If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the ooey-gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the crispy delight of waffles, look no further than this Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s like your favorite breakfast pastry transformed into a golden, fluffy waffle topped with luscious cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth. Every bite bursts with warm cinnamon, sweet brown sugar, and that tangy frosting finish that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re treating yourself on a weekend morning or impressing guests with something truly decadent, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a vital role in building that perfect texture and flavor. From the tender flour base to the aromatic cinnamon and rich cream cheese frosting, this list covers everything you need to create waffles that taste indulgent and comforting.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a sturdy yet soft structure to your waffles, ensuring they hold together perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds slight sweetness to balance the cinnamon’s spice.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives your waffles a fluffy lift and a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup milk: Moistens the batter, making the waffles tender and rich.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 1/4 cup melted butter: Infuses a subtle buttery flavor and ensures crisp edges.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the batter’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that delivers iconic cinnamon roll flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness and pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: For the creamy, tangy frosting that makes this waffle irresistible.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting smoothly without grittiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting): Highlights the cream cheese and rounds out the frosting’s flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron
Start by warming up your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Properly preheating it ensures your waffles cook evenly and develop that desirable crisp exterior.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even distribution of the leavening agent, which is crucial for light and fluffy waffles.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This blend brings moisture, fat, and flavor that will marry beautifully with the dry mix.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients gently into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as a few lumps are okay—overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
Step 5: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Blend
In a small bowl, stir together the ground cinnamon and brown sugar. This aromatic blend will be sprinkled onto the batter, creating pockets of cinnamon-sweet goodness throughout the waffles.
Step 6: Cook the Waffles
Scoop the batter onto your preheated waffle iron and generously sprinkle some cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before closing the lid. The sugar caramelizes as the waffles cook, creating a wonderfully sweet crust.
Step 7: Crisp and Golden
Cook until your waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside while fluffy and soft inside. Cooking time may vary depending on your waffle iron, but this usually takes about 4-5 minutes per batch.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the waffles cook, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This luscious frosting is essential for delivering that classic cinnamon roll finish.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your hot waffles generously topped with the cream cheese frosting. The warmth of the waffles slightly melts the frosting, creating a dreamy, indulgent breakfast experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or a few fresh berries for a pop of color and tang.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or sweet breakfast sausages for a savory contrast. Fresh fruit salad or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice will also complement the richness beautifully without overpowering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the waffles with alternating dollops of frosting and sliced bananas or strawberries for a fun waffle cake. Or drizzle warm maple syrup or honey on top for an extra sweet finishing touch that’s perfect for brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting might mellow a bit, but the flavors will stay delightful for up to 2 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the waffles without frosting by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and frost fresh before serving.
Reheating
Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven until warmed through and crisp. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy. Add fresh cream cheese frosting after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to keep the creamy frosting without the dairy.
Is it possible to make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free cinnamon roll waffles.
How do I avoid soggy waffles with the frosting?
Serve the frosting just before eating, or keep it chilled separately. This prevents the waffles from absorbing too much moisture and losing their perfect crispness.
Can I prepare the batter the night before?
It’s best to make the batter fresh, but you can mix it the night before and keep it refrigerated. Give it a gentle stir before cooking to refresh the leavening power.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, try a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a whipped mascarpone topping for a milder tang.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those heavenly combinations that feel indulgent but are easy enough to whip up any day. From the cinnamon-sugar pockets to the rich frosting, it’s a true celebration of comfort breakfast at its best. Give it a try—you might find it quickly becomes your favorite go-to for weekend mornings or special brunches with loved ones.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles (serves 4)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Waffles are a delightful twist on classic cinnamon rolls, combining the fluffy, spiced batter with a golden, crispy waffle texture. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, they make an indulgent breakfast or brunch treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the batter evenly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and set aside. Separately mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine batter: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while stirring gently until just combined into a smooth batter without overmixing.
- Prepare waffles: Scoop the waffle batter onto the preheated waffle iron surface. Sprinkle some of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter, then close the iron lid.
- Cook waffles: Cook the waffles until they turn golden brown and crisp, usually about 4-5 minutes depending on your waffle iron.
- Make cream cheese frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy, smooth, and fluffy.
- Serve: Remove waffles from the iron and immediately top each one generously with the cream cheese frosting. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon-sugar mixture before sprinkling over the batter.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough waffles; a few lumps are okay.
- Ensure the waffle iron is well preheated to achieve crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
- The cream cheese frosting can be chilled briefly if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Leftover waffles reheat well in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
