If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your love for gooey, bakery-style cinnamon rolls and the irresistible crunch of waffles, you’re absolutely going to fall head over heels for these Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing. This recipe transforms a comforting classic into a morning showstopper that’s just as delightful for a holiday brunch as it is for a cozy Sunday at home. Fluffy, rich, and with ribbons of cinnamon sweetness swirled through every bite, each waffle is finished off with that luscious cream cheese icing that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes these Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing truly magical is how a short list of familiar ingredients joins forces to create something so comforting and decadent. Each component brings a unique flavor or texture to the mix, making the results surprisingly rich, moist, and full of warm cinnamon flavor.

Eggs: The foundation for structure and fluff; they bind all the deliciousness together, helping your waffles rise beautifully.
Cottage cheese (4% fat): Blended smooth, cottage cheese gives these waffles a creamy richness and protein boost without making them heavy.
Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the batter’s silkiness and of course, for that dreamy icing on top.
Almond flour: Adds subtle nuttiness and keeps the texture tender, perfect for gluten-free baking.
Coconut flour: Just a small amount goes a long way for extra moisture and a slightly sweet coconut flavor.
Vanilla extract: Infuses every bite with a classic bakery aroma and warmth.
Baking powder or soda: Either works to make your waffles rise and stay light—choose whichever you have on hand.
Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or alternative): Brings the perfect hint of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon and cream cheese notes.
Melted butter: Makes every bite rich and golden, helping the edges get that crave-worthy crispness.
Cinnamon: The hero of the swirl—earthy, sweet, and instantly uplifting.
Powdered sweetener: Blended into the cream cheese icing for that picture-perfect drizzle.
Nonstick cooking spray: Essential for removing those gorgeous waffles in one piece from your iron.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by adding the cottage cheese to your food processor and blitzing it until creamy and smooth. Then, drop in the cream cheese and blend again, making sure both cheeses meld together into a dreamy, unified base. This super-smooth foundation is the secret to waffles that are moist and never too dense.

Step 2: Build the Batter

Next, toss in the eggs, almond flour, coconut flour, vanilla, baking powder or soda, and your chosen sweetener. Give everything a few pulses until the batter looks thick and cohesive, with no dry pockets or lumps. You want a batter that pours easily but isn’t too runny—think cake batter consistency.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, more sweetener, and a generous spoonful of cinnamon until it forms a thick, fragrant paste. Swirl this spicy-sweet mixture right into your batter, creating delicious ribbons that will show up beautifully once the waffles cook.

Step 4: Fire Up the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron, then give it a generous mist of cooking spray to prevent sticking. Scoop the batter in—about enough to make a circle roughly half the diameter of your waffle iron. This helps the batter spread without oozing over the sides and ensures a crispy, golden finish.

Step 5: Cook It Up

Close the lid and let the magic happen! Cook each waffle until golden brown and set. The incredible smells will fill your kitchen as the cinnamon caramelizes ever so slightly and the edges turn crisp. Gently remove each waffle and repeat with the remaining batter, being sure to re-spray your iron if needed.

Step 6: Cream Cheese Icing Finale

While your waffles are cooking, blend the softened cream cheese with powdered sweetener until silky smooth. Once the waffles are ready, generously drizzle each one with this luscious icing, transforming them into picture-perfect Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing

Garnishes

To really make your Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing Instagram-worthy, finish them with an extra dusting of cinnamon, a swirl of icing, and perhaps a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy topping.

Side Dishes

Pair your waffles with a side of fresh fruit salad or crispy breakfast sausage for a balanced brunch plate. A hot mug of coffee or chai balances the sweet richness, and you can never go wrong with a frothy latte to match the cozy mood.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, cut the waffles into quarters and stack them criss-cross style, letting the icing drip down the sides like a bakery display. Or serve them with little cups of dipping icing for a DIY brunch board approach. However you present them, these Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing are always the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles should be cooled completely, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The Cream Cheese Icing can be kept in a small jar or covered bowl; just give it a good stir before using again.

Freezing

For longer storage, these waffles freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. The icing can be frozen separately in a small airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing back to life, pop them in a toaster or oven at 325°F until heated through and slightly crisp. Microwave works for speed, but the oven or toaster will give you the best texture. Warm the icing gently and drizzle generously before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different sweetener than Joy Filled Eats Sweetener?

Absolutely! Any granulated or powdered sweetener that measures cup-for-cup with sugar works well. Options like erythritol, monk fruit, Swerve, or even regular cane sugar if you’re not low-carb will all deliver delicious results. Just be sure to match the sweetness level to your taste.

Do I have to blend the cottage cheese?

Blending the cottage cheese is recommended for a silky, uniform texture in the waffles. If you skip this step, you might end up with small curds in the batter, which can affect the consistency and look. It only takes a minute and really makes a difference!

Can I make these waffles dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap in dairy-free cream cheese and cottage cheese alternatives—just look for brands with similar texture. Substitute plant-based butter if desired. The final taste will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that cinnamon roll flavor you crave.

What’s the best way to get perfect swirls in the batter?

After mixing the cinnamon swirl ingredients, you can drop spoonfuls directly over the batter in the waffle iron (versus swirling throughout the entire batter bowl). Then lightly swirl with a toothpick or knife before closing the iron. This keeps the swirls distinct and gorgeous in every waffle.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and make sure your waffle iron stays well-oiled to prevent sticking. You can keep cooked waffles warm in a low oven while you finish the batch. Prepare plenty of icing—these Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing tend to disappear quickly!

Final Thoughts

I can honestly say that Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Icing are one of those treats you’ll find yourself making on repeat, whether for a special brunch or just to liven up the weekend. Give them a try—let your kitchen fill with cinnamon-spiced goodness, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the kind of homemade breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate!