Cinnamon Roll Waffles are the ultimate breakfast mash-up, combining the fluffiness of classic waffles with the irresistible sweetness of cinnamon rolls. Topped with a creamy maple cream cheese drizzle and a rich brown sugar cinnamon glaze, these waffles are a decadent way to start your day. Perfect for a special brunch or a weekend treat, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds in one delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cinnamon Roll Waffles take your regular waffles to the next level with a cinnamon-sugar twist. The crispy, golden waffles are paired with a sweet and creamy maple glaze and a buttery brown sugar topping. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast or impressing guests at brunch, this over-the-top breakfast combo is sure to be a hit. The warm, fluffy waffles combined with the sweet and slightly tangy cream cheese drizzle are a delightful treat for any morning.
Ingredients
For the Waffle Batter:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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2 cups buttermilk
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6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 ounces cream cheese, softened
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2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
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½ teaspoon maple extract
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2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (to adjust consistency)
For the Cinnamon Topping:
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¾ cup brown sugar, packed
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½ cup salted butter, melted
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1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Batter
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Preheat your waffle maker so it’s hot and ready to cook the waffles.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
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Add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring by hand just until combined. It’s okay for the batter to be lumpy.
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Lightly spray your waffle maker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter onto the waffle maker, but don’t overfill it—remember the batter will expand when you close the lid.
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Close the waffle maker and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Transfer the finished waffles to a wire rack to keep them from getting soggy while you cook the rest of the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping
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While the waffles are cooking, beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, and maple extract with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
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Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream to achieve a pourable glaze consistency. It shouldn’t be too thin.
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Transfer the cream cheese icing to a ziploc bag and set it aside for drizzling later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Topping
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon.
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Stir until fully combined. If you make this in advance, it might separate, so be sure to reheat and stir it just before serving.
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Transfer the cinnamon topping to a ziploc bag, then snip off one corner to make it easier to drizzle.
Step 4: Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Waffles
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Once all the waffles are cooked and cooled slightly, drizzle the brown sugar cinnamon topping over the waffles.
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Follow with a drizzle of the cream cheese icing.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Yield: 8-10 waffles
Variations
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Add Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for some extra crunch and flavor.
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Fruit Toppings: Top the waffles with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a fruity twist.
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Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
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Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter for a warming, spiced flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover waffles, cream cheese icing, and brown sugar glaze in separate airtight containers. Keep the waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the waffles for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or air fryer for a crispy texture.
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Reheating the Glaze: Microwave the cream cheese icing and cinnamon glaze separately for 15-20 seconds to rewarm them before drizzling over the waffles.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk. You can also make a simple buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can make the waffles in advance and reheat them in the toaster or oven. Prepare the toppings ahead of time as well, then assemble and serve when ready.
Can I use something other than cream cheese for the icing?
If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or even a thick yogurt to achieve a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream cheese.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to make the batter fresh, you can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using in the morning.
How do I make the waffles crispy?
To keep the waffles crispy, make sure to place them on a wire rack instead of a plate as they cook. This prevents steam from making them soggy.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Waffles are the perfect way to indulge in a decadent, over-the-top breakfast. The combination of fluffy waffles, creamy maple icing, and sweet cinnamon glaze creates a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone at the breakfast table. Whether it’s a weekend treat or a special brunch, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Waffles
These Cinnamon Roll Waffles are a heavenly combination of two beloved breakfast treats! Fluffy, golden buttermilk waffles are topped with a rich brown sugar cinnamon glaze and a decadent maple cream cheese drizzle. The perfect way to elevate your breakfast or brunch!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 waffles
Ingredients
For the Waffle Batter:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk
6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
½ teaspoon maple extract
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
For the Cinnamon Topping:
¾ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup salted butter, melted
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prepare the Waffle Batter
Preheat your waffle maker so it’s hot when you’re ready to cook.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (the batter will be lumpy, which is okay).
Spray your waffle maker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the batter onto the waffle maker, being careful not to overfill.
Close the lid and cook the waffles for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Transfer the finished waffles to a wire rack while you cook the rest of the batter.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Topping
While the waffles are cooking, beat the powdered sugar, cream cheese, softened butter, and maple extract in a bowl with an electric hand mixer until smooth.
Gradually add milk or cream until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency. Transfer the icing to a ziploc bag and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze
In a bowl, stir together the brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon until combined.
If making this in advance, you may need to reheat and stir it again before serving. Transfer the cinnamon glaze to a ziploc bag and snip off one corner.
4. Assemble the Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Drizzle the brown sugar cinnamon glaze over the cooked waffles, followed by the cream cheese icing. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily substitute it by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a 1-cup measuring cup. Fill the rest with milk, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using in place of buttermilk.
Freezing: You can freeze the waffles, cream cheese icing, and brown sugar glaze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat the waffles in an air fryer or toaster, and microwave the icing and glaze to warm them up.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast