Chewy French Toast Cookies are a fun twist on traditional breakfast flavors packed into a soft, yummy cookie. Imagine cinnamon, maple syrup, and a little hint of nutmeg all mixed into a cookie that’s perfectly chewy and sweet. They have that warm, cozy taste of French toast but in a handy treat you can enjoy anytime.
I love making these cookies when I want something that reminds me of weekend brunch but without the wait. The chewy texture makes them feel almost like a little bite of comfort food, and the maple glaze on top adds just the right amount of sweetness. These cookies always bring a smile, especially when shared with friends or family over a cup of coffee.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is slightly warmed up—just a few seconds in the microwave softens them up even more and brings out all the warm flavors. They’re also great packed in lunchboxes or served alongside a simple glass of milk. Honestly, these cookies have become a go-to treat that’s perfect whenever you want a bit of cozy happiness in cookie form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt content. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan butter or coconut oil. It changes flavor slightly but gives a nice chewiness.
Maple Syrup: This adds authentic French toast sweetness. You can substitute honey or agave syrup, though maple syrup has that classic distinct taste.
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): Cinnamon is a must for French toast flavor. Nutmeg and cloves add warmth but can be skipped or adjusted to taste.
Flour & Baking Soda: All-purpose flour works great here. For gluten-free versions, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but texture may be a bit different. Baking soda helps the cookies rise and stay chewy.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add nice crunch but are optional. Leave them out or swap for chopped almonds or skip entirely for nut-free cookies.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chewy Texture in These French Toast Cookies?
Chewiness is key for these cookies to remind you of French toast. Here’s how to nail that texture:
- Softened Butter: Cream it well with sugars until fluffy to trap air and add softness.
- Mix Just Until Combined: Overmixing after adding flour can make cookies tough. Stir gently for tender results.
- Proper Baking Time: Bake until edges are set but centers are still soft, usually 10-12 minutes. Don’t overbake or cookies will become crisp instead of chewy.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If time allows, chilling dough for 30 minutes can enhance chewiness and flavor depth.
- Flatten Slightly: Gently pressing down dough balls before baking helps them spread evenly and bake with a chewy center.
Following these steps helps create a cookie that’s soft and chewy, not crispy, keeping that French toast feeling in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – having a few handy makes combining wet and dry ingredients easier and less messy.
- Electric mixer or hand whisk – speeds up creaming butter and sugar until fluffy for better texture.
- Baking sheets – a flat surface for baking cookies evenly; lined with parchment keeps cookies from sticking.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements are key for the perfect chew and flavor balance.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – helps portion dough evenly, so cookies bake uniformly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool fully without getting soggy on bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chopped pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
- Mix in mini chocolate chips to add melty sweetness that pairs nicely with the cinnamon and maple.
- Add diced dried apples or raisins for a fruity twist that feels like a cozy breakfast treat.
- Sprinkle a little orange zest into the dough for a fresh citrus note that brightens flavors.
Chewy French Toast Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
For The Coating and Topping:
- Cinnamon sugar for rolling (1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon)
- Butter or cream cheese frosting for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes for cooling on the baking sheet and a few more minutes on a wire rack. If you choose to frost, add a few extra minutes for topping. Overall, you’ll have delicious cookies ready in about half an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to help cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
2. Make The Cookie Dough:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer or a sturdy spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until everything is combined smoothly.
In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves together. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. If you want, fold in the chopped nuts for extra texture.
3. Shape and Coat the Cookies:
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion the dough into rounded tablespoons. Roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating it completely. Place the coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. Gently press down on each ball with your palm to slightly flatten them, which helps them bake evenly and develop a chewy texture.
4. Bake and Cool:
Bake cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Optional Topping and Serving:
If you like, add a small dollop of butter or cream cheese frosting on each cookie for that extra touch of French toast richness. A drizzle of maple syrup over the top makes them even more irresistible. Enjoy your chewy French toast cookies with a warm drink or simply on their own!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for the Cookies?
It’s best to use softened butter rather than frozen. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or on the counter until soft but not melted. Softened butter creams better with the sugars, giving you that chewy texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture might be a little different but still deliciously chewy. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.
Is There a Way to Make These Cookies Less Sweet?
To reduce sweetness, try cutting back the granulated sugar or brown sugar by about 1/4 cup total. You can also skip the optional frosting or drizzle less maple syrup on top. Taste as you go to find your preferred balance!
