CinnaWaffles (Cinnamon Roll Waffles) – Three Ways
Posted on March 2, 2026
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These CinnaWaffles are the ultimate breakfast hack that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and waffles into one incredible creation, and they're about to change your weekend mornings forever! The concept is genius in its simplicity: you take refrigerated cinnamon rolls (the kind that come in a can with packaged glaze), press them in a waffle maker, and in just 2-3 minutes you have these gorgeous golden brown waffles with crispy, caramelized edges and all those beautiful swirls of cinnamon throughout. The waffle maker transforms the dough into something with way more texture than a regular cinnamon roll. You get crispy edges that are almost candied from the sugar caramelizing, deep pockets that catch all your toppings, and a tender, fluffy center that still has that classic cinnamon roll flavor. But what makes these extra special is that you can top them three different ways to suit everyone's preferences! The cream cheese frosting version is classic and indulgent: homemade cream cheese frosting whipped until smooth and fluffy, spread over the warm waffle, and finished with a dusting of ground cinnamon. It's like a traditional frosted cinnamon roll but with that incredible waffle texture. The berry glaze version uses the glaze that comes packaged with the cinnamon rolls, warmed slightly until pourable, then drizzled over the waffle and topped with fresh mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, and sliced strawberries, plus a dusting of powdered sugar. It's bright, fruity, and feels a little lighter and more refreshing. The cookie butter version is pure decadence: cookie butter (like Biscoff spread) gets warmed in the microwave until it's smooth and pourable, drizzled over the waffle, then topped with crumbled cookies for extra crunch and sweetness. Each version is completely different but equally delicious! These are perfect for brunch gatherings where you can set out all three toppings and let people choose their own adventure, lazy weekend mornings when you want something special without a lot of work, or anytime you want to feel like you're treating yourself to something from a fancy brunch spot but you're actually just using refrigerated dough and a waffle maker!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a special waffle maker for this?
A: No! Any standard waffle maker works perfectly. A Belgian-style waffle maker with deeper pockets is great because it holds more toppings, but a regular waffle maker works just fine too. Just make sure it's nonstick or well-sprayed with cooking spray so the cinnamon rolls don't stick. Avoid flip-style waffle makers as the dough might be too soft to flip properly.
Q: Can I use homemade cinnamon roll dough?
A: You can, but refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls work best for this recipe because they're the perfect thickness and consistency. Homemade dough might be too thick or too thin depending on how it's rolled, and it won't cook in the same amount of time. If you want to try it with homemade, make sure to roll your dough to about ½ inch thick and adjust cooking time as needed, checking frequently.
Q: What if my waffle maker doesn't have a temperature setting?
A: Most waffle makers have a light or dial that indicates when they're ready. If yours doesn't have temperature control, just preheat it fully until the ready light comes on, then cook the cinnamon roll for 2-3 minutes. Check it at 2 minutes by carefully lifting the lid. If it's golden brown with crispy edges, it's done. If it's still pale, give it another 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: The CinnaWaffles are definitely best served fresh and warm when the edges are still crispy! However, you can cook them ahead and reheat. Let them cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy again. Add your toppings fresh after reheating. Don't add toppings before storing or they'll get soggy.
These CinnaWaffles transform refrigerated cinnamon rolls into crispy, golden waffles in just 3 minutes! Top them three ways: classic cream cheese frosting with cinnamon, berry glaze with fresh fruit, or warm cookie butter with crumbled cookies. The ultimate breakfast hack!
