Chewy French Toast Cookie Bites are a fun, little treat that combines the warm flavors of classic French toast into a bite-sized cookie. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tender, chewy texture, these cookies remind me of a cozy breakfast snacking moment. They’re sweet but not too sweet, and they bring that familiar comfort of French toast in a new, handheld form.
I love making these cookie bites when I want something quick but still satisfying. They come together easily and bake up with a soft, chewy center that’s just right every time. The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen always makes me smile and think of lazy Sunday mornings.
These are great to pack in a lunchbox or serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a little afternoon pick-me-up. I like dipping them in a tiny bit of maple syrup on the side for extra flavor, though they’re delicious all on their own. If you’re a fan of French toast or chewy cookies, these are a simple treat you’ll find hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. You can try a gluten-free blend if needed, but the texture might change a bit.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds richness and chewiness. If you prefer, salted butter works too; just skip adding extra salt.
Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar helps keep these bites chewy with a deep caramel flavor. Light or dark brown sugar works fine.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give that classic French toast flavor. You can adjust amounts or swap nutmeg for a pinch of allspice if you like.
Pecans: Chopped nuts add nice crunch and flavor. Try walnuts or almonds as alternatives, or omit for nut-free.
Milk: A small amount of milk helps keep the dough moist. Use any kind — dairy or plant-based — depending on your preference.
How Do I Get My Cookie Bites Chewy and Not Dry?
Chewiness is key here, and it comes from a few simple techniques:
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Beat them until fluffy. This traps air and creates a tender texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use Brown Sugar: It holds moisture better than white sugar and adds chewiness.
- Watch Baking Time: Bake until just golden but still soft in the middle — about 12 to 15 minutes. Overbaking dries them out.
- Cool Slightly Before Removing: Let the cookie bites rest in the pan before removing to hold their shape and stay moist.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – perfect for baking small, bite-sized cookies evenly.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need one for dry ingredients and one for wet, keeping things organized.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar quick and smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons – accurate measurements keep your cookie bites just right.
- Small cookie scoop or spoon – helps portion the dough evenly so all bites cook alike.
- Cooling rack – lets the cookies cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pecans for chopped walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch that still pairs well with cinnamon and maple.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to give a touch of melty sweetness inside each bite.
- Mix in dried cranberries or chopped dried apples for bursts of chewy fruitiness that complement the spices.
- Sprinkle a little ground cardamom or ginger into the dough to add a warm, spicy twist that lifts the flavor.
How to Make Chewy French Toast Cookie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (plus extra for garnish)
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for topping
- Maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, around 12-15 minutes to bake, and a few minutes to cool and garnish. It’s a quick and easy treat you can whip up in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Tools:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a mini muffin tin or small cookie molds with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This evenly distributes your spices and leavening.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In another bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create that chewy texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until the ingredients are fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add your dry ingredient mix to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Stir gently and mix just until combined to keep the dough tender.
6. Fold in Pecans:
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
7. Portion and Bake:
With a cookie scoop or tablespoon, fill each mini muffin cup about ¾ full with dough. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let cookie bites cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan. Dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar, add a small dollop of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans.
Before serving, drizzle some maple syrup on or around the cookie bites for that classic French toast flavor. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Butter for This Recipe?
It’s best to use softened butter at room temperature for creaming with the sugar. If your butter is frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or soften it quickly by microwaving in short bursts, being careful not to melt it.
Can I Make These Cookie Bites Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake and cool the cookie bites completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
You can swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even omit nuts if you prefer. For a nut-free version, consider adding extra dried fruit or chocolate chips for texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookie Bites?
Keep leftover cookie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze them wrapped tightly for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
