Chewy French Toast Cookies are like a fun twist on a classic breakfast favorite, but in cookie form! They have that warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor you love in French toast, combined with a soft, chewy texture that’s perfect for snacking any time of day. Think maple syrup sweetness and a hint of buttery richness, all baked into a cozy little cookie.
I love making these cookies when I want something sweet that reminds me of weekend mornings without all the mess of cooking breakfast. They’re easy to prepare and always bring a smile when someone takes a bite—it feels like a little bit of morning happiness wrapped up in a treat. I sometimes sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before baking, which adds a nice touch of spice that I really enjoy.
These cookies are great on their own, but I also like serving them with a drizzle of maple syrup or a cup of hot coffee or tea. They make for a lovely, comforting snack that’s perfect whether you’re at home or on the go. French toast in cookie form? Yes, please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. Make sure it’s softened to cream easily with the sugars for a light, tender cookie texture.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and chewiness. Brown sugar keeps cookies moist thanks to its molasses content.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Cinnamon is key for that classic French toast flavor. Nutmeg is optional but great for a warm, cozy note. You can try pumpkin pie spice instead if you like.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and nuttiness. If you’re nut-free, just skip them or try sunflower seeds for texture.
Maple Syrup & Whipped Cream: These toppings bring in that breakfast vibe. You can swap maple syrup with honey or agave syrup for a different sweetness.
How Do I Get My Cookies Chewy and Soft?
Chewy cookies come from balancing wet and dry ingredients and the right baking time. Here’s how to nail the texture:
- Cream the butter and sugars thoroughly until fluffy—this traps air for softness.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add flour to avoid tough cookies.
- Roll cookies in cinnamon sugar for a tasty crust and soft center.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. The edges should look set but the centers still feel a bit soft when you take them out.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; they continue to set and stay chewy inside.
If cookies get too firm, try baking a minute less next time or adding a little more brown sugar for extra moisture. Happy baking!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – for combining wet and dry ingredients separately; makes mixing easier and cleaner.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – helps cream butter and sugars evenly for soft, chewy cookies.
- Baking sheets – flat and roomy, perfect for baking cookies evenly without crowding.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent cookies from sticking and make cleanup quick.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – ensures evenly sized cookies for uniform baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly so they keep their chewy texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped apple or dried cranberries for a fruity twist that pairs well with the cinnamon.
- Mix in white chocolate chips to add sweetness and a smooth texture contrast.
- Try using chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkle a bit of ground ginger or cardamom in the dough to give a warm, spicy twist.
How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for rolling dough)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Melted chocolate or chocolate drizzle (optional topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. You’ll also want to allow about 5 minutes for cooling before adding toppings and serving. Altogether, plan for around 30 minutes from start to finish including baking and cooling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon for rolling. Scoop dough by tablespoonfuls, roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat well, then place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press each ball down gently to flatten slightly.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes, until the edges look set but the centers are still soft. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Add Delicious Toppings and Serve:
Once cooled, stack the cookies and drizzle warm maple syrup and melted chocolate over them if you like. Sprinkle extra chopped nuts on top, add a dollop of whipped cream, and dust lightly with cinnamon for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy these chewy, cozy cookies that taste just like your favorite French toast!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for These Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for this recipe. If you only have frozen butter, thaw it completely and let it soften before creaming with the sugars. This helps achieve the right cookie texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover French Toast Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Let thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Nuts?
Yes! If you’re nut-free or prefer a different flavor, you can omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. Dried fruit can also be a tasty alternative.
What If I Don’t Have Maple Syrup?
No worries! You can use honey, agave nectar, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze as a sweet finishing touch. Each will add a slightly different flavor but keep the cozy sweetness.
