Transform your breakfast with these indulgent Cinnamon Roll Waffles—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, loaded with sweet cinnamon-brown sugar swirls. These showstopping waffles deliver all the cozy comfort of a freshly baked cinnamon roll in waffle form, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for weekend brunches, special breakfasts, or whenever you need a touch of cinnamon-spiced magic on your plate.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles represent the ultimate fusion of two beloved breakfast classics—the crispy exterior of a waffle combined with the warm, aromatic filling of a cinnamon roll. This recipe originated from creative home bakers seeking to streamline their breakfast routine while maintaining all the decadent flavors they adore. The beauty of these waffles lies in their versatility; they’re impressive enough for entertaining guests yet simple enough for a weekday treat.
What makes these waffles truly special is the marbling technique that creates beautiful cinnamon swirls throughout each waffle, while the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the warming spices. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require rising time and careful preparation, these waffles come together quickly in your waffle iron, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. You’ll love how the edges get wonderfully crispy while the interior remains pillowy soft, and how the aroma of cinnamon fills your kitchen in just minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They capture all the cozy, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in a quick-cooking waffle that’s crispy outside and fluffy inside
- The cream cheese glaze adds an indulgent tanginess that perfectly complements the warm spices and sweet brown sugar filling
- These waffles are surprisingly easy to make with minimal prep time, making them perfect for both busy weekday mornings and leisurely weekend brunches
- They’re impressive enough to serve to guests but simple enough that home cooks of any skill level can execute them perfectly
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for best results)
2 teaspoons baking powder (ensures fluffiness)
0.5 teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
1.75 cups whole milk (room temperature)
2 large eggs (separated for extra fluff)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla recommended)
0.5 cup brown sugar (packed for cinnamon filling)
2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided between filling and batter)
4 ounces cream cheese (softened for glaze)
3 tablespoons butter (for cream cheese glaze)
1.5 cups powdered sugar (for glaze, sifted)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents lumps. Create a well in the center of the mixture and set aside.
💡 Sifting the flour helps create lighter, fluffier waffles with a more delicate crumb structure
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, stirring well to distribute the spice evenly throughout the sugar. Set this mixture aside—you’ll use it to create the signature swirls in your waffles.
💡 Making the filling in advance ensures you can work quickly when layering the batter in the waffle iron
In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form—this is crucial for creating the fluffy texture these waffles are known for.
💡 Separating eggs and whipping the whites incorporates air, resulting in lighter, more tender waffles
Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, as some lumps are desirable. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula, folding in three additions to maintain the airiness.
💡 Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, dense waffles, so fold gently and intentionally
Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions until it’s hot and ready. Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray. Pour approximately 0.75 cup of batter into the center, then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter. Add another thin layer of batter on top to seal in the filling, then close the lid.
💡 Layering the filling between two batter layers keeps it from leaking out during cooking and distributes it evenly
Allow each waffle to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the waffle iron stops steaming and the exterior is deep golden brown. The longer cooking time ensures crispy edges while the interior stays moist and tender. Remove the waffle carefully with a fork and place on a wire rack to keep the bottom crispy.
💡 Don’t open the waffle iron prematurely—let the waffle cook fully for maximum crispiness and to prevent sticking
While waffles cook, make the glaze by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until the mixture reaches a pourable consistency. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to achieve the desired drizzling consistency.
💡 Letting cream cheese soften to room temperature ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze
Arrange cooked waffles on serving plates and generously drizzle with the warm cream cheese glaze. The glaze will set slightly as it cools. Serve immediately while waffles are still warm and crispy, with additional toppings of choice such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or extra cinnamon.
💡 Serving on a wire rack keeps waffles crispy underneath rather than on a regular plate where steam creates sogginess
👨🍳 Chef’s Notes
The secret to truly exceptional Cinnamon Roll Waffles lies in separating your eggs—the beaten egg whites create steam that makes these waffles incredibly fluffy and light. Don’t rush the cooking process; allowing each waffle to fully cook until golden ensures the exterior becomes crispy while the interior remains tender. The layering technique of placing the cinnamon-brown sugar filling between two thin layers of batter is crucial—it prevents the filling from leaking while distributing it evenly throughout. Finally, timing is everything; serve these waffles immediately while they’re still warm and crispy, as they lose their crispiness quickly.
Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Transform your breakfast with these indulgent Cinnamon Roll Waffles—crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside…
Ingredients
- • 2 cups all-purpose flour
- • 2 teaspoons baking powder
- • 0.5 teaspoon salt
- • 1.75 cups whole milk
- • 2 large eggs
- • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 0.5 cup brown sugar
- • 2.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- • 4 ounces cream cheese
- • 3 tablespoons butter
- • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and prevents lumps. Create a well in the center of the mixture and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with the remaining 1.5 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, stirring well to distribute the spice evenly throughout the sugar. Set this mixture aside—you’ll use it to create the signature swirls in your waffles.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form—this is crucial for creating the fluffy texture these waffles are known for.
- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the well of the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix, as some lumps are desirable. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter using a spatula, folding in three additions to maintain the airiness.
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions until it’s hot and ready. Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or cooking spray. Pour approximately 0.75 cup of batter into the center, then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon-brown sugar mixture over the batter. Add another thin layer of batter on top to seal in the filling, then close the lid.
- Allow each waffle to cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the waffle iron stops steaming and the exterior is deep golden brown. The longer cooking time ensures crispy edges while the interior stays moist and tender. Remove the waffle carefully with a fork and place on a wire rack to keep the bottom crispy.
- While waffles cook, make the glaze by beating softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating until the mixture reaches a pourable consistency. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk if needed to achieve the desired drizzling consistency.
- Arrange cooked waffles on serving plates and generously drizzle with the warm cream cheese glaze. The glaze will set slightly as it cools. Serve immediately while waffles are still warm and crispy, with additional toppings of choice such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or extra cinnamon.
