Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and filled with warm, creamy chocolate-hazelnut spread, these Nutella French Toast Sticks turn simple bread into an irresistible breakfast treat.
Each stick has a golden, buttery exterior with a rich Nutella center that becomes wonderfully soft and melty as it cooks. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch.
This recipe keeps the process simple, making it ideal for beginners, busy mornings, weekend breakfasts, and kid-friendly snacks. There is no complicated batter or special equipment required.
The bread is flattened, spread with Nutella, rolled into neat sticks, dipped in a creamy egg mixture, and cooked until beautifully golden. The result is a fun handheld version of classic French toast.
For another cozy morning option, browse these easy homemade breakfast recipes or pair the sticks with simple homemade pancake recipes for a larger breakfast spread.
Ingredients
For the French Toast Sticks
- 8 slices soft white sandwich bread
- ½ cup (150 g) chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring or vanilla powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
For Serving
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries, optional
- Banana slices, optional
- Extra chocolate-hazelnut spread, optional
- Maple-flavored pancake syrup, optional
Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Shallow bowl
- Whisk
- Large nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Wire rack or serving plate
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
Place the bread slices on a clean work surface.
Trim away the crusts from all eight slices. Keeping the bread soft and crust-free makes rolling easier and gives the finished French toast sticks a tender texture.
2. Flatten the Bread
Use a rolling pin to gently flatten each bread slice.
Roll from the center toward the edges until each slice is thin and flexible.
Avoid pressing so hard that the bread tears. The goal is a thin, even surface that can be rolled easily.
3. Add the Nutella
Spread about 1 tablespoon of chocolate-hazelnut spread evenly over each flattened slice.
Leave a small border around the edges so the spread does not squeeze out too much during rolling.
For a richer center, add a little extra spread, but avoid overfilling the bread.
4. Roll the Bread
Starting from one short end, tightly roll each slice into a small log.
Place each roll seam-side down while preparing the remaining slices.
If a roll feels loose, gently press the seam against the work surface to help it stay closed.
5. Prepare the Egg Mixture
Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl.
Add the milk, granulated sugar, alcohol-free vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Whisk until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
6. Heat the Skillet
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the butter and allow it to melt gently.
The skillet should be hot enough to create a golden crust without burning the butter.
7. Dip the French Toast Sticks
Quickly roll each Nutella-filled bread stick through the egg mixture.
Coat all sides, but do not leave the bread soaking in the mixture. Too much liquid can make the rolls soggy and difficult to cook.
8. Cook Until Golden
Place the coated rolls seam-side down in the warm skillet.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes, turning occasionally with a spatula.
Continue cooking until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp.
Work in batches if the skillet is small. Crowding the pan can make the French toast sticks cook unevenly.
9. Finish Cooking
Once the sticks are evenly golden, transfer them to a wire rack or serving plate.
Allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes.
The centers will be warm, soft, and creamy, while the outside will remain lightly crisp.
10. Add the Topping
Dust the warm French toast sticks with powdered sugar.
For extra freshness, add sliced strawberries or bananas.
Serve with a small bowl of warmed chocolate-hazelnut spread or maple-flavored pancake syrup for dipping.
Tips & Variations
Choose Soft Sandwich Bread
Soft white sandwich bread works especially well because it flattens easily without cracking.
Brioche can also be used for a richer version. It creates especially tender French toast sticks with a slightly buttery flavor.
Do Not Overfill
A generous layer of Nutella is delicious, but too much can make the rolls difficult to seal.
About 1 tablespoon per bread slice gives a creamy center without excessive leakage.
Roll the Bread Tightly
A firm roll helps keep the chocolate-hazelnut spread inside.
Start rolling from one short side and gently press as the roll forms.
Dip Quickly
The bread only needs a light coating of egg mixture.
A quick roll on all sides is enough. Letting the bread sit in the mixture can make it soft and difficult to handle.
Keep the Heat Moderate
Medium heat gives the outside enough time to become crisp while the center warms.
High heat can brown the bread too quickly and leave the outside darker than desired.
Turn Frequently
Unlike traditional French toast, these small rolls have several sides that need to be browned.
Turn them every 30–60 seconds so the entire surface develops an even golden crust.
Use Brioche for a Richer Version
Brioche gives these French toast sticks an extra-soft, buttery texture.
Because brioche is delicate, flatten it gently and avoid soaking it in the egg mixture.
Try Banana and Nutella
Add a very thin strip of banana along with the chocolate-hazelnut spread before rolling.
The banana becomes soft and sweet as it warms, creating a delicious combination of chocolate, fruit, and buttery toast.
