Cinnamon Roll Waffles (Easy Recipe)

Waffles and cinnamon rolls each have devoted followings, but together, they create something truly unforgettable. Cinnamon roll waffles are a playful twist on two morning classics: the sweet, gooey comfort of cinnamon rolls and the golden crisp texture only a waffle iron can deliver. This recipe gives you the best of both worlds, all with minimal fuss and irresistible results.

Anyone can master cinnamon roll waffles, from beginners to seasoned home cooks. You’ll get crispy edges, soft middles, and loads of cinnamon sweetness, all in minutes—no dough rolling, no proofing, and barely any cleanup. Whether you’re hosting brunch or looking for a quick weekday treat, this simple method belongs in your breakfast toolkit.

Why Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles?

You might wonder why you’d use a waffle iron for pre-made cinnamon rolls. The answer: texture and speed.

Crispier Edges: The waffle iron sears the dough, creating a crisp shell while keeping the centers soft.
Faster Cooking: The heating plates cook each roll evenly and much quicker than baking.
Endless Fun: Kids and adults alike love the novelty, and it turns a standard tube of rolls into a unique experience.
Perfect for Toppings: The waffle’s grooves catch icing, syrup, or fruit for bites full of flavor.

With just a handful of ingredients, you transform breakfast into an occasion.

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish is its short, straightforward shopping list. Here’s what you need:

1 can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (Grand or regular style; adjust quantity as needed)
Cream cheese icing (comes with the rolls, or use your favorite recipe)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for glaze consistency)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavor depth)
Non-stick baking spray (if your waffle iron is not non-stick)

Ingredient Notes

Cinnamon Rolls: The larger “Grands” size yields jumbo waffles, while standard rolls make smaller ones. Both work well, just mind the cooking time.
Cream Cheese Icing: Most canned rolls include it. Add vanilla and milk to thin if desired.
Milk: Any dairy or plant milk is fine.
Powdered Sugar: This ensures a smooth, pourable glaze. Avoid granulated sugar for the topping.
Baking Spray: Helps prevent sticking as sugar caramelizes on the waffle iron.

Equipment

Waffle iron: Standard or Belgian. Belgian waffle makers create thicker waffles with deep pockets, perfect for holding toppings.
Mixing bowl: For preparing the glaze.
Small whisk or fork: To blend icing ingredients.
Tongs or fork: To remove waffles from the iron.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making cinnamon roll waffles is straightforward. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Preheat the Waffle Iron

Set your waffle iron to medium-high or according to the standard waffle setting. It’s ready when a drop of water sizzles on the plate.

2. Prepare the Cinnamon Rolls

Open the tube and separate the rolls. If you’re using large rolls, you may need to cook them one at a time, depending on your iron’s size.

3. Apply Baking Spray (If Needed)

If your waffle iron isn’t non-stick, give both plates a quick spray. For non-stick irons, skip this or use a very light coating.

4. Cook the Cinnamon Rolls

Place one roll per section in the waffle iron. Close the lid gently—do not press down.

Cook Time: 2-4 minutes. Check at the 2-minute mark. The waffle should be golden brown with a lightly crisped edge.
Tip: Don’t open the iron too soon; this can cause tearing. Wait until steam subsides.

Remove finished waffles and set aside on a wire rack to keep them crisp. Repeat with the remaining rolls.

5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While waffles cook, stir together the cream cheese icing, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla (if using) in a small bowl.

For a thick glaze, use less milk. For a drizzle, add more.
Whisk until smooth and glossy.

6. Serve and Top

Drizzle the warm waffles with cream cheese glaze. Add your favorite extras (see topping suggestions below).

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Don’t overload: If your iron is small, cook one roll at a time so the dough spreads evenly.
Check for sticking: Use a soft utensil to coax waffles out if needed.
Wire rack cooling: Resting waffles on a rack prevents sogginess.
Keep warm: Hold finished waffles in a low oven (250°F) until serving.

Example:

If using classic cinnamon rolls, you can usually fit two at once in a round iron. For larger Belgian styles, just one roll per grid gives optimal results.

Topping Suggestions: Tailor Your Waffles

Cinnamon roll waffles are delicious with glaze alone, but toppings take them over the top. For a personalized breakfast, try different additions based on the season, occasion, or your cravings.

Fruit and Fresh Flavors

Sliced strawberries and a spoonful of whipped cream
Fresh blueberries or blackberries for a berry burst
Bananas sautéed in maple syrup

Decadent and Dessert-Like

Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce
Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips
Nutella and sliced hazelnuts for a chocolate-hazelnut twist

Crunchy Additions

Chopped pecans or walnuts for texture
Granola or toasted coconut flakes

Savory-Sweet Combinations

Crisp bacon crumbles
Sliced ham with a side of eggs

Festive or Holiday Options

Cranberry sauce for winter brunches
Chopped dried apricots or fruit compote

Mix and match to keep breakfast fresh and interesting—these waffles fit almost any occasion.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Roll Waffles

Cinnamon roll waffles store well, making them a great make-ahead option or weekday snack.

Short Term (3-4 Days)

Let waffles cool fully before storing.
Place in a single layer in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to four days.

To reheat: Use a toaster for a crisp finish, or a microwave for a softer texture.

Long Term (Up to 4 Months)

Cool waffles completely.
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet for an hour.
Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag, removing excess air before sealing.

To reheat from frozen: Bake directly at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or pop into the toaster for smaller batches.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Why are my waffles sticking?

Waffles can stick if sugar from the cinnamon roll caramelizes too quickly. Make sure to use a non-stick surface or a light coat of baking spray, and wait until the waffle is fully cooked before removing.

My waffles are tearing apart when I open the iron. What should I do?

Let the waffle cook a little longer and always check for doneness by watching the steam. If steam is still coming out, it’s likely not set yet.

Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?

Absolutely. Homemade dough works great, though it may take a few more minutes to cook. Let the iron do its work, and don’t rush opening the lid.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles in Everyday Life

These waffles bring ease and joy to any breakfast table. Weekend mornings, brunch parties, sleepovers, and even holiday mornings all become more memorable with this simple recipe. Kids can help place rolls in the iron, drizzle glaze, and choose toppings, turning breakfast into a fun activity.

For an effortless weekday treat, keep a can of cinnamon rolls in the fridge and your waffle iron on standby. In less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee, you’ll have a breakfast that feels like a celebration.

Recipe at a Glance

Step	Details
Preheat	Waffle iron to medium-high (drop of water test)
Prepare	Separate rolls; spray iron if needed
Cook	2-4 min per roll; golden, crisp, and set
Glaze	Mix icing, sugar, milk, vanilla; whisk to combine
Serve	Drizzle glaze and add desired toppings
Store	Cool, then refrigerate (4 days) or freeze (4 months)

Cinnamon roll waffles offer everything you love about sweet morning treats, ready in minutes and loaded with possibilities. This recipe adapts to your favorite flavors, making breakfast as easy or creative as you want. Enjoy every bite—crispy, gooey, and glazed to perfection.