Imagine combining the gooey sweetness of fresh cinnamon rolls with the crispy texture of homemade waffles. That's exactly what you get with these incredible Cinnamon Roll Waffles! As someone who's been perfecting breakfast recipes for over a decade, I can honestly say these Cinnamon Roll Waffles have become my family's absolute favorite weekend treat.
What makes these Cinnamon Roll Waffles so special is their simplicity and incredible flavor. You'll get all the cinnamon-sugar goodness of traditional cinnamon rolls but with perfectly golden, crispy edges that only a waffle iron can create. Trust me, once you try making Cinnamon Roll Waffles this way, you'll never want regular waffles again!
Background & Why This Recipe Stands Out
The genius behind Cinnamon Roll Waffles lies in the brilliant technique of using your waffle iron to transform ordinary canned cinnamon rolls into something extraordinary. This method has been gaining popularity among home cooks because it cuts cooking time in half while creating those irresistible crispy edges we all crave. The waffle iron's design allows the cinnamon filling to caramelize perfectly while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
What sets these Cinnamon Roll Waffles apart from other breakfast recipes is their versatility and foolproof nature. Whether you're using Pillsbury cinnamon rolls from the tube or making your own dough from scratch, the waffle iron technique works beautifully every time. The best part? These Cinnamon Roll Waffles cook in just 3-4 minutes, making them perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without the wait. Plus, the distinctive waffle pockets hold onto that sweet cream cheese glaze like little flavor reservoirs!
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Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
- Vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
For Homemade Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional):
- Cream cheese, softened
- Butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Extra cinnamon sugar
- Maple syrup
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare Your Waffle Iron
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions
- Lightly spray with cooking spray or brush with melted butter
- Remove cinnamon rolls from tube and separate each roll
- Set aside the included icing packet for later use
Cook the Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- Place one cinnamon roll in the center of each waffle iron section
- Close the lid gently but firmly to flatten the roll
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy on edges
- Carefully remove with a fork or tongs to avoid breaking
Add the Finishing Touches
- Warm the included icing in microwave for 10-15 seconds
- Drizzle generously over hot waffles
- Add any additional toppings while waffles are still warm
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor
Expert Cooking Tips
Temperature Control: Keep your waffle iron at medium heat to prevent burning while ensuring the inside cooks through completely. Too high heat will crisp the outside before the dough center is properly cooked.
Don't Overfill: Use only one cinnamon roll per waffle section. Cinnamon Roll Waffles will expand during cooking, and overfilling leads to messy overflow and uneven cooking.
Timing Matters: Watch for steam to stop coming from the waffle iron ; this usually indicates your waffles are ready. Most take 3-4 minutes, but every iron is different.
Grease Prevention: Always spray or brush your waffle iron between batches, even if it's non-stick. The cinnamon filling can be sticky and may cause sticking.
Keep Warm: Place finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while cooking remaining batches. This keeps them warm and maintains their crispiness.
Icing Consistency: If using homemade glaze, make it slightly thinner than traditional frosting. It should drizzle easily but not be so thin that it runs off the waffles completely.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Keto Version: Use low-carb cinnamon roll dough or make your own using almond flour. Replace regular icing with a cream cheese glaze sweetened with erythritol for keto-friendly Cinnamon Roll Waffles.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free cinnamon roll dough, available at most grocery stores. The cooking method remains exactly the same, though cooking time may vary slightly.
Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based cinnamon rolls and make your glaze with vegan cream cheese and plant milk. Many stores now carry excellent vegan cinnamon roll options that work perfectly for this recipe.
From-Scratch Version:
- Make homemade cinnamon roll dough using your favorite recipe
- Roll out individual portions slightly thicker than store-bought
- Follow the same waffle iron cooking method
Flavor Variations:
- Add orange zest to the glaze for citrus Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- Mix in mini chocolate chips before cooking
- Try different spices like cardamom or nutmeg in homemade versions
- Create apple cinnamon versions by adding tiny diced apples
Equipment Recommendations
A quality waffle iron is essential for perfect Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Belgian-style waffle makers work best because their deeper pockets accommodate the cinnamon roll expansion and hold more delicious glaze. Non-stick surfaces are highly recommended to prevent sticking, especially with the sugary cinnamon filling.
