Soft French Toast Cookies: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Delicious Treats

Soft French Toast Cookies: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine the comforting, custardy flavor of French toast, but in a delightful, bite-sized cookie form. Yes, you read that right! These aren’t your average cookies; they’re a breakfast-inspired treat that will redefine your dessert expectations.

While the exact origins of French toast cookies are a bit of a mystery, they cleverly borrow from the rich history of French toast itself. Pain perdu, meaning “lost bread,” has been a way to revive stale bread for centuries, transforming it into a delectable dish. Our soft French toast cookies take that same resourceful spirit and elevate it to a new level of deliciousness.

What makes these cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – a soft, almost cake-like interior with a slightly crisp exterior, reminiscent of perfectly cooked French toast. The warm spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, evoke a sense of cozy comfort, while the optional maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that will have you reaching for another. They’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a unique dessert to impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience the magic of French toast in cookie form!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the French Toast “Batter”:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• For the Cookies:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Optional Toppings:
• Maple syrup, for drizzling
• Powdered sugar, for dusting
• Fresh berries, for serving

Preparing the Cookie Dough:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the cookies rise properly and have a consistent texture.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed. The creaming process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes to the cookies’ soft texture.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the vanilla.
4. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Chill the Dough: Wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking and allows the flavors to meld together. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours.

Preparing the French Toast “Batter”:

1. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a shallow dish or bowl (large enough to dip the cookies), whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ensure the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture will give the cookies their signature French toast flavor.

Shaping and “French Toasting” the Cookies:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Scoop and Shape Cookies: Remove the chilled cookie dough from the refrigerator. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out rounded tablespoons of dough. Gently roll each scoop into a ball.
3. Dip in French Toast “Batter”: Dip each cookie dough ball into the French toast batter, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Let the excess batter drip off before placing the cookie on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; leave some space between the cookies.
4. Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
5. Coat with Cinnamon-Sugar: Immediately after dipping in the French toast batter, roll each cookie in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. The cinnamon-sugar adds sweetness and a delightful crunch to the cookies.

Baking the Cookies:

1. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
2. Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart while they’re still warm and soft.

Serving and Storage:

1. Serve: Serve the French toast cookies warm or at room temperature. Drizzle with maple syrup, dust with powdered sugar, and/or serve with fresh berries for an extra special treat.
2. Store: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed fresh!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Soft French Toast Cookies are truly a game-changer. They capture all the comforting flavors of classic French toast in a delightful, portable, and utterly irresistible cookie form. If you’re looking for a unique and crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly easy to make, then this recipe is an absolute must-try. I promise, once you take that first bite of the soft, cinnamon-spiced cookie, you’ll be hooked!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! These cookies are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for serving and variations. Imagine serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert. Or, for a delightful brunch treat, arrange them on a platter alongside fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup. They’re also fantastic dipped in coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.

For variations, consider adding a touch of orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist. You could also incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try dipping the finished cookies in melted white chocolate and sprinkling them with crushed freeze-dried raspberries. The possibilities are truly endless!

I’ve personally made these cookies countless times, and they’re always a hit. From family gatherings to potlucks with friends, they disappear in minutes. The aroma alone, filling your kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and vanilla, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. And the best part? They’re so simple to make that even beginner bakers can achieve perfect results.

Don’t be intimidated by the name; these aren’t your average, crunchy cookies. The secret lies in the soaking process, which infuses the dough with the rich flavors of French toast and creates that signature soft and chewy texture. It’s a technique that truly elevates these cookies to a whole new level of deliciousness.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of Soft French Toast Cookies. I’m confident that this recipe will become a new favorite in your household.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and discover just how amazing these cookies are. Once you’ve baked a batch, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share delicious recipes that you’ll love. Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these incredibly soft and flavorful cookies! I can’t wait to hear all about your baking adventures!