Introduction: The Joy of Kid-Friendly McCormick French Toast Sticks
McCormick French toast sticks have become a staple in many households, and it’s easy to see why. These golden-brown, cinnamon-spiced treats are fun to eat, easy to hold, and irresistibly dippable—especially for kids. With the magic of McCormick’s spices, you can turn a few basic ingredients into a breakfast that doubles as a snack or lunchbox treat. Whether you’re baking or pan-frying them, these sticks are perfect for little fingers and picky palates.
This article will walk you through the ultimate kid-friendly version of McCormick French toast sticks, providing step-by-step guidance, flavor pairings, creative serving ideas, and much more. With just a bit of planning, you can make mornings easier—and tastier—for the whole family.
Looking for the original recipe that started it all? Don’t miss our McCormick French Toast Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Breakfast for the classic version that inspired these kid-friendly sticks.
Why Kids Love McCormick French Toast Sticks
There’s something incredibly exciting for children about food they can hold, dip, and personalize. French toast sticks check all those boxes. Unlike regular French toast, which can be messy and fork-dependent, sticks are neat, bite-sized, and customizable. Kids love them not only for their flavor but also for the interactive element they bring to the table.
The sweetness of McCormick’s cinnamon, paired with a slightly crisp exterior, creates a flavor profile that’s comforting yet exciting. According to Fresh Off The Grid, serving foods in a casual, interactive format encourages even the pickiest eaters to try new things. Plus, adding dipping sauces makes breakfast feel like a mini adventure, giving children a reason to look forward to every bite.
Step-by-Step Process to Prepare McCormick French Toast Sticks
Ingredients and Prep Tips for Little Hands
Making kid-friendly McCormick French toast sticks starts with simple ingredients and a few tricks to involve your kids in the prep process safely.
- 6 slices of thick, sturdy bread (like Texas toast or brioche)
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup milk (or dairy-free milk)
- 1 tsp McCormick ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp McCormick vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional)
- Butter or oil for pan-frying or baking
Helpful Prep Tips:
- Choose thicker bread so it holds up during soaking and cooking.
- Let your child help crack eggs or whisk the batter—these are great early cooking tasks.
- Pre-cut the bread into three sticks per slice so they’re uniform in size.
- Use shallow containers for dipping the bread, which makes it easier for kids to help coat each piece.
For more kid-friendly prep tips, check out Yummy Toddler Food’s French toast stick recipe, which emphasizes how to involve little ones safely and meaningfully in the kitchen.
Instructions (Baked or Pan-Fried):
Depending on your schedule and equipment, you can either bake or pan-fry your McCormick French toast sticks. Both methods are equally delicious and suitable for kids.
Baked Method:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, McCormick cinnamon, vanilla, and optional sugar.
- Dip each bread stick into the egg mixture and let excess drip off.
- Arrange sticks in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crisp.
Pan-Fried Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Dip each bread stick in the egg mixture, coating well.
- Cook in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Want your French toast extra crispy without the oven? Try this quick method in How to Make McCormick French Toast in the Air Fryer (Crispy Hack!)—perfect for busy mornings.
Both methods deliver soft insides and lightly crispy outsides that children love. The baked version is slightly drier, which can be ideal for lunchboxes, while pan-fried sticks are better for immediate serving.

Dipping Sauces Kids Will Love
Dipping is half the fun! While maple syrup is a classic, there are plenty of kid-friendly alternatives that can suit every taste and dietary need.
Sweet Options:
- Maple syrup (pure or low-sugar)
- Honey (for kids over 1 year)
- Chocolate sauce
- Strawberry compote
- Cinnamon sugar butter
Healthy Alternatives:
- Greek yogurt with honey or fruit puree
- Peanut butter and banana mash
- Applesauce with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Land O’Lakes shares a delicious maple butter dipping sauce that’s rich and sweet—perfect for weekend breakfasts or special treats.
Mix and match dips to create a mini dipping board. Not only is this fun, but it also encourages kids to try new flavors.
