Chewy French Toast Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie form. Imagine tasting the cozy goodness of classic French toast but in an easy-to-grab cookie that’s perfect for any time of day. These cookies have a tender, chewy texture that makes them so satisfying to bite into, with just the right touch of sweetness.
I love making these cookies when I want something sweet but comforting, like breakfast in cookie form. The smell that fills the kitchen while they bake is like a little hug, reminding me of slow weekend mornings with fresh toast and syrup. One tip I’ve learned is to press the cookie dough a bit before baking to help achieve that perfect chewiness instead of a crisp crunch.
These cookies are great for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a cup of coffee or tea. I often pack them in lunchboxes or bring them to casual get-togethers because they’re easy to eat and always get rave reviews. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a quick breakfast substitute, Chewy French Toast Cookies are a warm, tasty choice that bring a smile every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the cookies. If you prefer, you can swap for margarine, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
Sugars: A mix of granulated and brown sugar creates that perfect chewy texture with rich flavor. Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel, but you can replace it with coconut sugar for a deeper taste.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring the cozy French toast vibe to life. Freshly ground spices give the most aroma, but pre-ground work well too.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seeds or skip them altogether for a smoother cookie.
How Can I Get These Cookies Perfectly Chewy Every Time?
The chewy texture is key here. First, don’t overmix the dough when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing develops gluten and can make cookies tough.
- Cream butter and sugars really well until fluffy for a tender crumb.
- Press the cookie dough slightly before baking to encourage spreading and a soft center.
- Watch the baking time closely: remove cookies when edges are golden but centers still look a bit soft.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet to finish firming up—don’t rush this step.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheets – sturdy and flat to help cookies bake evenly without spreading too much.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Mixing bowls – one large for creaming butter and sugars, one for dry ingredients helps keep things organized.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugars quick and effortless.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements keep cookies consistent every time.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – for evenly sized dough balls that bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool evenly without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a fruity twist that pairs well with cinnamon.
- Swap pecans for chopped toasted almonds or hazelnuts for different nutty flavors.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips to add melty sweetness that contrasts the spice.
- Try glazing the cooled cookies with a simple maple icing for extra maple flavor.
How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For Topping:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Additional cinnamon and sugar mixture
- Whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Including cooling, plan for about 30 minutes total before enjoying these chewy, delicious cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined. Fold in the chopped nuts carefully.
3. Shape and Bake the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Press down gently on each cookie mound to encourage spreading while baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden while the centers remain soft.
4. Cool and Add Final Touches:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar and sprinkle with a bit of cinnamon-sugar mixture. For an extra special touch, add a dollop of whipped cream before serving to bring out the classic French toast flavor.
Enjoy these soft, chewy cookies packed with the comforting taste of French toast — a perfect treat anytime!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter for proper creaming with the sugars. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not melted.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them chewy, place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the texture chewy.
Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Dried fruit like cranberries or chopped apples work great. You can also add mini chocolate chips or swap nuts for seeds if preferred.
