Imagine your favorite cinnamon rolls, but in waffle form! These Cinnamon Roll Waffles are fluffy, sweet, and topped with icing for extra goodness. Perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a warm, gooey waffle with cinnamon swirls? I like to add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top to make every bite tastier. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the waffles. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve found that it works well without changing much in taste or texture.
Ground Cinnamon: It adds that classic flavor from cinnamon rolls. You could substitute with pumpkin pie spice if you’re feeling adventurous or want a seasonal twist!
Unsalted Butter: This is used in both the batter and filling. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, consider using coconut oil or vegan butter instead. They both work fine without compromising flavor.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich taste, but any milk type like almond or oat milk can be used. Be mindful that different milks might adjust the waffles’ texture a bit.
Brown Sugar: For that deep, molasses-like sweetness. You can use coconut sugar or even white sugar if that’s what you have at hand. Just note it may change the flavor slightly.
How Do You Get the Waffles to be Fluffy and Not Dense?
To achieve the perfect fluffy texture for your Cinnamon Roll Waffles, focus on a couple of key techniques:
- Mixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in flour, making the waffles dense.
- Resting the Batter: Let the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate, leading to fluffier waffles.
- Don’t Overload: When pouring batter into the waffle iron, use just the right amount. Too much batter can make it hard for the center to cook through, leading to soggy waffles.
- Temperature: Preheat your waffle iron fully. A hot iron cooks the outside quicker, helping the inside rise properly.
By focusing on these details, you’ll end up with the light and fluffy waffles you’re looking for! Enjoy making them!
Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Waffle Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cinnamon Filling:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Serving:
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Maple syrup (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 20 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for cooking, so you can have these delicious Cinnamon Roll Waffles ready in under an hour—perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened 1/4 cup butter, light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and optional chopped nuts if you are using them. Set this sweet mixture aside for later.
2. Make the Waffle Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. In another bowl, mix the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix! A few lumps are totally okay.
3. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
While your batter is resting, preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This helps prevent sticking!
4. Assemble the Waffles:
Pour some of the waffle batter onto the center of the preheated waffle iron. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon-butter filling onto the batter. If you want, add a little more batter on top to cover the filling—this keeps it from leaking out while cooking.
5. Cook the Waffles:
Close the waffle iron and cook according to your machine’s settings, usually for about 3-5 minutes, until the waffles are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to open the waffle iron too soon to allow them to rise properly!
6. Prepare the Icing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the icing is smooth and can be drizzled. If you need a thicker or thinner texture, feel free to adjust with more powdered sugar or milk to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the waffles warm, drizzled generously with the icing and topped with whipped cream if you wish. You can go the extra mile by adding maple syrup for a delightful sweetness. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little ground cinnamon on top as a finishing touch!
Enjoy your gooey, cinnamon-swirl delight waffles! They’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Ingredients for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen butter as long as you melt it first. For the milk, if it’s frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight or gently in the microwave before adding it to your batter.
How Can I Make These Waffles Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for the best texture. Check the package instructions for any specific adjustments needed.
Can I Prepare the Batter in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the waffle batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken slightly overnight. This makes for a quicker breakfast!
How Do I Store Leftover Waffles?
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in a toaster or warm them in the oven until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just be sure to separate each waffle with parchment paper before freezing to prevent sticking!
