Chewy French Toast Cookies are a tasty twist on your morning favorite packed into a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies blend warm cinnamon, a touch of maple syrup, and a little hint of vanilla to bring all the cozy flavors of French toast into a handy, sweet snack.
I love making these cookies when I want a treat that feels like breakfast, but lasts all day long! They’re great for packing in lunches or having on hand for a quick bite with coffee. Plus, the chewiness makes each bite super satisfying—almost like the cookie version of that perfect slice of French toast.
One fun tip is to drizzle a little extra maple syrup or add a dusting of powdered sugar on top to finish them off. I often make a big batch to share with friends and family, and they usually go fast because everyone enjoys the familiar, comforting flavors in a new, fun form.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works best to give these cookies their soft yet sturdy texture. For gluten-free baking, try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend but expect slight texture changes.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and chewiness. If needed, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter alternative, but the flavor might be a bit different.
Sugars: Brown sugar brings moisture and a deep molasses flavor, which helps create chewiness. Granulated sugar adds a touch of crispness in the edges. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a more subtle, caramel-like taste.
Maple Syrup & Vanilla: These two ingredients infuse the cookies with classic French toast flavor. Pure maple syrup is preferred, but you can substitute with maple extract plus a bit of honey or agave syrup if needed.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are key to that warm, cozy French toast feel. If you’re short on nutmeg, just add a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of allspice.
How Do You Get the Perfect Chewy Texture in These Cookies?
Chewiness comes from balancing wet and dry ingredients and how long you bake the cookies.
- Use both brown sugar and a little granulated sugar to keep moisture without making them too soft.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour; mixing just until combined keeps the cookies tender.
- Watch the baking time closely. Bake just until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft — usually 10 to 12 minutes. They will firm up as they cool.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them. This helps them set and hold their chewiness.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – to combine your wet and dry ingredients easily without mess.
- Electric mixer or hand mixer – helps cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for the best cookie texture.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts so your cookies turn out perfect every time.
- Baking sheets – use sturdy ones for even baking without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats – prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – ensures evenly sized cookies that bake evenly.
- Wire cooling rack – lets cookies cool completely without getting soggy underneath.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch that pairs nicely with the soft cookie.
- Stir in white chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy contrast to the cinnamon and maple flavors.
- Try mixing in dried cranberries or chopped dried apples to add a chewy fruity twist.
- Replace maple syrup with bourbon extract or rum extract for a richer, slightly boozy flavor perfect for special occasions.
How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookies?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
For Finishing Touches:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Additional cinnamon and sugar mixture for sprinkling
- Optional: whipped cream for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake each batch. Cooling takes an additional 5 minutes on the baking sheet and then until completely cool on a wire rack. Overall, plan about 30-40 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy. Add the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and maple syrup, mixing until smooth. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined—avoid overmixing.
2. Baking the Cookies:
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops lightly with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers remain soft for a chewy bite. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool fully.
3. Finishing and Serving:
Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar. For an extra French toast touch, add a small dollop of whipped cream on top before serving. Enjoy these warm, chewy cookies with all the cozy flavors of classic French toast!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter to get the right creamy texture when mixing. If your butter is frozen, let it sit at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes until soft but not melted.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping and baking.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To refresh the chewiness, warm them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or dried fruit make great additions. Fold them into the dough after mixing the wet and dry ingredients for even distribution.