Making It Healthier for School Lunches
If you’re planning to pack these McCormick French toast sticks into a school lunchbox, a few tweaks can make them both nutritious and lunch-friendly.
Healthier Substitutions:
- Use whole grain or gluten-free bread.
- Opt for egg whites or a plant-based egg substitute.
- Swap dairy milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.
- Reduce sugar in the egg mixture and use natural sweeteners.
Balance the Meal:
- Include a fruit like sliced apple or berries.
- Add a protein source like string cheese or hard-boiled egg.
- Use a compartment-style lunchbox to keep items fresh and separated.
For more balanced ideas tailored to kids, browse Verywell Health’s healthy lunch tips for children, which can help guide your choices even if your child doesn’t have dietary restrictions.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating McCormick French Toast Sticks
Want to save time on busy mornings? Make a large batch and freeze the extras!
Freezing Instructions:
- Allow cooked French toast sticks to cool completely.
- Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven/Toaster Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 30–60 seconds (texture may soften).
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5 minutes for a crispy finish.
For additional freezing and reheating tips, refer to Super Healthy Kids’ guide to freezable French toast sticks. They emphasize batch cooking as a great way to streamline family breakfasts.
Fun Serving Ideas (Shapes, Skewers, etc.)
Presentation matters, especially when feeding kids. Turning food into a visual experience makes it more engaging and can reduce pickiness.
Creative Serving Ideas:
- Use cookie cutters to shape bread before dipping.
- Thread cooled French toast sticks on skewers with fruit chunks for breakfast kabobs.
- Arrange sticks in a circle with dipping sauce in the center.
- Add themed toothpicks or food flags to personalize the plate.
Sites like Pinterest are great for gathering visual inspiration on how to style fun food for kids.
Making breakfast feel like a mini event doesn’t take much effort, but it makes a lasting impact on kids’ enthusiasm for mealtime.
FAQs About McCormick French Toast Sticks for Kids
Can I make French toast sticks dairy-free?
Yes! Use almond, oat, or coconut milk in the batter and swap butter for a plant-based alternative. Serving little ones with allergies? Try our Dairy-Free McCormick French Toast for a safe, tasty twist the whole family will love.
What bread works best?
Thick-sliced breads like Texas toast, brioche, or challah hold up well during cooking.
How long do they last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, cooked sticks last 3–4 days. Reheat before serving.
Are they freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze for up to 2 months, and reheat using the oven or air fryer for best texture.
Can I cook these in the air fryer?
Yes—air fry at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. This is a great oil-free alternative to pan-frying.
Conclusion about McCormick French Toast Sticks
With their sweet taste, fun format, and easy prep, McCormick French toast sticks are a surefire way to win over kids at breakfast—or any time of day. Whether you bake or pan-fry them, freeze for later or serve them fresh, these dippable delights are versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences and routines. Plus, with so many ways to make them healthier or more fun, they’re a guaranteed hit across the board. Give them a try and watch breakfast turn into a fun, flavorful family moment.
Print
Printable Recipe: Kid-Friendly McCormick French Toast Sticks
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (approx. 16 sticks)
Description
A fun, dippable, and flavorful breakfast made with McCormick spices—these French toast sticks are perfect for little hands and school lunchboxes.
Ingredients
- Thick bread slices (like Texas toast or brioche)
- Eggs
- Milk or dairy-free alternative
- McCormick ground cinnamon
- McCormick vanilla extract
- Optional sugar
- Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
- Cut bread into sticks.
- Whisk eggs, milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar in a shallow bowl.
- Dip each stick into the mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Baking or Frying:
For baking: Place on a lined tray and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
For pan-frying: Heat a skillet over medium, grease lightly, and cook 2–3 minutes per side. - Serve with dipping sauces of choice.
Notes
Use whole grain or gluten-free bread for a healthier version. These sticks are freezer-friendly—cool completely before freezing, and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving (4 Sticks)
- Calories: 220Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: McCormick French Toast Sticks