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These cinnamon roll waffles are a true treat when you crave the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls with the cozy crunch of waffles. This recipe delivers everything I love about both breakfasts in one dish perfect for weekend brunches or anytime you want something a little special.
When I first made these during a chilly holiday morning everyone went wild for them and now they are the most requested special breakfast in my house
Ingredients
- All purpose flour: gives waffles structure and fluffiness Look for fresher bags for the best lift
- Granulated white sugar: sweetens the batter and helps browning Use fine cane sugar for even mixing
- Baking powder: creates a light texture in each waffle Pick a fresh container for good rise
- Baking soda: balances acidity with buttermilk ensuring tender results
- Salt: sharpens flavor in both sweet and savory recipes choose fine sea salt for blending
- Large eggs: hold the batter together rich yolks make these extra golden
- Buttermilk: reacts with leaveners and adds tang Always shake well before pouring
- Vegetable oil: adds moisture and keeps waffles soft and rich
- Vanilla extract: boosts bakery style flavor Pure vanilla gives the best aroma
- Butter (for cinnamon topping): melted for the cinnamon topping adds buttery swirls Pick good quality for smoother mixing
- Brown sugar: in the filling gives caramel notes Opt for soft and fresh for blending
- Ground cinnamon: provides all that classic roll flavor Use fresh ground for bold taste
- Butter (for glaze): mixes creamy smoothness throughout
- Cream cheese: ensures a tangy luscious glaze Room temp cream cheese blends without lumps
- Powdered sugar: sweetens the glaze until silky
- Vanilla extract (in glaze): ties all the flavors together
- Milk: makes the glaze perfectly pourable only use as needed for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the dry mix:
- In a medium bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt until fully blended This base gives the waffles their structure and rise
- Prepare the wet mix:
- In a separate bowl whisk eggs buttermilk oil and vanilla together until fully combined This brings richness and flavor to your waffles
- Combine wet and dry mixes:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients Stir gently until just moistened Batter may look lumpy but resist overmixing as this preserves tenderness
- Preheat and prep waffle iron:
- Warm up your waffle iron and spray well with nonstick spray to prevent sticking Do this just before cooking so the waffles brown beautifully
- Cook the waffles:
- Pour the batter onto the preheated grid and close the lid Bake until waffles are puffed golden and release easily with a fork Repeat with remaining batter Keeping finished waffles warm in a low oven helps preserve crisp edges
- Mix cinnamon topping:
- In a small bowl combine melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon Mix until smooth then scoop into a small bag This will let you squeeze out perfect cinnamon swirls
- Prepare the glaze:
- Microwave butter and cream cheese just until melted and whisk together until smooth Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy Add a splash of milk if needed for a thick but drizzle able texture
- Serve with toppings:
- Arrange warm waffles on plates and swirl with cinnamon topping then drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top Serve immediately for the dreamiest experience
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Brown sugar cinnamon filling was always my favorite part of childhood cinnamon rolls so now swirling it over homemade waffles brings back wonderful baking memories with my grandmother
Storage tips
Store leftover waffles tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to two days For longer storage freeze single layers on a baking sheet then transfer to a reusable zip bag Toast from frozen or rewarm in an oven for best results Cream cheese glaze keeps in the fridge and can be rewarmed gently before serving
Ingredient substitutions
You can swap in half whole wheat flour for extra fiber If you do not have buttermilk combine regular milk with a splash of lemon juice Let sit a few minutes before using It provides a similar tang If dairy free use almond milk and vegan butter the flavor will still shine
Serving suggestions
These waffles are perfection as is but try adding toasted pecans or a dusting of fresh berries Orange zest or a sprinkle of cardamom in the batter also adds a new twist For brunch build a waffle bar with bowls of toppings for everyone to drizzle
Cultural context
Cinnamon rolls have roots across Scandinavian and German baking while waffles trace back to medieval European griddles Combining the two is a very American breakfast move mixing cozy flavors with crisp texture and a little extra indulgence
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Commonly Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the waffles warm before serving?
Place finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven to keep them warm and crisp until ready to serve.
- → Can I substitute the buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup to mimic the tang of buttermilk.
- → How do I prevent the cinnamon topping from hardening?
Keep the cinnamon topping warm or give it a quick stir before piping onto the waffles if it starts to thicken.
- → Can the cream cheese glaze be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate the glaze. Warm gently before drizzling over your waffles for a smooth texture.
- → What is the best way to apply the cinnamon swirl?
Scoop the cinnamon mixture into a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and pipe swirls directly onto the cooking waffle batter.