Cinnamon roll waffles are a fun and delicious twist on traditional breakfast! Made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls cooked in a waffle iron, they’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and topped with a decadent maple cream cheese glaze. This easy breakfast treat is perfect for busy mornings, brunch, or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
With just a few pantry staples and refrigerated cinnamon rolls, you can whip up this indulgent breakfast in minutes.
2. Crispy and Fluffy Texture
The waffle iron creates a crisp golden crust while keeping the cinnamon rolls soft and fluffy inside.
3. Decadent Glaze
The creamy maple cream cheese glaze adds the perfect sweet and tangy finish to these waffles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cinnamon Roll Waffles
- 1 package (12.4 oz or 17.5 oz) canned refrigerated cinnamon rolls (e.g., Pillsbury or Grands)
For the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
- 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 ml) milk (as needed to thin the glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Preheat your waffle iron to a medium heat setting (recommended: 2 or 3). Lightly grease the waffle iron using non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls
- Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them.
- No additional prep is needed for store-bought cinnamon rolls, as they are ready to cook.
Step 3: Cook the Cinnamon Rolls
- Place one cinnamon roll in the center of the waffle iron as a test batch to gauge the correct heat setting.
- Close the waffle iron lid, pressing down gently but firmly.
- Cook for 1–3 minutes, or until the light on the waffle iron turns green (or as per your waffle iron’s settings). Steam will be released as the cinnamon roll cooks.
- Open the waffle iron and gently lift the cinnamon roll waffle using a spatula or fork. The outside should be golden and crisp, while the inside remains fluffy.
Step 4: Continue Cooking
- Transfer the cooked cinnamon roll waffle to a plate.
- Repeat the process, cooking 4 cinnamon rolls at a time or as many as your waffle iron can fit.
Step 5: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, whisk the room-temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
- Add 2–4 tablespoons of milk, a little at a time, to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Step 6: Serve
- Drizzle the maple cream cheese glaze over the warm cinnamon roll waffles and enjoy!
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover cinnamon roll waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the microwave or a toaster oven for a fresh-out-of-the-iron taste.
Tips and Variations
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: If you prefer, use homemade cinnamon roll dough instead of canned ones for a made-from-scratch touch.
- Extra Toppings: Try adding chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for added flavor and texture.
- Cinnamon Sugar Butter: Serve with a side of cinnamon sugar butter for an extra indulgent twist.
- Chocolate Glaze: Swap the cream cheese glaze for a drizzle of melted chocolate for a dessert-style treat.
Cinnamon roll waffles are a delicious and easy breakfast option that will quickly become a family favorite. The crispy exterior, soft interior, and rich glaze make them perfect for any day of the week or special occasions.
Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking for a fun weekend breakfast, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. Give it a try, and enjoy a warm, sweet start to your day!
FAQ – Cinnamon Roll Waffles
1. Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of store-bought?
Yes! If you prefer a homemade touch, you can use homemade cinnamon roll dough. Just follow the same cooking instructions.
2. What’s the best waffle iron setting for these waffles?
A medium heat setting (around 2–3) is recommended. This ensures the outside gets crispy while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
3. How do I keep the waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?
Lightly grease the waffle iron with non-stick spray before cooking each batch to prevent sticking.
4. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature and stir before drizzling.
5. Can I freeze leftover cinnamon roll waffles?
Yes! Let the waffles cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven.
6. What other toppings can I use?
Try topping the waffles with whipped cream, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or caramel for a fun twist.