Welcome to the ultimate breakfast game-changer. If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the warm, gooey perfection of a cinnamon roll and the crispy, fluffy delight of a waffle, get ready to have your world turned upside down. We’re about to show you How To Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles, a ridiculously easy and mind-blowingly delicious hack that uses canned cinnamon roll dough. Forget mixing batter from scratch; this is pure, unadulterated breakfast bliss that’s ready in minutes. My perfect weekend morning often starts with the scent of cinnamon and caramelized sugar filling the kitchen, and this recipe is the fastest way to get there.
Why This Hack is a Breakfast Game-Changer
Let’s be real, sometimes you want a five-star breakfast without the five-star effort. That’s the magic of cinnamon roll waffles. You’re essentially taking a pre-made, foolproof dessert and giving it a waffle-shaped glow-up. The waffle iron’s direct heat caramelizes the sugary cinnamon filling while crisping up the outside, leaving the inside perfectly soft and doughy. It’s a texture and flavor combination that’s simply out of this world. Plus, it’s the kind of “secret weapon” recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius to family and friends.
What You’ll Need (The Bare Essentials)
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need two things:
- A tube of refrigerated cinnamon roll dough: Any brand works! The classic Pillsbury ones with the little tub of cream cheese icing are a fan favorite for a reason.
- A waffle maker: This is your magic wand. While any waffle maker will technically work, the type of machine you use can dramatically change the final result.
That’s it. Seriously. Now let’s get to the fun part.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles Step-by-Step
This process is so simple, you’ll have it memorized after the first time.
- Preheat Your Waffle Maker: Plug in your waffle maker and let it heat up completely. Most models have an indicator light that will turn green or go off when it’s ready. Don’t skip this step; a hot iron is key to getting a good sear and preventing sticking.
- Prep the Dough: While the iron is heating, pop open your can of cinnamon rolls. Separate the rolls and set the icing aside for later. Don’t you dare throw that icing away!
- Grease if Necessary: Even with non-stick plates, a little cooking spray or melted butter is your best friend here. The sugar in the dough can get sticky, and a light greasing ensures a clean release.
- Place and Press: Place one cinnamon roll in the center of each waffle grid section. For a standard four-square Belgian waffle maker, you’d use four rolls. For a smaller, single waffle maker, just use one. Close the lid firmly.
- Cook to Perfection: Let the waffle maker do its thing. It usually takes about 3-5 minutes, depending on your machine’s power and the browning control setting. You’ll hear sizzling, and a heavenly smell will start to fill your kitchen. It’s done when the roll has expanded into a beautiful waffle shape and is a deep golden brown.
- Garnish and Devour: Carefully remove the cinnamon roll waffle with a fork or silicone tongs (never metal, as it can scratch the non-stick surface!). Drizzle generously with that reserved cream cheese icing while it’s still hot, so it gets all melty and delicious.
According to Chef Isabella Rossi, a pastry expert we often consult, “The secret to a great cinnamon roll waffle is the direct, even heat from the iron. It creates a caramelized crust that you simply can’t achieve in a conventional oven, turning a simple dough into something truly special.”
Choosing the Right Waffle Maker for This Recipe
You can make this treat in any waffle iron, but if you want to elevate it from “good” to “unforgettable,” your choice of machine matters. Understanding the different types can make all the difference, especially for a dense, sugary dough like this.
Belgian vs. Classic: Which is Better?
For this specific recipe, a Belgian waffle maker is the undisputed champion. Here’s why:
- Deep Pockets: Belgian waffle makers create thick waffles with deep pockets. For cinnamon roll waffles, these pockets are perfect little swimming pools for that cream cheese icing. Every bite is a perfect ratio of crispy waffle and gooey, melted frosting.
- Fluffy Interior: The thickness allows the inside of the cinnamon roll to stay soft and doughy while the outside gets perfectly crisp. A classic, thinner American-style waffle maker can sometimes cook the dough all the way through, losing some of that signature soft center.
If you’re looking to upgrade, check out [our guide to the best Belgian waffle makers] for our top picks.
The Flip Feature: Is It Worth It?
You’ve probably seen those round, flip-style waffle makers in hotels. Is it just a gimmick? Not at all. A flip waffle maker is fantastic for ensuring even cooking. When you flip it, gravity helps the dense cinnamon roll dough spread evenly across both the top and bottom plates. This results in a uniformly golden-brown waffle, which is exactly what you want.
