If you love the idea of classic breakfast comfort with a fun, playful twist, you are going to fall head-over-heels for Cinnamon Roll Waffles! This recipe turns your favorite canned cinnamon rolls into crispy, swirly, and utterly dreamy waffles, topped with a luscious maple cream cheese glaze. Trust me, they’re a brunch masterpiece—ready in minutes and sure to put big smiles on everyone’s faces.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Easy: Minimal prep, minimal mess—just pop open a can of cinnamon rolls and let your waffle iron do the magic.
- Irresistible Texture: The combo of crispy caramelized edges and gooey, soft cinnamon swirls makes these waffles next-level delicious.
- Perfect for Brunch or Treats: Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating yourself on a cozy weekend, these Cinnamon Roll Waffles feel super special.
- Maple Cream Cheese Drizzle: Dripping with a silky glaze that melts into every nook and cranny, each bite is pure bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cinnamon Roll Waffles is how few ingredients you need—each one brings its own magic! Grab a can of cinnamon rolls and a handful of pantry staples, and you’re only minutes away from breakfast heaven.
- Canned Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls: The absolute star—choose your favorite brand (Pillsbury or Grands work great!). They’re ready to go straight from the fridge and bring all that classic gooey cinnamon flavor.
- Cream Cheese (room temperature): Softening your cream cheese makes blending a breeze, and gives the glaze its dreamy tangy-sweet finish.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for a silky smooth glaze—plus it sweetens without adding any graininess.
- Maple Syrup: For depth, richness, and a warm, caramel-like note in your glaze. (Feel free to use pure or pancake maple syrup!)
- Milk (as needed): Adjusts the consistency of the glaze so it’s perfectly pourable and coats the waffles just right.
Variations
One of my favorite parts about Cinnamon Roll Waffles is how easily you can customize them for the season, your cravings, or the crowd at your table! A few simple swaps can make this recipe feel brand new every time.
- Gluten-Free: Try using a can of gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls to make the recipe celiac-friendly—same awesome results, no gluten worries.
- Fun-Filled: Sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans inside the rolls before pressing for a gooey, extra-delicious surprise.
- Cream Cheese Swap: Use dairy-free cream cheese and oat milk in the glaze for a vegan treat everyone can enjoy.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cardamom to the glaze for even more warm, cozy flavor in every bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Waffle Iron
Turn on your waffle iron and set it to a lower to medium heat—levels 2 or 3 work beautifully. Give the plates a light mist of nonstick spray to make sure your Cinnamon Roll Waffles pop out perfectly golden and never stick.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
Pop open your canned cinnamon rolls (the most satisfying moment, right?), then separate them and have them ready. No extra work needed—the magic is all inside each spiraled roll!
Step 3: Waffle Time!
Place one cinnamon roll in the center of each section of your waffle iron. Gently close and cook for about 2 minutes (timing depends on your iron) until they’re crisp on the outside and perfectly cooked inside. Lift them out carefully—those caramelized edges are precious!
Step 4: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
While your waffles cook, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk. Mix until you reach a pourable, creamy glaze—add a bit more milk as needed. Try not to eat it by the spoonful!
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Generously drizzle the maple cream cheese glaze over your warm Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Stack them high, serve right away, and don’t be surprised if everyone races to the table!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- Even Cooking, Every Time: Avoid overfilling by placing just one cinnamon roll per waffle segment. This ensures they’re fully cooked in the middle and crispy on the outside—no gooey, undercooked bites!
- Waffle Iron Temperature Matters: Lower heat settings (like 2–3) prevent burning the sugar swirl while still getting golden edges. Patience pays off for the perfect texture.
- Customize Your Glaze: For extra richness, swap in a splash of heavy cream for some of the milk or add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for bakery-style flavor.
- Batch Cooking Made Easy: Keep finished Cinnamon Roll Waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you work in batches—no one gets a cold waffle!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Garnishes
These waffles love a little extra flair—think a dusting of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, or a few fresh berries tossed over the top. For a show-stopping look, sprinkle on some extra powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair your Cinnamon Roll Waffles with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying brunch spread. A big mug of coffee or a vanilla latte is basically non-negotiable!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, arrange the waffles in a tall tower or cut them into “fingers” for easy dunking at a breakfast party. Little ones love mini waffle sliders, sandwiched with extra glaze or a scoop of vanilla yogurt inside!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Cinnamon Roll Waffles cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to three days—perfect for a quick weekday treat.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze fully-cooled waffles (minus the glaze) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Pop out a waffle or two anytime you have a craving, and defrost in the toaster or oven!
Reheating
The quickest way to reheat Cinnamon Roll Waffles is in a toaster or 350°F oven—just a few minutes restores that crispy edge! Add your glaze after reheating for the ultimate fresh-from-the-waffle-iron feel.
FAQs
-
Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you love scratch baking, homemade cinnamon roll dough works beautifully in your waffle maker. Roll, slice, and let the waffles cook until golden and cooked through—just increase the cook time slightly, as homemade dough can be a bit thicker and slower to cook than canned.
-
Do I need to use nonstick spray every batch?
It’s a good idea to lightly grease your waffle iron before each batch. The sugary filling in cinnamon rolls can caramelize and make sticking more likely, so a quick mist of spray helps each waffle lift out perfectly.
-
How do I know when the Cinnamon Roll Waffles are done?
Watch for crispy, deep golden edges and a firm center—most waffle irons will cook them in about 2 minutes. If you’re unsure, lift the lid slowly and check for any raw dough; if needed, close and cook another 30 seconds at a time.
-
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Yes! The maple cream cheese glaze can be made a day or two in advance—just store it covered in the fridge. Give it a quick whisk (and maybe a splash of milk) before using, if it thickens as it chills.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Waffles are my go-to recipe whenever I want to turn an ordinary day into something truly special—and now they can be yours, too! With minimal effort and maximum joy in every bite, I hope you’ll make these part of your breakfast or brunch routine soon. Enjoy every gooey, crispy, cinnamon-swirled mouthful!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast/Brunch
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on traditional waffles with this Cinnamon Roll Waffles recipe. With the perfect blend of cinnamon sweetness and waffle texture, these waffles are a surefire hit for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Waffles:
- 1 12.4 oz. or 17.5 oz. canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
- 2 – 4 tablespoons (30 – 60 ml) milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron: Preheat the waffle iron to your desired heat setting, typically around 2 – 3. Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls: Follow the package directions for preparing the cinnamon rolls. For canned rolls like Pillsbury or Grands, they are ready to bake straight from the can.
Notes
- You can customize the glaze by adding a touch of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: Approx. 250
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: Approx. 300mg
- Fat: Approx. 10g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 35g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 3g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 20mg
