Transform Your Breakfast: Easy Mini Cinnamon Roll Waffles Recipe
Say goodbye to ordinary mornings and hello to a delightful breakfast hack that’s as easy as it is delicious! These Mini Cinnamon Roll Waffles are a revelation, turning classic refrigerated cinnamon rolls into warm, crispy, and fluffy waffle-shaped treats. Imagine a golden-brown exterior with those beloved deep pockets, yielding to a soft, gooey center, all drenched in sweet, familiar icing. Perfect for a quick family breakfast, a fun brunch, or even a unique dessert, this simple technique will change the way you think about store-bought cinnamon rolls forever.
The Magic of Cinnamon Roll Waffles: A Revolutionary Breakfast Hack
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a brilliant kitchen idea that leverages the convenience of refrigerated dough with the fun of a waffle maker. While not traditional waffles made from batter, these cinnamon roll “waffles” offer a unique textural experience that elevates the humble pastry. The waffle iron’s direct heat creates a wonderfully crisp, slightly caramelized crust that regular oven baking can’t achieve, while keeping the inside beautifully soft and tender. It’s a playful twist that adds excitement to any meal.
Unveiling the Unique Texture
One of the most appealing aspects of transforming cinnamon rolls into waffles is the incredible texture. The waffle iron’s grates press the dough, creating a larger surface area that crisps up beautifully, forming a golden, slightly chewy exterior. This delightful crunch provides a stark and satisfying contrast to the warm, soft, and ooey-gooey interior that everyone loves about cinnamon rolls. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crispiness and tender sweetness, making them utterly irresistible.
The Ultimate Convenience Food
In a world where time is often a luxury, these cinnamon roll waffles shine as a beacon of convenience. With just two main ingredients – a tube of refrigerated cinnamon rolls and your trusty waffle maker – you can whip up a batch of these delectable treats in mere minutes. Forget preheating a large oven for an extended period; your waffle iron heats up quickly, and the cooking time for each “waffle” is incredibly short. This makes them an ideal choice for busy mornings when you want something special without the fuss, or for an impromptu dessert that comes together in a flash.
Versatility for Any Mealtime
While they are undoubtedly a fantastic breakfast or brunch item, the versatility of cinnamon roll waffles extends far beyond the morning hours. Serve them as a playful dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or present them as a unique afternoon snack for kids and adults alike. Their inherent sweetness and comforting cinnamon flavor make them suitable for any occasion where a quick, delightful treat is desired. They’re also perfect for potlucks, parties, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort.
Essential Ingredients for Instant Waffle Bliss
The beauty of this recipe lies in its utter simplicity. You only need a couple of items to get started, most of which you likely already have on hand or can easily pick up from any grocery store. No complex measuring, no intricate steps – just pure, straightforward deliciousness.
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Refrigerated cinnamon rolls (any brand, any size)
- A waffle maker
- Icing (comes with the cinnamon rolls)
Choosing the Right Cinnamon Rolls
While almost any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work wonderfully for this recipe, a few considerations can help you achieve the best results. Standard-sized rolls are often the easiest to manage, fitting nicely onto most waffle grates. If you opt for “jumbo” cinnamon rolls, you might only be able to cook one at a time, so be mindful not to overfill your waffle maker. Flaky varieties tend to yield an even crispier exterior, while classic rolls remain softer. Most refrigerated cinnamon rolls come with a convenient packet of icing, which is perfect for these waffles. However, if you prefer, you can always make your own cream cheese frosting or use other toppings.
Mastering Your Waffle Maker for Perfect Results
Your waffle maker is the star of this show, transforming ordinary cinnamon rolls into extraordinary delights. Understanding how to best utilize it will ensure your cinnamon roll waffles are perfectly cooked every time, with that ideal balance of crispy and tender.
Temperature Control is Key
One of the most crucial tips for making these easy “waffles” is to manage your waffle maker’s temperature. While it might be tempting to crank it up to maximum heat for speed, a lower to medium setting is highly recommended. If the waffle maker is too hot, the outside of your cinnamon rolls will burn quickly, while the inside remains raw and uncooked. Start with a lower setting and adjust as needed. Different waffle irons have varying heat distributions, so a bit of experimentation might be necessary to find the sweet spot for your specific appliance. The goal is a golden-brown exterior and a thoroughly cooked, soft interior.
Non-Stick Spray: Your Best Friend
Even if your waffle maker boasts “nonstick” surfaces, it is absolutely essential to use a generous coating of nonstick cooking spray before placing your cinnamon rolls. The sticky, sugary dough of the cinnamon rolls can adhere to the grates, leading to torn waffles and a messy cleanup. A good spray ensures easy release, allowing your beautifully cooked cinnamon roll waffles to lift off the grates without any hassle. Make sure to spray both the top and bottom plates of your waffle iron for comprehensive coverage.