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Preparations
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
18 minutes (for 8 waffles)
Total Time:
28 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Course:
Breakfast, Dessert
Calories:
320 kcal (approx. per waffle with cream cheese frosting)
Servings:
8 CinnaWaffles (serves 4-8 depending on appetites)
Author:
Ronica Rupan
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the CinnaWaffles:
- Cooking spray (for waffle maker)
- 1 (8-count) can refrigerated cinnamon rolls (reserve the packaged glaze)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces (½ block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- Ground cinnamon, for dusting
For the Berry Glaze Topping:
- Reserved glaze from cinnamon roll package
- ⅓ cup mixed fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
For the Cookie Butter Topping:
- ¼ cup cookie butter (like Biscoff spread)
- 2-3 cookies (Biscoff, shortbread, or graham crackers), crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Maker Preheat your nonstick waffle maker to medium heat. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Once preheated, lightly coat both the top and bottom plates with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the CinnaWaffles Open the can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and separate them. Set the packaged glaze aside for later. Place one cinnamon roll in the center of the preheated waffle maker. Close the lid gently but firmly, pressing down slightly. The dough will spread and fill the waffle maker as it cooks. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the waffle is golden brown with beautifully caramelized, crispy edges. The exact time depends on your waffle maker, so check at 2 minutes. Carefully remove the CinnaWaffle using a fork or silicone tongs and place on a wire rack or plate to cool for about 2 minutes before topping. This brief cooling lets the structure set so it stays crispy. Repeat with the remaining cinnamon rolls, re-spraying the waffle maker between each one.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting While the waffles are cooling, make your cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together with a hand mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no lumps. Add the vanilla paste and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed to incorporate (so the powdered sugar doesn't fly everywhere), then increase to medium speed and beat for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Set aside at room temperature.
- Prepare the Berry Glaze Topping Place the reserved glaze from the cinnamon roll package in a small bowl. Stir it with a spoon or small whisk until it's smooth and easy to drizzle. If it's too thick, you can warm it in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to loosen it up. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cookie Butter Topping Place the cookie butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on HIGH for 15-20 seconds until slightly melted and pourable. Stir until smooth. If it's still too thick, microwave for another 10 seconds. Set aside.
- Assemble - Cream Cheese Version Take 2-3 of the cooled CinnaWaffles and spread a generous amount of the cream cheese frosting all over the top, making sure to get it into all the waffle pockets. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon sprinkled over the frosting.
- Assemble - Berry Glaze Version Take 2-3 CinnaWaffles and drizzle the warmed glaze generously over the top. Scatter the mixed fresh berries all over, pressing them gently into the pockets. Finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar using a fine-mesh sieve.
- Assemble - Cookie Butter Version Take the remaining 2-3 CinnaWaffles and drizzle the warmed cookie butter all over the top, letting it pool in the waffle pockets. Sprinkle the crumbled cookies generously over the top for that extra crunch.
- Serve and Enjoy Serve the CinnaWaffles immediately while they're still warm and the edges are crispy! Set out all three varieties on a platter and let everyone choose their favorite, or make them all one style. Either way, they'll disappear fast!
Cooking hacks and tips
- Room temperature cream cheese and butter are essential: For smooth, lump-free frosting, make sure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before beating them. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that are hard to beat out. Take them out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before making the frosting.
- Don't skip the cooling time: Let the CinnaWaffles cool for 2 minutes before adding toppings. This brief rest allows the structure to set and the edges to crisp up even more. If you frost them immediately while they're piping hot, the frosting will completely melt into a glaze instead of staying on top.
- Re-spray between each waffle: Even with a nonstick waffle maker, spray lightly with cooking spray between each cinnamon roll. The sugar in the dough can cause sticking, and a light spray ensures each waffle releases perfectly with no tearing.
- Watch the first one closely: Every waffle maker is different, so the first CinnaWaffle is your tester. Check it at 2 minutes. If it's golden brown and crispy, that's your time. If it's still pale, give it another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Once you nail the timing for your specific waffle maker, the rest will be consistent.
- Make it a CinnaWaffle bar: For brunches or gatherings, cook all the waffles and set them out with bowls of all the different toppings so people can build their own! Add extra topping options like sliced bananas, Nutella, whipped cream, chopped nuts, or caramel sauce. Everyone loves customizing their own!
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This is where I love to share my passion for cooking, baking, and flavor. When I’m not creating delicious recipes, you’ll find me spending time with my family, working on my spice blends at Flora & Mana, or enjoying a homemade baked goods. Join me on this culinary journey to taste, healthy meals and fun kitchen hacks!
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