If you love the cozy, warm flavors of breakfast but crave a delightful treat any time of day, this Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a cookie packed with that nostalgic maple syrup sweetness, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg’s spice, and a perfectly chewy texture that makes them irresistibly satisfying. These cookies blend all the charm of your favorite brunch classic with the convenience of a handheld delight, making them an absolute must-try for anyone who adores comfort food with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it calls for simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each add something special. From the rich butter that gives softness to the dough, to the warm spices that create that quintessential French toast flavor, every item plays a starring role.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup / 115g): Softened butter brings a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (⅓ cup / 67g): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Light brown sugar (½ cup / 100g): Contributes moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
- Large egg yolk (1): Binds the dough while enriching taste and color.
- Light corn syrup (½ cup / 120ml): Keeps these cookies delectably chewy and adds shine.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons / 10ml): Enhances all the other flavors with its warm sweetness.
- Maple extract (2 teaspoons / 10ml) or pure maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Essential for capturing that iconic French toast taste.
- All-purpose flour (2⅓ cups / 292g): The sturdy base that holds everything together.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon / 5g): Infuses a classic spiced undertone.
- Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon / 2.5g): Adds a warm, nutty depth to the flavor profile.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon / 5g): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for a soft texture.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon / 1.25g): Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- Granulated sugar for rolling (¼ cup / 50g): Creates a lightly crisp, sweet coating on the outside.
How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pans
Start off right by heating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Proper prep sets the stage for cookie perfection!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter together with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and wonderfully creamy. This step is crucial for developing the cookie’s tender texture and helps to evenly distribute the sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg yolk, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and maple extract or syrup to the buttery mixture. Blend everything until smooth and fully combined. The corn syrup here is a magic ingredient that contributes to that fantastic chewiness we all crave.
Step 4: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This dry blend packs all the warm flavor and the leavening power you need, perfectly balancing sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures to Form Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a smooth and cohesive dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies delightfully tender and chewy without becoming tough.
Step 6: Shape and Coat the Cookie Dough
Use a scoop or your hands to form 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) dough balls. Roll each dough ball in the extra granulated sugar, coating them well to create that slightly crunchy, sweet crust once baked. This step is what makes these cookies uniquely delightful!
Step 7: Bake to Chewy Perfection
Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This timing ensures the cookies maintain their signature chewiness.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling firm-up is perfect for handling while preserving that chewy center we all love.
How to Serve Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe experience, try sprinkling a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze on top. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream also pair beautifully, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine as a sweet snack alongside a creamy latte, chai tea, or a classic glass of cold milk. For brunch spreads, serve them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt for a balanced mix of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap these cookies in parchment paper tied with a rustic ribbon for charming gifting. Or try sandwiching a layer of cream cheese frosting or maple buttercream between two cookies to create an indulgent treat that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay perfectly chewy for up to 5 days, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies maintain great flavor and texture for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their chewiness and bring back that oven-fresh magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute maple extract with pure maple syrup?
Absolutely! If you prefer a natural ingredient, use 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup instead of maple extract. It will add genuine maple flavor while keeping your cookies deliciously moist.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of light corn syrup and brown sugar helps retain moisture, resulting in a soft, chewy texture. Also, the shorter baking time keeps the centers tender instead of crisping fully.
Can I use margarine or oil instead of butter?
For best results, stick with unsalted butter. It provides flavor and texture that margarine or oil can’t quite replicate in this recipe.
Is it necessary to roll the dough balls in sugar?
Yes, rolling the dough in granulated sugar before baking creates a simple sweet crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside, enhancing the overall eating experience.
How should I adjust baking time for larger cookies?
If you make bigger dough balls, increase the bake time by a few minutes, but watch carefully to avoid overbaking. You want the centers soft and chewy, so start checking at around 12 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to share. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgic flavors, delicious textures, and simple ingredients that come together to create a cookie everyone will rave about. Trust me, once you make these cookies, they’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire — the kind of treat you always want on hand for a cozy pick-me-up or a special morning surprise.
Print
Chewy French Toast Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
Description
Chewy French Toast Cookies combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple with a soft, chewy texture. Perfectly spiced and sweetened with light corn syrup and maple extract, these cookies offer a delightful twist reminiscent of traditional French toast in every bite. Ideal for cookie lovers seeking a warm, nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅓ cup (67g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) maple extract (or 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup)
- 2⅓ cups (292g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon (2.5g) ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon (5g) baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon (1.25g) salt
Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy in texture, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and maple extract (or pure maple syrup) to the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent throughout the flour.
- Form Dough: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient bowl, mixing continuously until a smooth, cohesive dough forms without any streaks of flour.
- Roll in Sugar: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, form 1.5-inch (3.8 cm) dough balls. Roll each dough ball gently in the ¼ cup granulated sugar until evenly coated, which adds a sweet, crunchy exterior once baked.
- Bake: Arrange the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow room for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are set around the edges but remain soft and chewy in the center.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 2 minutes to firm up slightly. Then transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For an intense maple flavor, use pure maple syrup instead of maple extract.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies to maintain their chewy texture.
- Storing cookies in an airtight container at room temperature will keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- These cookies pair wonderfully with coffee or a glass of cold milk.
- Light corn syrup helps achieve the chewy texture; substitute with golden syrup if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
