Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Cinnamon Roll Waffles are exactly what you get when two breakfast favorites come together to make magic. They're crispy waffles with all the warm cinnamon, gooey swirls, and sweet glaze…
Tip: save now, cook later.Cinnamon Roll Waffles are exactly what you get when two breakfast favorites come together to make magic. They’re crispy waffles with all the warm cinnamon, gooey swirls, and sweet glaze you love in classic cinnamon rolls, but with a delightful crunch on the outside. It’s like the best of both worlds wrapped up in every bite.
I love making these on lazy weekend mornings when I want something special but don’t want to wait for dough to rise or wait forever for oven-baked rolls. Plus, they cook up so quickly in the waffle iron, and the cinnamon-sugar swirl caramelizes just right. A tip I always follow is to drizzle a little extra glaze on top as soon as they come off the iron—that’s when they taste oh so perfect.
My favorite way to eat cinnamon roll waffles is with a big cup of coffee or hot chocolate, and maybe a handful of fresh berries on the side. They’re great for sharing too because they’re fun to eat and always bring smiles to the table. Honestly, every time I make these, it feels like the start of a special day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your waffle batter, giving structure and softness. For a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Cinnamon and brown sugar: The heart of that cinnamon roll taste! If you don’t have brown sugar, you can mix white sugar with a bit of molasses or maple syrup to get a similar flavor.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a crisp outside. You can use melted coconut oil or a neutral oil if you want a dairy-free version.
Milk: I usually use regular milk, but almond, oat, or soy milk work fine for dairy-free options. Just make sure they’re unsweetened to avoid extra sweetness.
Vanilla extract and eggs: These add flavor and help bind everything together. For an egg substitute, try flax eggs or applesauce if needed.
How Do You Get That Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Effect in the Waffles?
Swirling the cinnamon sugar in the batter is what gives these waffles their cinnamon roll look and taste. Here’s how to do it right:
- Pour half your waffle batter onto the hot, greased waffle iron.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter while it’s still wet.
- Top with the rest of the batter carefully to cover the cinnamon sugar.
- Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter in a circular motion. Don’t overdo it — just a few gentle swirls create that lovely pattern.
This technique helps the cinnamon sugar melt and caramelize during cooking, giving you those gooey, sweet pockets reminiscent of classic cinnamon rolls.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Waffle iron – key for crisping the waffles and creating those classic grid patterns that hold syrup and butter.
- Mixing bowls – one for dry ingredients and one for wet, making mixing easier and cleaner.
- Whisk – helps mix the batter smoothly and quickly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your ingredient amounts just right.
- Toothpick or skewer – perfect for swirling the cinnamon sugar into the batter to get that signature cinnamon roll look.
- Basting brush or pastry brush – to spread melted butter on the waffle iron so waffles don’t stick.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch and a toasty flavor that complements cinnamon well.
- Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet, melty twist the kids will love.
- Mix in some grated apples or pears for a fruity note that pairs nicely with cinnamon.
- Use pumpkin pie spice in place of cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¾ cups milk
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted, plus extra for waffle iron
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Cinnamon Swirl:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For The Topping:
- Butter, for serving
- Maple syrup or caramel syrup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 4-5 minutes per waffle to cook. In total, you can expect around 20-25 minutes from start to finish, depending on your waffle iron and how many waffles you make. Perfect for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Batter:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy—don’t overmix!
4. Make Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon.
5. Prepare Waffle Iron:
Preheat your waffle iron and brush it lightly with melted butter to prevent sticking.
6. Add Batter & Swirl:
Pour half of the waffle batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Quickly sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter, creating that signature cinnamon roll swirl.
7. Cook Waffles:
Close the waffle iron and cook according to its instructions, usually for about 4-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
8. Serve Warm:
Carefully remove the waffles and place them on a plate. Top with a pat of butter and drizzle generously with maple syrup or caramel syrup. Enjoy while warm!
Can I Use Frozen Waffles for This Recipe?
Frozen waffles won’t work well for this recipe since the cinnamon swirl needs to be swirled into fresh batter before cooking. For best results, make the batter fresh and cook them right away.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the batter up to 2 hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. Avoid making it much earlier to prevent the baking powder from losing its leavening power.
How Do I Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Waffles?
Cool them completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or oven for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
Can I Substitute Milk With a Dairy-Free Alternative?
Absolutely! Almond, soy, oat, or any other plant-based milk works well. Just use unsweetened versions to keep the sweetness balanced and the batter consistency right.