Introduction

These Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese drizzle combine the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls with the crisp texture of waffles. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, they offer a deliciously sweet and creamy treat that’s easy to make at home.

A stack of three golden brown waffles with a slightly crispy texture is neatly piled on a white plate, each waffle showing deep square indentations. Thick white cream sauce is generously drizzled over the top and sides, dripping down the layers. Light powdered sugar is sprinkled over the waffles, adding a soft white dusting. At the base, a small pool of amber syrup collects on the plate. A fork rests on the right side of the plate. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for batter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter (for batter), and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep waffles tender.
Step 4: In a small bowl, mix melted butter (for cinnamon swirl), brown sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
Step 5: Lightly grease the waffle iron. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter into the center, then pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture on top. Close the waffle iron and cook for 3–4 minutes, until the waffle is golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.
Step 6: To make the cream cheese drizzle, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is pourable.
Step 7: Serve the waffles warm with a generous drizzle of the cream cheese glaze.

Tips & Variations

For extra indulgence, add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon swirl mixture before piping.
Use a squeeze bottle instead of a piping bag for easier cinnamon swirl application.
Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if needed—use the same quantity.
To keep waffles crispy, place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven while finishing the rest.

Storage

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore crispiness before serving. The cream cheese drizzle is best added fresh, but can be refrigerated separately for up to 3 days and stirred well before use.

How to Serve

A round waffle divided into four sections sits on a white plate with a shiny silver fork on the side. The waffle is golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and swirled patterns from cinnamon roll dough visible underneath. It is drizzled evenly with thick white icing in diagonal lines from top left to bottom right. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a soft white touch to the waffle’s surface, highlighting the caramelized sugar spots. The plate is placed on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added to 1 1/2 cups milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.

How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning?

Ensure your waffle iron temperature is not too high and watch cooking times carefully. Piping the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter rather than directly on the iron helps prevent burning.