Cinnamon Rolls in a Waffle Maker

❤️ Why You'll Love This Recipe

• A total game changer if you love cinnamon rolls but hate waiting for them. Even refrigerated canned cinnamon rolls take about 20 minutes in the oven
• Ready in your waffle maker in less than 5 minutes
• You get the best of both worlds: the crunch of a waffle with the taste of a cinnamon roll

Substitutions & Variations

• Cinnamon rolls: Any brand of refrigerated cinnamon rolls will work. Avoid jumbo-sized rolls, since they can be too thick for most standard waffle irons.
• Icing: Use the icing that comes in the can, or swap in cream cheese icing, maple icing, or a simple powdered sugar glaze if you prefer.
• Homemade dough: Homemade cinnamon roll dough works too, though results can vary more than with canned dough since every recipe is a little different. Watch it closely as it cooks since timing may differ from the 4 to 5 minutes canned rolls need.
• Stuff them: One reader shared that she stuffs hers with bacon before rolling, and it sounds absolutely delicious.
• Add mix-ins: Try tucking a few chocolate chips or a spoonful of Nutella inside before rolling for an extra decadent twist.
• Top it differently: Skip the icing and try maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar instead.

How to Cook Waffle Iron Cinnamon Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the waffle iron on medium-high heat. Open the can of cinnamon rolls and take 2 or three rolls and roll them together. Set the frosting aside for later.

Step 2: Carefully place the cinnamon rolls on the waffle iron and lightly press down on the lid.

Step 3: Cook for 4-5 minutes. Carefully remove the cinnamon roll waffle from the waffle iron.

Step 4: Remove the cinnamon roll waffle from the waffle iron. Top your cinnamon roll waffle with the frosting that came in the package.

Expert Tips

• Grease the waffle iron first. Lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray, or brush it with a little oil or melted butter, before adding the cinnamon rolls. The sugar in the dough sticks easily to bare plates, so this step makes a big difference in getting a clean release.
• Don't overcrowd the iron. Most standard waffle irons fit 2 to 3 rolls rolled together at a time. If you're cooking a full can, work in batches rather than cramming in more.
• Watch them closely. Every waffle iron heats a little differently, so keep an eye on your rolls the first time you make these and adjust the time as needed.
• Move them to a wire rack after cooking. Let the waffle sit on a rack for a minute before topping with icing, this helps keep the bottom from getting soggy.
• Clean the plates while they're still a little warm. Wipe them down with a damp cloth once cooled slightly. Waiting until they're fully cooled can let the sugar harden, making cleanup harder. Avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can damage the nonstick coating.

Recipe FAQs

What Waffle Maker to Use

I used my Cuisinart waffle maker to cook my cinnamon rolls. I like it because it's not too big and not too small; it's just right! This recipe should work in any waffle iron.

If your waffle maker is larger or a Belgian style, you may need to roll more cinnamon rolls together or use the jumbo cinnamon rolls. Keep an eye on the cook time, as you may need to add a few minutes. Every waffle iron will perform differently, of course, but these cinnamon roll waffles are pretty easy to adapt.