Ever had that moment when you bite into something so warm and cozy it makes your soul do a happy dance? That’s exactly what happens when you take a bite of a cinnamon roll waffle. Imagine the fluffiness of a freshly baked cinnamon roll, the crisp edges of a waffle, and a drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top—pure breakfast bliss. Honestly, if mornings could have a personality, this recipe would be the cheerful friend who always shows up with the best baked goods.
Why Cinnamon Roll Waffles Are a Game-Changer
If you’re anything like me, your breakfast routine can get a little stale. Pancakes, oatmeal, maybe toast—yawn. But cinnamon roll waffles? That’s where things get fun. They’re basically the lovechild of two classic comfort foods, and they’re stupid easy to make. No more waiting for dough to rise or sweating over rolling and cutting buns. Just pop a can of cinnamon rolls in the waffle iron, and boom—breakfast is served.
I first tried these at a friend’s house, and I swear I almost cried from happiness. It was like they took all the best parts of cinnamon rolls—the gooey, cinnamony center, the buttery crust—and cranked it up to eleven by making them into waffles. If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in (oops, no “dive in” allowed—I’ll try again). Let’s jump in!
What You’ll Need
The Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a classic batch of cinnamon roll waffles. This recipe uses a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls (Pillsbury, Grands, whatever’s in your fridge), plus a few pantry staples for the toppings.
For the waffles:
- 1 can (12.4 oz or 17.5 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Non-stick cooking spray (for the waffle iron)
For the cream cheese topping:
- 4 oz (about ½ cup) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or milk (for the right consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon sugar swirl (optional, but highly recommended):
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Step 1: Prep the Waffle Iron
First things first—preheat your waffle iron and give it a quick spritz of non-stick spray. This is the secret to making sure your cinnamon rolls don’t stick and turn into a gooey mess. Nobody wants a sticky situation in the morning, am I right?
Step 2: Flatten the Rolls
Take your cinnamon rolls out of the can. If they’re coiled, unroll them slightly and flatten them a bit. You want them to fit nicely in the waffle iron without sticking up too much. If they’re already flat (some brands are), even better. You can put 2–4 rolls in the iron at once, depending on its size.
Pro tip: If you want extra-crispy edges, press the rolls down gently with a spatula before closing the lid.
Step 3: Cook the Waffles
Pop the rolls into the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook for about 3–4 minutes. The exact time will depend on your iron, but you’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden and the inside is hot and fluffy. If you’re not sure, do the fork test—gently pry one up and check if the center is warm.
Step 4: Make the Toppings
While your waffles are cooking, whip up the toppings. For the cream cheese topping, just mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup (or milk), and vanilla in a bowl. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. For the cinnamon swirl, melt the butter, mix it with the brown sugar and cinnamon, and set it aside.
Why This Recipe Works
The Magic of Texture
What makes these waffles so special? It’s all about texture. The waffle iron crisps up the outside of the roll while keeping the inside soft and gooey. The caramelized edges? That’s where the magic happens. It’s like the best part of a cinnamon roll, amplified.
The Power of Toppings
The cream cheese topping is a must. It’s tangy, sweet, and makes the whole thing feel fancy without any extra work. If you want to go all out, drizzle the cinnamon sugar swirl on top. The warm butter and cinnamon create this syrupy mess that soaks into the waffles—total heaven.
Easy Cleanup
One of the best things about this recipe? It’s super easy to clean up. No bowls, no whisking, just a waffle iron and a few toppings. If you’re not a morning person (raises hand), this is the breakfast for you.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Use Fresh Rolls
This might sound obvious, but don’t use expired cinnamon rolls. The dough gets dry, and the rolls won’t cook as well. Always check the date on the can.
Don’t Overcrowd the Iron
If you try to cram too many rolls into the waffle iron, they’ll stick together and be a pain to remove. Stick to 2–4 at a time, depending on your iron’s size.
Customize It
Feel free to mix things up! Add chopped nuts, a sprinkle of nutmeg, or even a few chocolate chips for extra decadence. If you’re feeling fancy, swap the cream cheese topping for a vanilla glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Make Ahead
If you want to save time, you can prep the toppings the night before. Just store them in the fridge and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Store and Reheat
Leftovers? No worries. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the toaster oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh.
Common Questions (and Answers)
Can I Use Homemade Cinnamon Rolls?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling ambitious, use your favorite homemade cinnamon roll recipe. Just flatten the rolls slightly before cooking, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan cinnamon roll brand (like Immaculate or Pillsbury’s vegan rolls) and swap the cream cheese for a vegan alternative. For the topping, use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
How Do I Prevent Sticking?
Spray the waffle iron with non-stick spray before each batch. If you notice the rolls sticking, wipe the iron down with a damp cloth and spray again.
What If I Don’t Have a Waffle Iron?
No waffle iron? No problem. You can bake the rolls in the oven according to the package directions, then drizzle with the toppings. They won’t be waffle-shaped, but they’ll still be delicious.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Pinterest
If you’re into food blogging or just love sharing your creations online, cinnamon roll waffles are a Pinterest dream. They’re visually stunning, super easy to make, and perfect for themed boards like “breakfast ideas” or “easy desserts.” The contrast of the golden waffle, the swirl of cinnamon, and the creamy topping makes for an irresistible photo.
Pin-Friendly Tips
- Use a rustic plate or wooden board for your photos.
- Drizzle the toppings just before snapping the shot.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar for extra texture.
- Try overhead shots or close-ups of the gooey center.
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon roll waffles are the kind of breakfast that makes you want to invite all your friends over for brunch. They’re fun, easy, and totally customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, who doesn’t love a breakfast that feels like a warm hug? (And if you’re still not convinced, just try it. You’ll be a convert in no time.)
So, next time you’re staring at a can of cinnamon rolls and wondering what to do with it, skip the oven and grab your waffle iron. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. And hey, if you try this recipe, drop a comment or tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations. Let’s make breakfast awesome together. 🙂
Cinnamon Roll Waffles: Breakfast Just Got a Whole Lot Sweeter
Course: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes4
minutes350
kcal10
minutesThese cinnamon roll waffles are the ultimate lazy brunch hack—fluffy, gooey, and loaded with cinnamon swirls. Just pop a can of cinnamon rolls into your waffle iron, top with a creamy glaze, and enjoy breakfast that feels like a hug. No fancy skills needed, just a craving for something sweet and comforting.
Ingredients
For the Waffles:
1 can (12.4 oz or 17.5 oz) refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Non-stick cooking spray
- For the Cream Cheese Topping:
4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup or milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl (optional):
4 tablespoons butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Directions
- Prep the Waffle Iron:
Preheat your waffle iron and spray the plates with non-stick spray. This keeps the rolls from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. - Flatten the Rolls:
Unroll each cinnamon roll slightly and flatten it with your hands. This helps it fit better in the waffle iron and ensures even cooking. - Cook the Waffles:
Place 2–4 rolls in the waffle iron (depending on size). Close the lid and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove with a spatula and repeat with remaining rolls. - Make the Toppings:
While the waffles cook, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, maple syrup (or milk), and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. For the cinnamon swirl, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. - Serve:
Stack the waffles on a plate, drizzle with cream cheese topping and/or cinnamon swirl. Add extra powdered sugar or fruit if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
- Notes
Customize: Swap the cream cheese topping for vanilla glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit for extra flavor.
Make Ahead: Prep the toppings the night before and store in the fridge. Reheat waffles in a toaster oven for a crispy finish.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cinnamon rolls and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. - Nutrition (per serving, with cream cheese topping)
Calories: 350
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 30g
