Some recipes hold the power to transport us. For me, Chewy French Toast Cookies are one of those magical treats. They remind me of sleepy Saturday mornings at my grandmother’s kitchen table, where the scent of cinnamon and maple seemed to warm the entire house. French toast was her favorite thing to make for us—fluffy slices crisped in butter, golden brown and drizzled with maple syrup. Years later, the idea of capturing that experience in cookie form struck me like a nostalgic flash.

These cookies do just that. They’re everything I loved about those mornings, wrapped into a soft, chewy bite. With the cozy warmth of cinnamon, the rich sweetness of maple, and a nostalgic scent that will fill your kitchen, Chewy French Toast Cookies are the perfect blend of dessert and comfort food. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or the middle of the holiday season, these cookies fit right in. You can almost hear the sizzle of French toast on a griddle when you take a bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of French toast, none of the flipping.
• Chewy, soft, and sugar-dusted with just the right touch of maple and spice.
• No chilling time needed—just mix, scoop, and bake.
• Perfect for brunch trays, cozy evenings, or a unique twist on cookie exchanges.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons maple extract (or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup)
• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookies

This is one of those recipes that feels effortless but delivers big flavor. Here’s how I bring that nostalgic breakfast taste into cookie form.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or use silicone baking mats for a no-stick finish.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This creates that perfect chewy texture.

Step 3: Add the Flavor
Mix in the egg yolk, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract. The smell at this stage alone is pure breakfast joy.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. These spices are the heart of the French toast flavor.

Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together—don’t overdo it.

Step 6: Roll and Coat
Scoop out heaping tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each one in granulated sugar to give that classic French toast sparkle.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place on the baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until they look set but still soft in the center. That softness is key to their chewy magic.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Then, pour a glass of milk—or a warm mug of tea—and dive in.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Don’t skip the maple extract. It makes the flavor pop and gives it that unmistakable breakfast twist.
• Slightly underbake for the chewiest texture. Cookies continue baking on the sheet as they cool.
• Want a little crunch? Sprinkle a tiny bit of cinnamon sugar on top right before baking.
• Make them ahead. The dough stores well in the fridge for up to 24 hours—perfect for prepping ahead.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• You can substitute maple syrup if you don’t have maple extract, but the flavor will be slightly less intense.
• Store in a cookie tin with parchment paper between layers to keep the sugar coating intact.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per cookie):

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

What if I don’t have maple extract?
Use pure maple syrup instead, but note the flavor may be a bit more subtle.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months or freeze unbaked dough balls and bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They thaw beautifully and still taste freshly baked.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Crumbl Peanut Butter Reese’s Cookies
• Cinnamon Swirl Snickerdoodle Blondies
• Rhubarb Cheesecake Squares: A Sweet Slice of Spring Nostalgia

CONCLUSION:

Chewy French Toast Cookies are more than just dessert—they’re a little bite of morning magic, any time of day. With cozy spices, a chewy center, and that maple-sugar sparkle, they turn even an ordinary afternoon into something memorable. Whether you’re baking them for guests or hoarding them for yourself (no shame), they’re bound to bring joy to your table—and a whiff of childhood breakfasts gone by.

Print