Well, here’s what I’m saying: sometimes you want something epic for breakfast—something that is so good, you do a happy dance in your kitchen and maybe take a picture of it to put on socials. Have you ever had Cinnamon Roll Waffles? If not, then get ready to be obsessed because they are so easy to make (my jeans can attest), that I have lost count of how many times I’ve made them and every time, they disappear faster than you can say, “pass the syrup.” Whether you’re a kitchen novice or brunch pro, this recipe is one for the books. So here’s to stepping up your breakfast game: Let’s get started!How Do Cinnamon Roll Waffles Work?The caramelized sugar on the outside of the waffle becomes slightly crunchy while the inside remains soft and fluffy. Top with a cream cheese glaze, and you have breakfast royalty.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need (Spoiler: Nothing Fancy)
Let’s keep it real—nobody wants to hunt down a dozen weird ingredients before they’ve had their coffee. Here’s what you need for classic homemade Cinnamon Roll Waffles:
For the Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk (buttermilk if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 tablespoons oil or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 2/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
FYI: If you’re feeling lazy (no judgment), you can totally use canned cinnamon rolls instead. More on that shortcut in a sec!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles Like a Pro
Make the Waffle Batter
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Lumps are totally fine—don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough waffles. Yikes!
Whip Up the Cinnamon Filling
- Mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until you get a thick, spreadable paste.
- Add milk a tablespoon at a time until it’s smooth enough to pipe or drizzle.
- Pro tip: Use a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off) for easy swirling!
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
Cook the Waffles
- Preheat your waffle iron and give it a quick spritz of nonstick spray.
- Pour in enough batter to cover the bottom (don’t overdo it, or you’ll have a waffle volcano).
- Pipe or drizzle the cinnamon filling in a swirl right on top of the batter.
- Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp. Every waffle maker is different, so keep an eye on it—usually 3–5 minutes does the trick.
Glaze and Serve
- Stack those waffles high (because why not?).
- Drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
- If you’re feeling extra, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts.
Boom. Breakfast = conquered.
The Lazy Hack: Canned Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Short on time or just not in the mood to measure? (We’ve all been there. :/) Grab a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and let your waffle maker do the heavy lifting.
- Preheat your waffle iron and spray it with nonstick spray.
- Place a single cinnamon roll in the center, close the lid, and cook until golden and cooked through.
- Top with the included icing, or whip up your own cream cheese glaze if you’re feeling bougie.
Honestly, this shortcut is a game-changer for busy mornings or when you just can’t be bothered to dirty more than one bowl. IMO, it’s the ultimate “cheat day” breakfast.
Pro Tips for Next-Level Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Let’s be real—there’s always room to make something even more epic. Here’s how I take my Cinnamon Roll Waffles from “yum” to “OMG”:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Seriously, stop stirring once everything is combined. Lumpy batter = fluffy waffles.
- Use Buttermilk: It adds a tangy flavor and makes the waffles extra tender. No buttermilk? Add a splash of lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Keep Waffles Warm: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
- Double the Glaze: Trust me, nobody ever complained about too much cream cheese frosting.
- Add Mix-Ins: Feeling wild? Toss in some mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans for extra flavor and crunch.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles vs. Classic Cinnamon Rolls: Which Wins?
Let’s settle the debate. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | Cinnamon Roll Waffles | Classic Cinnamon Rolls |
---|---|---|
Prep Time | 20–30 minutes | 2+ hours (thanks, yeast) |
Texture | Crispy outside, fluffy in | Soft, gooey throughout |
Flavor | Caramelized, buttery | Rich, cinnamon-sweet |
Effort Level | Easy-peasy | Kinda high-maintenance |
Best For | Quick brunch, kids, crowds | Special occasions, holidays |
IMO, Cinnamon Roll Waffles win for everyday cravings and lazy brunches. Classic cinnamon rolls still hold a special place in my heart for holidays and when I want to flex my baking skills.
Fun Variations to Try (Because Why Not?)
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Waffles: Add a handful of diced apples to the batter or filling. Bonus points if you sauté them first.
- Pumpkin Spice Waffles: Mix a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the batter for a fall twist.
- Maple Bacon Topping: Crumble crispy bacon and drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet-and-savory combo that’ll blow your mind.
- Nutella Swirl: Replace the cinnamon filling with Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut spin.
Ever wondered what would happen if you combined all these? (Asking for a friend…)
FAQs: Everything You Want to Know
Can I freeze Cinnamon Roll Waffles?
Absolutely! Let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Pop them in the toaster or oven to reheat—way better than any store-bought frozen waffle.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yep! Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s one that works for waffles.
Do I really need a waffle maker?
Honestly, yes. You can’t fake that crispy texture in a pan. But if you don’t have one, you can always use the cinnamon filling and glaze on pancakes. Not quite the same, but still delish.
Can I make these ahead?
You bet. Make the batter, filling, and glaze the night before. Store them separately in the fridge, then cook and assemble in the morning.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe (And Why You’ll Make It Again)
- Fast and Easy: No waiting for dough to rise. You can go from “hangry” to “happy” in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Go wild with toppings, fillings, or even the type of waffles you make.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunch, sleepovers, or any time you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist these. (And if they do, more for you. Win-win!)
Final Thoughts: Ready to Waffle Your World?
So, there you have it—my go-to Cinnamon Roll Waffles recipe, complete with all the tips, tricks, and shortcuts you need to make breakfast the best part of your day. Whether you’re whipping these up for a lazy Sunday, a special birthday breakfast, or just because you feel like treating yourself (and you totally should), these waffles never disappoint.