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Our Picks for the Best Waffle Maker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | DASH Multimaker Mini System - Waffle Maker with Six 4” Removable Plates: Waffle Iron & Griddle, 4-in-1 Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families – Nonstick Surface, Just Add Batter (Aqua) |
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| 2 | MasterChef Bubble Waffle Maker- Electric Non stick Hong Kong Egg Waffler Iron Griddle w FREE Recipe Guide- Ready in under 5 Minutes |
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| 3 | Bubble Waffle Maker- Electric Non stick Hong Kong Egg Waffler Iron Griddle w/Ready Indicator Light- Ready in under 5 Mins- Recipe Guide Included, Make Delicious Ice Cream Cones for Xmas Gift or Treat |
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| 4 | CROWNFUL Mini Waffle Maker, 4\" Chaffle Maker with Compact Design, Easy to Clean, Non-Stick Surface, Recipe Guide Included, Perfect for Breakfast, Dessert, Sandwich, or Other Snacks |
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| 5 | Car Mini Waffle Maker- Xmas Gift for Him- Make 7 Different Race Cars Trucks & Automobile Vehicle Shaped Pancakes for Kids Adults- Electric Waffler Iron w Recipe Guide, NonStick Pan Cake Baker Machine |
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| 6 | Ninja BW1001 NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker, Vertical Design, 5 Shade Settings, with Precision-Pour Cup & Chef-curated Recipe Guide, Black & Silver |
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| 7 | BELLA 17175 Bubble Maker w, Rapid Quickly Make Fluffy 9” Authentic Hong Kong Breakfast or Dessert, Healthy-Eco Non Stick Coating, Easy to Clean Waffle Iron, 120 Volts, Cone Rack Included, White |
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| 8 | Chefman Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker, 180° Flip Iron w/ Non-Stick Plates, Adjustable Timer, Locking Lid, & Drip Plate, Space Saving Storage, Mess-Free Breakfast, Stainless Steel/Black |
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| 9 | DASH Mini Waffle Maker - 4” Waffle Mold, Nonstick Waffle Iron with Quick Heat-Up, Nonstick Surface - Perfect Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families, Just Add Batter (Red) |
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| 10 | CROWNFUL Mini Waffle Maker, 4\" Chaffle Maker with Compact Design, Easy to Clean, Non-Stick Surface, Recipe Guide Included, Perfect for Breakfast, Dessert, Sandwich, or Other Snacks |
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Key Features That Make a Difference
When you’re ready to get serious about your waffle game, here are the features that truly matter, especially when you make cinnamon roll waffles.
- Adjustable Browning Control: This is non-negotiable. It lets you dial in the exact level of crispiness you prefer, from light and soft to deep golden-brown and crunchy. For cinnamon rolls, a medium-high setting is usually perfect.
- Superior Non-Stick Plates: Look for PFOA-free ceramic or high-quality non-stick coatings. Sugar is the enemy of a clean waffle maker, and a good non-stick surface means less scraping and more enjoying.
- Removable Plates: Let’s be honest, cleanup is the worst part. Models with removable, dishwasher-safe plates are a total game-changer. Any caramelized sugar or icing drips can be washed away effortlessly.
- Drip Tray: A wraparound moat or a slide-out drip tray is a lifesaver. It catches any overflow of dough or melting cinnamon filling, keeping your countertops clean.
How Do You Clean a Waffle Maker After This Mess?
Cleaning up after this gloriously messy treat is a top concern. The key is to do it while the machine is still slightly warm, but unplugged and safe to touch.
- Unplug and Cool Down: First and foremost, unplug the appliance. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. It should be warm, not scorching hot.
- Wipe Away Debris: Use a dry paper towel or a soft brush to gently wipe away any large crumbs.
- Tackle Stubborn Sugar: For any caramelized sugar that’s stuck on, dampen a paper towel or a soft sponge with hot water. Place it inside the closed waffle maker for a few minutes. The steam will soften the sugar, making it easy to wipe away.
- Final Wipe-Down: Once all the residue is gone, give the plates a final wipe with a clean, damp cloth and let it air dry completely before storing.
- Clean the Exterior: Don’t forget to wipe down the outside of the machine to remove any greasy fingerprints or icing drips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use any kind of cinnamon roll dough to make cinnamon roll waffles?
A: Absolutely! Any refrigerated canned cinnamon roll dough will work perfectly. The “grand” or “jumbo” sized ones will fill out a standard Belgian waffle grid beautifully, while smaller ones are great for mini waffle makers.
Q: Do I need to flatten the cinnamon roll dough first?
A: You don’t have to! The pressure of the waffle maker’s lid will do all the work for you, pressing the dough into every nook and cranny of the waffle grid. This is part of what makes the hack so easy.
Q: How long does it take to cook cinnamon roll waffles?
A: It typically takes between 3 to 5 minutes. The exact time depends on your waffle maker’s wattage and your chosen browning setting. The best indicator is when the waffle is golden brown and steam is no longer coming out of the sides of the unit.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?
A: You can, but they are definitely best when fresh and hot. To reheat, pop them in a toaster or an air fryer for a minute or two to bring back that delightful crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft and soggy.
Q: My cinnamon rolls are sticking to the waffle maker. What am I doing wrong?
A: Sticking is usually caused by two things: not preheating the iron enough or not using a light layer of oil or cooking spray. The high sugar content in the dough needs a hot, lightly greased surface to prevent it from caramelizing and sticking directly to the plates.
The Easiest Fancy Breakfast You’ll Ever Make
There you have it. You now know how to make cinnamon roll waffles and transform a simple can of dough into a truly decadent breakfast experience. It’s a perfect example of how the right kitchen tool, like a high-quality waffle maker, can unlock a new world of creative and simple recipes. So go ahead, dust off that waffle iron, and prepare to win breakfast forever.
Have you tried this hack? Share your experience or any delicious variations you’ve discovered in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you.