Cinnamon Roll Waffles: Easy & Delicious Recipe (2025)

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if you combined the irresistible fluffiness of waffles with the sweet, spiced perfection of cinnamon rolls, the answer is here: Cinnamon Roll Waffles! These waffles take traditional buttermilk waffles to the next level with a brown sugar cinnamon topping and a decadent maple cream cheese drizzle. Whether you’re planning a special weekend breakfast or looking for a dessert-like treat, these cinnamon roll waffles are a game-changer!

What Makes Cinnamon Roll Waffles Special?

Cinnamon Roll Waffles offer the best of both worlds: the light, crispy exterior of waffles paired with the warm, gooey cinnamon roll filling. The addition of maple cream cheese drizzle ties everything together, adding a smooth sweetness that complements the cinnamon perfectly. This dish is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a visual delight, perfect for any brunch spread.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Waffles

The ingredients for these waffles are simple yet packed with flavor:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the waffle batter, contributing to the light and fluffy texture.

Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon flavors.

Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to make the waffles light and airy.

Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the batter.

Buttermilk: Brings a tangy richness to the waffles and contributes to their soft texture.

Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the batter for a smooth consistency.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor, creating a perfectly crispy exterior on the waffles.

Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.

Cream cheese: The secret to the smooth, tangy maple drizzle.

Maple extract: Provides a subtle maple flavor, enhancing the cinnamon roll experience.

Powdered sugar: Used to sweeten the cream cheese drizzle to the perfect consistency.

Brown sugar: For the warm, caramelized cinnamon topping.

Ground cinnamon: The key to the cinnamon roll flavor in this dish.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

Buttermilk substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can create a quick replacement by adding one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to curdle before using it in the batter.
Egg-free option: For an egg-free version, substitute the two eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).
Dairy-free option: Swap out the butter for vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk like almond or soy milk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, avoiding clumps in the batter.
  2. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
  3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t worry if the batter is a little lumpy; over-mixing can make the waffles tough.
  4. Cook the waffles: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, careful not to overfill it. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy.
  5. Make the maple cream cheese drizzle: While the waffles are cooking, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, melted butter, and maple extract. Add milk as needed to create a smooth, pourable consistency. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock bag for easy drizzling.
  6. Prepare the cinnamon brown sugar topping: In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. This will create a gooey cinnamon glaze to drizzle over the waffles.
  7. Assemble the waffles: Once the waffles are cooked, drizzle both the cinnamon brown sugar topping and the maple cream cheese drizzle generously over the waffles. Serve immediately, stacking the waffles for an extra indulgent treat!
Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Don’t overfill the waffle iron: When adding the batter to the waffle iron, be sure not to overfill it. The batter will expand, and overfilling may cause a mess.
Crispier waffles: Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack to keep them crisp. This prevents them from getting soggy while the remaining waffles cook.
Make-ahead option: If you want to prepare in advance, you can freeze the waffles and the two glazes separately. Simply reheat in a toaster or oven and drizzle with the toppings before serving.
Flavor variations: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon brown sugar topping for extra texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cinnamon Roll Waffles are already indulgent enough on their own, but they can be paired with additional toppings for a next-level breakfast experience. Try adding fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness to balance the sweetness. You could also serve these waffles with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert option.

For a fun twist, turn this recipe into a cinnamon roll waffle bar where everyone can add their favorite toppings, like sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Seasonal & Health-Benefit Twist

Cinnamon Roll Waffles are perfect for a cozy fall breakfast or brunch, thanks to their warm, comforting flavors. The cinnamon and maple combination evokes the essence of autumn, making this recipe a great addition to any holiday gathering or special occasion. Additionally, cinnamon has been shown to have potential health benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, which makes this sweet treat feel a bit less indulgent!

With its perfect blend of textures and flavors, Cinnamon Roll Waffles are bound to become a new favorite in your breakfast rotation. They’re easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve them to!

Conclusion:

Cinnamon Roll Waffles are a delightful twist on two beloved breakfast classics. With their fluffy, golden waffles and irresistible cinnamon roll toppings, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these waffles are sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, with easy ingredient swaps and make-ahead options, this recipe is as convenient as it is delicious. So, why not indulge in a decadent waffle breakfast that combines the best of both worlds?

FAQ

Can I use store-bought cinnamon rolls for this recipe?

While you can use store-bought cinnamon rolls in a pinch, the homemade waffle batter and the cinnamon brown sugar topping really take these waffles to the next level. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend making the waffles from scratch.

Can I make these waffles ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the waffles ahead of time and freeze them for later. Just make sure to freeze them individually, then reheat them in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness. The maple cream cheese drizzle and cinnamon brown sugar topping can also be frozen and reheated for easy assembly.

Can I make the cream cheese drizzle without maple extract?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have maple extract, you can use maple syrup instead, though the flavor may be slightly different. Alternatively, you can omit the maple flavor entirely for a classic cream cheese glaze.

Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?

Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk. To mimic the acidity of buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle before using it in the recipe.

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Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Cinnamon Roll Waffles


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  • Author: Ashely
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 waffles
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cinnamon Roll Waffles combine the best of two beloved breakfast treats. These golden waffles are topped with a brown sugar cinnamon topping and drizzled with a maple cream cheese glaze, creating an indulgent treat perfect for brunch or dessert.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon maple extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon


Instructions

  1. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
  3. Combine wet and dry: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Lumpy batter is fine.
  4. Cook waffles: Preheat the waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Pour the batter onto the iron, being careful not to overfill. Cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Make cream cheese glaze: In a bowl, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and maple extract. Add milk to reach a pourable consistency.
  6. Make cinnamon glaze: Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer to a ziplock bag for easy drizzling.
  7. Assemble: Drizzle both the cinnamon glaze and cream cheese glaze generously over the waffles. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Don’t overfill the waffle iron as the batter will expand.
  • For crispy waffles, place them on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent steaming.
  • Make extra waffles and freeze them for a quick breakfast option later.
  • If you don’t have maple extract, you can use maple syrup for the glaze, but the flavor will be slightly different.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or soy milk.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Waffle Iron
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

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