Cinnamon Roll Waffles (Printable version)

Warm, fluffy waffles swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a vanilla cream cheese glaze.

# Ingredient List:

→ Waffle Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 1 3/4 cups whole milk
07 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Sugar Swirl

09 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
11 - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

12 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's guidelines so it reaches cooking temperature while you prepare the batter.
02 - Whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then whisk in the milk, melted and cooled butter and vanilla until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; a few small lumps are fine—avoid overmixing to keep waffles tender.
05 - Stir the melted butter, packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until glossy and free of large sugar clumps.
06 - Lightly brush or spray the preheated waffle iron with oil or melted butter to prevent sticking.
07 - Spoon roughly 1/2 cup batter onto the center of the hot waffle iron, then drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon swirl over the batter; use a toothpick or knife to gently marble the swirl into the batter.
08 - Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffle is golden brown and crisp, about 3 to 5 minutes depending on your machine; transfer to a rack and repeat with remaining batter and swirl.
09 - Beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth; add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then whisk in milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.
10 - Stack or plate the warm waffles and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze; serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The cinnamon sugar swirl caramelizes on the waffle iron, giving you gooey streaks and crispy edges no bakery can replicate.
  • It becomes that secret weapon when you want brunch to feel both effortless and surprisingly decadent.
02 -
  • Once, I forgot to grease the waffle iron and spent ten minutes scraping caramelized bits off—I never skip that step now.
  • Drizzling the cinnamon swirl too close to the waffle's edge makes a sticky mess; keep it toward the center for the prettiest results.
03 -
  • Use a piping bag (or zip bag with the corner snipped) for the swirl if you want neat patterns.
  • A dash of extra cinnamon on top right before glazing elevates the aroma and flavor.
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