If you’re obsessed with cinnamon rolls and waffles (who isn’t?!), this Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe is about to become your new go-to for special breakfasts and brunches. With just a can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and a dreamy, tangy cream cheese glaze whipped up in minutes, it transforms humble pantry staples into an irresistible morning treat that tastes like a bakery splurge—without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery Flavor in 10 Minutes: All the ooey-gooey, spiced sweetness of classic cinnamon rolls, without waiting hours for dough to rise.
- Effortless & Fun: No dough mixing or yeast required—just pop open a can, press, and cook. Even kids love to help with the waffle iron!
- Versatile Delight: Make it as a brunch showstopper, a decadent holiday breakfast, or a cozy dessert when cravings hit.
- Customizable Cream Cheese Glaze: Adjust the sweetness and drizzle to your heart’s content for your ideal cinnamon roll waffle experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t you just love recipes where every ingredient plays a starring role? This Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe is a fabulous example—a handful of basics create those crave-worthy, golden waffles and the silky glaze. Here’s what makes each one essential.
- Canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls: The store-bought kind (like Pillsbury or Grands) keeps this recipe ultra-convenient and delivers perfectly spiced, gooey swirls without any kneading or proofing.
- Cream cheese, room temperature: For the classic tang in that decadent glaze—room temp ensures your icing turns out ultra-smooth and creamy.
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully into the glaze, giving it that decadent, velvety texture and perfect sweetness.
- Maple syrup: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze with its amber richness, and pairs perfectly with the cinnamon roll flavors.
- Milk: Thins out the glaze to your ideal drizzling consistency—the amount needed will depend on how thick you like your icing!
Variations
One of the joys of this Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe is how easily it adapts to your mood and what’s in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with these delicious ideas!
- Chocolate Swirl: Add a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips to each raw cinnamon roll before pressing for melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free canned cinnamon rolls (several brands offer them!) and swap in vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk for the glaze.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss some chopped pecans or walnuts into the waffle iron with your cinnamon roll for a toasty, nutty twist on texture.
- Fruit Topping: Top finished waffles with sautéed apples or sliced bananas for a fun, fruity brunch upgrade.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron to a medium setting (level 2 or 3 works beautifully—don’t go too hot, or the sugar in the rolls can burn). Give the plates a light mist of nonstick spray to make sure the sticky cinnamon goodness releases easily.
Step 2: Ready the Cinnamon Rolls
Pop open your can of cinnamon rolls and separate them. There’s no need to shape or roll—simply place one roll in the center of each waffle section. If your waffle iron is large, you may be able to fit more than one at a time, but keep them spaced apart so they can spread and cook evenly.
Step 3: Press and Cook
Gently close the lid and cook for about 2–4 minutes, depending on your machine and how golden you like them. You’re aiming for a crisp, caramelized exterior and a soft, gooey center. The transformation is magical—the cinnamon filling gets warm and bubbly, and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly!
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the waffles are sizzling, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth, then add in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons milk. Whisk until creamy, adding an extra splash of milk as needed to create your perfect drizzling consistency—it should be thick, but pourable.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Carefully lift the hot waffles onto plates, then slather or drizzle with that luscious glaze. Serve immediately for best texture—trust me, everyone will be racing to the table as soon as they catch that sweet cinnamon aroma!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
- Waffle Iron Wisdom: Don’t crank the heat to max—medium heat delivers a crisp waffle with a tender inside, while too much heat can scorch the sugar swirl before the interior is (delightfully) gooey.
- Easy Release: Spray your waffle iron lightly before each batch; these rolls have sticky filling and can cling if you skip this step.
- Glaze Consistency: Add milk one tablespoon at a time to the glaze so you don’t end up with icing soup—you want a thick, creamy pour for fabulous drizzles.
- Batch Serving: Keep finished waffles warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven if you’re serving a crowd—everyone gets their Cinnamon Roll Waffles hot!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about this Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe might just be getting creative with toppings! Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a scattering of chopped toasted nuts, or extra cinnamon for a bakery-style finish. Fresh berries or banana slices add a fresh and colorful touch too.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon roll waffles with crisp bacon or breakfast sausage for a salty-sweet combo, or go lighter with Greek yogurt and fruit on the side. If it’s a brunch party, a fruit salad or even scrambled eggs make a beautiful, satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack waffles into a towering breakfast “cake” for a festive brunch centerpiece, slice into strips or quarters for a fun, dippable treat, or serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra glaze. Kids (and adults!) love making waffle “sundaes” with toppings of their choice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of your Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe, let the waffles cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep glaze separate and add just before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These waffles freeze like a dream! Place cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. The glaze can be frozen in a small container, or made fresh when you reheat.
Reheating
Pop refrigerated or frozen cinnamon roll waffles in the toaster, toaster oven, or a 300°F oven until warm and crisp at the edges (microwaving works in a pinch, but you’ll sacrifice some crispiness). Warm the glaze gently and drizzle on just before serving!
FAQs
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Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have homemade cinnamon rolls prepared (uncooked), you can portion them as you would the canned variety. They may need slightly longer cooking time, and make sure they’re rolled tightly so they don’t unravel in the waffle iron.
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What if my waffles stick to the iron?
If sticking is an issue, spray your waffle iron generously with nonstick spray before each batch. Also, let the waffles cook fully before opening the lid; if you try to remove them too soon, they’re more likely to cling.
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Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the cream cheese glaze keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a good whisk before drizzling over your Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe.
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What kind of waffle maker works best for this recipe?
Any standard waffle iron (Belgian or classic) works great. If yours has deep pockets, you may want to flatten the cinnamon rolls slightly so they cook more evenly and fill the space.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need a brilliant shortcut for a cozy holiday breakfast or want to brighten an ordinary morning, this Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe delivers big “wow” for so little work. Whip it up for your loved ones, and you’ll be handing out plates of happiness—one gooey, golden, cinnamon-swirled square at a time.
PrintCinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 waffles 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls with these scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Waffles. A perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast treats, these waffles are a must-try for any brunch lover.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Roll Waffles:
- 1 12.4 oz. or 17.5 oz. canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
- 2 – 4 tablespoons (30 – 60 ml) milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat the waffle iron to your desired heat setting (recommended: 2 – 3) and lightly grease with non-stick spray.
- Prepare Cinnamon Rolls: Follow package directions for canned cinnamon rolls. For Pillsbury or Grands, simply remove the rolls from the can.
Notes
- You can customize these waffles by adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of raisins to the batter.
- Drizzle with extra maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar for added sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg