Save Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Drizzle bring together all the best parts of a gooey cinnamon roll and a crisp waffle. This breakfast was inspired by my hunt for a treat both comforting and wow-worthy. Fluffy waffles carry a cinnamon-spiced swirl and creamy drizzle through every bite. When I served these at our last family brunch, everyone vied for seconds and asked for the recipe on the spot.
I first made these on a snowy Sunday when my kids wanted cinnamon rolls but no one wanted to wait for dough to rise. Now they are a brunch tradition and always make the house feel extra cozy.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Provides a light structure and classic waffle texture. Choose unbleached, high-quality flour for best results
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and encourages golden color
- Baking powder and baking soda: Create lift and fluffiness. Make sure they are fresh for maximum rise
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out flavors
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness. Use real cultured buttermilk for best flavor
- Eggs: Give lift, richness, and help bind the batter. Use large fresh eggs
- Unsalted butter: Offers richness. Melt before adding for even mixing
- Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out flavor. Look for pure vanilla
- Light brown sugar: For the swirl brings classic cinnamon roll taste and melts to a caramelized layer
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers deep spice. For a bold flavor, use Saigon cinnamon or freshly ground
- Cream cheese: For the drizzle gives a tangy contrast. Soften fully for smooth mixing
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and makes a velvety drizzle
- Milk: Thins the cream cheese mixture to pourable consistency. Whole milk gives the richest drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat the Waffle Iron:
- Heat your waffle iron fully before mixing the batter. This gives you crisp edges and prevents sticking
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt until completely blended. This evenly distributes leaveners for perfect rise
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a second bowl whisk buttermilk eggs melted butter and vanilla until smooth and uniform. Temper the eggs to avoid lumps if your melted butter is hot
- Combine Batter:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula just until you see no dry flour. Resist the urge to overmix which can toughen the waffles
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl mix melted butter brown sugar and cinnamon until a syrupy paste forms. Scoop into a piping bag or zip-top bag then snip off a small corner so you can swirl the mixture smoothly over the batter
- Cook Waffles:
- Lightly grease the hot waffle iron. Pour about half a cup of batter into the center. Immediately pipe a spiral of the cinnamon swirl on top aiming for even coverage. Close and cook for three to four minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove carefully and repeat until batter and swirl are used up
- Make Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- Beat softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until silky smooth. Add powdered sugar milk and vanilla then mix until you have a pourable but thick drizzle
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange waffles on plates. Spoon or drizzle cream cheese topping generously over warm waffles for the ultimate cinnamon roll effect
Save My favorite part is swirling the cinnamon filling right onto the batter. I use my little reusable piping bag and always let my youngest help make the spiral. The cream cheese drizzle is mandatory at our house and my husband says it is what takes these waffles from good to unforgettable.
Storage Tips
Cool leftover waffles completely before storing. Place between layers of parchment in an airtight container and refrigerate up to three days. Freeze cooked and cooled waffles in a single layer then stack in a bag. Pop them into a toaster or oven without thawing for that fresh crisp texture. Extra cream cheese drizzle will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before using again.
Ingredient Substitutions
No buttermilk on hand. Use regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for five minutes. If you need to make them dairy free use a neutral oil instead of butter and your favorite plant-based milk. For gluten free waffles choose a high quality cup-for-cup gluten free flour blend.
Serving Suggestions
Top with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a nutty bite. Add a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if serving for a special brunch. Serve with fresh berries or oven-roasted apples for a fruity companion.
Save These cinnamon roll waffles are sure to become a weekend favorite. Make a double batch & freeze extras for a quick treat any day.
Cooking Questions
- → How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from leaking?
Make sure the cinnamon swirl mixture is thick and pipe it gently atop the batter. Avoid overfilling.
- → Can these be made ahead and reheated?
Yes, let the waffles cool, freeze them, then reheat in a toaster or oven for crisp results.
- → What is a good substitute for buttermilk?
Plain Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk works well if buttermilk isn't available.
- → Can I use pre-made waffle mix?
Absolutely, though making the batter from scratch delivers a lighter, fluffier texture.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour for similar results.
- → How do I achieve smooth cream cheese drizzle?
Beat the cream cheese thoroughly until smooth before adding sugar and milk for best consistency.