find it helps to use a serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the bread. Set those sticks aside — you’re almost ready to dunk and sizzle!

Step 2: Whisk Your Egg Mixture

In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs, half and half, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. This mix will soak into your bread sticks, giving them that dreamy custard texture inside. Make sure it’s well combined before moving on.

Step 3: Prep the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This is the magic coating you'll roll your cooked sticks in right after they come off the pan—so have it ready and close by.

Step 4: Cook Your Sticks

Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt half a tablespoon of butter, swirling to coat. Dunk each bread stick into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then lay them gently in the skillet. I can usually fit 6–8 sticks comfortably—avoid overcrowding so they brown beautifully.

Cook each side for about 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want a nice crust but still soft inside. Flip carefully—they can be delicate right out of the egg bath!

Step 5: Coat and Serve

As soon as the sticks are off the skillet, roll them in the cinnamon sugar so the coating sticks while still warm. Then pop them on a serving tray. Repeat cooking and coating until you've done all the bread, adding more butter to the pan as needed.

Serve these guys warm with maple syrup if you like. Honestly, sometimes I skip the syrup because that crispy cinnamon sugar is so satisfying on its own.

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve picked up a few little tricks to get these sticks perfect every time. These tips will help you avoid soggy bread or burnt sugar and maximize that crisp, sweet coating.

Use sturdy bread: Thick Texas toast works best because it soaks up the custard but holds its shape when cooked.
Don't overload the pan: Give each stick some space when cooking to achieve even browning rather than steaming.
Roll while warm: Coat the sticks in cinnamon sugar right after cooking so the sugar sticks beautifully and creates that crunch.
Butter judiciously: Add small amounts of butter as needed to prevent sticking without greasing the pan too much—this way, you get a crisp crust instead of soggy.

How to Serve Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe

French toast sticks - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for an elegant touch, especially when serving guests. Fresh berries on the side add lovely color and a tart contrast, plus a dollop of whipped cream if I’m feeling fancy. These little extras make the sticks shine.

Side Dishes

With these sticks, I usually serve fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries, crispy bacon, or even scrambled eggs to round out the meal. It’s a fun way to balance sweet and savory flavors at breakfast or brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

One time I stacked the sticks in a mason jar with layers of fruit and a drizzle of syrup for a grab-and-go breakfast. For kids’ parties, lining them up with small cups of dipping sauces—think chocolate, strawberry syrup, or peanut butter—made it playful and interactive. These ideas are great if you want to elevate your Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover French toast sticks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They do soften a bit, but reheating revives their goodness nicely.

Freezing

These freeze surprisingly well. After cooking and coating, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This stops them from sticking together. I pull them out for a quick breakfast treat whenever time is tight.

Reheating

The best way to warm these up is in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back that crispy exterior without drying the inside. If you’re in a rush, a quick 20-second zap in the microwave works but sometimes sacrifices crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sticks ahead by assembling and then cooking them just before serving. Alternatively, fully cook and coat them, then freeze for future use.

What type of bread is best for French toast sticks?

Thick, sturdy bread like Texas toast or day-old French bread works best because it absorbs the egg mixture well without falling apart.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the half and half with any plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free margarine or coconut oil for cooking.

How do I get the coating to stick well?

Make sure to roll the French toast sticks in the cinnamon sugar mixture while they’re still warm from the pan; the residual heat helps the sugar adhere perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade French Toast Sticks Recipe has become a weekend staple in my house—it’s so easy, endlessly customizable, and just plain fun to eat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this cozy, cinnamon-sweet comfort food!