Don’t Overfill Your Waffle Iron
It can be tempting to maximize space, but overfilling your waffle maker is a common pitfall. For standard-sized cinnamon rolls, two to three rolls usually fit comfortably, allowing enough space for them to expand without oozing out the sides. If you’re using jumbo rolls, you might only be able to cook one or two at a time. Place the rolls closer to the center of the grates to encourage even cooking and prevent the dough from squirting out during the pressing process. Proper spacing ensures each “waffle” cooks evenly and develops that desirable crispy texture all around.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Ready to create these breakfast marvels? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey cinnamon roll waffles in no time!
- Prepare Your Waffle Maker: Begin by preheating your waffle maker. I recommend setting it to a lower or medium temperature. If your waffle iron tends to run hot, err on the side of caution to prevent burning the outside while the inside remains uncooked.
- Spray Generously: Once the waffle maker is preheated, spray both the top and bottom grates thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your waffles release easily.
- Place the Cinnamon Rolls: Carefully place 2-3 cinnamon rolls onto the prepped grates. Arrange them close to the center, leaving a little space for expansion but ensuring they are not too close to the edges to avoid overflow.
- Gently Close and Press: Close the lid of the waffle maker. Instead of pressing down hard, apply gentle pressure. This helps to flatten the cinnamon rolls evenly without squeezing out all the delicious filling and dough.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Cooking times will vary depending on your specific waffle maker. Generally, it takes about 1 ½ to 2 minutes per batch. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy texture.
- Ice and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the cinnamon roll waffles from the waffle maker. While they are still warm, drizzle or spread generously with the icing that came with the cinnamon rolls.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Cinnamon Roll Waffles
While the classic icing that comes with the rolls is undeniably delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and serving suggestions! These waffles are a fantastic canvas for additional flavors.
- Fresh Fruit Medley: Top with sliced berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), banana slices, or peaches for a burst of freshness and color.
- Whipped Cream & Syrup: A dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup, chocolate syrup, or caramel sauce takes them to the next level.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle with chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture and a nutty flavor.
- Ice Cream Delight: For a decadent dessert, serve a warm cinnamon roll waffle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, turning it into a cinnamon roll a la mode.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Elevate the frosting experience by whipping the provided icing with a touch of softened cream cheese and a splash of vanilla extract for a richer glaze.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on the convenience of refrigerated cinnamon rolls, homemade dough can certainly be used. Just ensure your dough is rolled and cut into individual rolls before placing them in the waffle maker. Cooking times might vary slightly depending on the thickness and density of your homemade dough, so keep a close eye on them.
How do I store leftover cinnamon roll waffles?
Leftover cinnamon roll waffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, allow them to cool completely before storing. They might lose a bit of their crispiness once stored, but they’ll still be delicious!
Can I freeze these waffles?
Yes, you can freeze cooked cinnamon roll waffles. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or air fryer for best texture.
What if my cinnamon rolls stick to the waffle maker?
Sticking usually indicates insufficient nonstick spray or a waffle maker that isn’t properly preheated. Ensure you spray both the top and bottom plates generously before each batch. Also, make sure your waffle maker is fully preheated before adding the rolls. If issues persist, try using a slightly higher quality nonstick spray.
Are these suitable for dessert?
Without a doubt! While they make an amazing breakfast, their sweet, cinnamony flavor makes them an excellent candidate for dessert. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce, or some fresh berries and whipped cream for a truly indulgent treat.
The Complete Mini Cinnamon Roll Waffle Recipe
Here’s a quick summary of everything you need to know to make these irresistible cinnamon roll waffles!
Mini Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Mini Cinnamon Roll Waffles are made with refrigerated cinnamon rolls, a waffle maker and icing. So easy and fun for breakfast or dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 tube refrigerated cinnamon rolls
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle maker. Set on a lower temperature to prevent burning.
- When ready, spray the waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray (top & bottom).
- Place 2-3 cinnamon rolls onto the grates, keeping them close to the middle.
- Close the lid and gently press down while it cooks (avoid pressing too hard to allow for even expansion).
- Cooking times will vary depending on your waffle maker, but it generally takes about 1 ½ to 2 minutes per batch until golden brown.
- After they are finished, carefully remove and spread on the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls.
Video
Notes
- Don’t let your waffle maker get too hot; otherwise, the outside will burn while the inside of the cinnamon roll is still raw.
- Even if your waffle maker is “nonstick,” always spray the grates with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
- This method works with any type of refrigerated cinnamon rolls. If you purchase “jumbo” cinnamon rolls, you may only be able to cook one or two at a time. Ensure you don’t overfill the waffle maker.
Nutrition
Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Sodium: 330mg | Sugar: 10g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Craving More Deliciousness? Related Recipes
If you loved this simple waffle maker hack, be sure to explore more creative and easy breakfast and dessert ideas from our collection:
- Muffin Mix Waffles
- Pancake in a Mug
- Buttermilk Waffles
- Cornbread Waffles with Chili and Fixins’
- Fluffy French Toast
- Easy Cinna Minis
- Cinnamon Roll Casserole
- Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
- Pizza Hut Cinnamon Sticks
Originally published August 2012
Updated & republished: November 2020