Add Cinnamon Sugar
For an extra sweet finish, mix 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
Roll the freshly cooked sticks lightly in the mixture while still warm.
Make Them Less Sweet
The chocolate-hazelnut spread already provides plenty of sweetness.
For a less-sweet breakfast, reduce the granulated sugar in the egg mixture and skip the powdered sugar topping.
Use Dairy-Free Milk
Unsweetened oat milk or another suitable dairy-free milk can replace whole milk.
The flavor will be slightly different, but the French toast sticks will still cook beautifully.
Use a Different Bread
Whole wheat sandwich bread can be used for a heartier version.
For the softest texture, choose fresh bread rather than very dry or stale slices.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Using too much egg mixture is one of the easiest ways to make French toast sticks soggy.
Another common mistake is cooking them over high heat. The outside can become dark before the center is properly warmed.
Avoid putting too many rolls into the skillet at once. Each stick needs enough room to turn and brown evenly.
Finally, do not cut the bread too thin before rolling. A soft, sturdy slice gives the best results.
Storage & Serving
These Nutella French Toast Sticks are best served immediately while the outside is crisp and the chocolate-hazelnut center is warm.
If leftovers remain, allow them to cool completely before storing.
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, turning occasionally. An air fryer can also help bring back some of the crisp exterior.
Avoid reheating for too long because the bread can become dry and the filling may become overly hot.
For longer storage, freeze the cooked and cooled French toast sticks in a single layer until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
They can be frozen for up to 1 month for the best quality.
Reheat frozen sticks in an air fryer or oven until heated through and lightly crisp.
For breakfast, serve them with fresh berries, banana slices, yogurt, or a warm cup of milk.
For a fun brunch platter, arrange the sticks on a large plate with small bowls of chocolate-hazelnut spread, fruit, and syrup.
They also make a delicious afternoon snack. For more sweet breakfast inspiration, try these easy sweet breakfast ideas.
FAQ
Can Nutella French Toast Sticks be made without eggs?
Yes. A plant-based egg substitute designed for cooking can be used instead of the eggs.
The texture may be slightly different, but the bread can still develop a pleasant golden exterior.
Can these French toast sticks be made ahead of time?
Yes. They can be cooked a few hours ahead and reheated before serving.
For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet, oven, or air fryer rather than serving them cold.
Can regular bread be used instead of white bread?
Yes. White sandwich bread gives the softest texture, but brioche, milk bread, or whole wheat sandwich bread can also work.
Choose bread that is soft enough to flatten without cracking.
How do you keep Nutella from leaking out?
Use a moderate amount of spread and leave a small border around the edges.
Rolling the bread tightly and placing the seam underneath during cooking also helps keep the filling contained.
Can these be cooked in an air fryer?
Yes. Arrange the coated sticks in a lightly greased air-fryer basket without overlapping.
Cook at about 375°F (190°C) until golden, turning halfway through. Cooking time can vary between air fryers, so check them early.
What is the best bread for French toast sticks?
Soft white sandwich bread is an excellent choice for beginners.
Brioche creates a richer and more buttery result, while milk bread produces an especially soft texture.
Why are the French toast sticks soggy?
Sogginess usually comes from soaking the bread for too long or cooking at too low a temperature.
Dip the rolls quickly and use a properly preheated skillet.
Can the crusts be left on?
Yes, although trimming them makes the rolls easier to flatten and creates a more uniform shape.
The crusts can be saved and used for breadcrumbs or another recipe.
Can another chocolate spread be used?
Yes. Any halal-friendly chocolate-hazelnut or chocolate spread with a similar thick consistency can be used.
Check the ingredient label if strict alcohol-free preparation is required.
Are Nutella French Toast Sticks halal-friendly?
The recipe can be prepared with halal-friendly ingredients.
For strict alcohol-free preparation, use an alcohol-free vanilla flavoring or vanilla powder and check packaged ingredients according to personal dietary requirements.
Conclusion
These Nutella French Toast Sticks are a simple way to turn everyday bread into a warm, crispy, creamy breakfast treat.
The soft bread wraps around a rich chocolate-hazelnut center, while the egg coating creates a golden exterior that is deliciously crisp around the edges.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, this recipe is approachable enough for beginners and special enough for a relaxed weekend breakfast.
Serve the sticks warm with fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or a favorite dipping sauce, then enjoy the combination of buttery toast and creamy chocolate in every bite.
Give these Nutella French Toast Sticks a try for the next breakfast or brunch, and share the recipe with anyone who loves an easy sweet morning treat.