Additional helpful tools include a pastry brush for greasing, heat-resistant tongs for safe removal, and a small whisk for making homemade glaze. A microwave-safe bowl is useful for warming the included icing packet to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cinnamon Roll Waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Instructions: These waffles freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. This prevents freezer burn and makes grabbing single servings easy.
Reheating Methods:
- Toaster: 2-3 minutes on medium setting for crispy results
- Oven: 350°F for 5-7 minutes, covered with foil
- Microwave: 30-60 seconds, though this softens the crispy texture
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prepare glaze up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate
- Cook waffles the night before and reheat in the morning
- Keep uncooked cinnamon rolls refrigerated until ready to use
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
Here's the game-changing secret my grandmother shared with me about Cinnamon Roll Waffles: pour a tablespoon of heavy cream over each cinnamon roll just before closing the waffle iron. This creates an incredibly tender, almost custard-like interior while maintaining those crispy edges we love. The cream also helps the cinnamon filling caramelize beautifully, creating deeper flavor complexity.
Another secret technique is letting the cinnamon rolls sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Room temperature dough cooks more evenly and creates fluffier Cinnamon Roll Waffles with better texture. This small step makes a noticeable difference in the final result, giving you bakery-quality waffles at home.
FAQ
Can I put cinnamon rolls in a waffle maker?
Absolutely! Cinnamon Roll Waffles are made by placing refrigerated cinnamon rolls directly in a preheated waffle iron. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. This method is faster than oven baking and creates delicious crispy edges.
What does pouring heavy cream on cinnamon rolls do?
Adding heavy cream creates incredibly tender, moist Cinnamon Roll Waffles with a custard-like interior. The cream also helps caramelize the cinnamon filling and prevents the dough from becoming too dense during the waffle iron cooking process.
Can I use pancake mix in a waffle maker?
Yes, but for authentic Cinnamon Roll Waffles, use actual cinnamon roll dough. If using pancake mix, add cinnamon, sugar, and vanilla to mimic cinnamon roll flavors, but the texture will be different from traditional cinnamon roll waffles.
How to jazz up box waffle mix?
To make boxed waffle mix taste like Cinnamon Roll Waffles, add 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ¼ cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla to the batter. Swirl in cinnamon sugar before cooking and top with cream cheese glaze for authentic cinnamon roll flavor.
The Perfect Sweet Ending
These Cinnamon Roll Waffles prove that sometimes the best recipes come from thinking outside the box. By combining two beloved breakfast classics, you get something truly magical that'll have your family asking for seconds every time. The crispy exterior paired with that gooey cinnamon center creates the perfect balance of textures that traditional Cinnamon Roll Waffles simply can't match.
Don't stop here though! Once you've mastered these Cinnamon Roll Waffles, try our Cinnamon Roll Zucchini Bread for a healthier twist on cinnamon roll flavors, or whip up some Cinnamon Roll Cookies for a portable version of this beloved taste. Both recipes capture that same irresistible cinnamon-sugar magic that makes Cinnamon Roll Waffles so addictive, giving you even more ways to enjoy these incredible flavors year-round.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Aubrey James
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Pairing
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Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
Equipment
- Waffle iron
- Pastry brush
- Tongs
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Waffles
- 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing 8 count
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- cooking spray or melted butter for greasing
For Cream Cheese Glaze (optional homemade)
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tablespoon butter softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoon milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- fresh berries strawberries, blueberries
- chopped pecans or walnuts
- extra cinnamon sugar
- maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter.
- Place one cinnamon roll in each waffle iron section.
- Close lid and cook for 3–4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Microwave included icing or homemade glaze for 10–15 seconds to warm.
- Drizzle icing or glaze over waffles.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as berries, nuts, or syrup.
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