Cinnamon Toast

The ingredients for cinnamon toast — bread, cinnamon, sugar and butter — have remained largely unchanged since the recipe first appeared in 15th century Europe, where it was introduced as a less expensive version of French toast. Some variations call for adding the cinnamon and sugar before toasting, others after. The secret to achieving a cinnamon toast that’s both gooey and crunchy? A combination of both methods. Toast the bread in butter in a skillet, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, flip so the sugar caramelizes, then sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar when it’s done. Toasting the bread in a skillet (like French toast) produces browned butter, which adds nutty warmth.

Ingredients

• 3

  tablespoons granulated or brown sugar

• 2

  teaspoons ground cinnamon

• Pinch of kosher salt

• Unsalted butter, for cooking

• 4

  slices of bread, such as white, whole wheat or brioche

Preparation

1. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon and salt.
2. Melt some butter in a large (12-inch) nonstick skillet over medium-low; you’ll want enough to lightly coat the bottom of the skillet when melted. When bubbling, add as many bread slices as will fit. Swirl the bread around to absorb the butter, adding more butter if the pan is dry. Cook until light golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning.
3. Add another pat of butter, flip the bread and swirl to coat the other side in butter, gently pressing the bread to pick up any browned bits. Sprinkle the toasted tops edge to edge with a thin layer of the cinnamon sugar. Add more butter to the pan, adjust temperature as needed and cook until the underside of the toast is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Flip and cook until the sugar sizzles and starts to melt, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to a plate, sugar side up. (If any melted sugar sticks to the pan, gently swipe the bread over it to pick it up.) Sprinkle toasts with more cinnamon sugar. Wipe skillet and repeat with any remaining bread.