Crispy Waffled Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the most consistent results, try to keep the cinnamon rolls uniform in size before placing them into the waffle iron.

If you are using rolls that are particularly large, you may need to gently flatten them with your hand before cooking to ensure they fit correctly and cook through to the center without burning the exterior.

If you are serving a larger group, you can keep the cooked waffles warm by placing them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven set to 200°F (95°C). This prevents them from becoming soggy and maintains their crispy exterior until you are ready to apply the frosting and serve them to your guests.

Variations

• Spiced Pecan Twist: Add a pinch of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the frosting mixture for a deeper, more aromatic spice profile that complements the cinnamon roll perfectly.
• Citrus Zest Glaze: Fold a teaspoon of freshly grated orange zest into the frosting to brighten the flavor profile and add a refreshing citrus note to the rich cream cheese.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The frosting should be stored in a separate sealed container.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as it will compromise the delicate crispy texture of the waffled rolls.

Reheat

Reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (180°C) for 3 to 5 minutes until crispy. Do not use a microwave, as it will make the rolls soggy.

Store any leftover cinnamon roll waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day, though they are best enjoyed immediately after cooking.

For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator, but be aware that the texture will soften significantly. The frosting should be stored separately in a small, sealed container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.

You can prepare the brown butter maple cream cheese frosting up to two days in advance and keep it stored in the refrigerator. Before serving, let the frosting sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes to soften.

It is not recommended to pre-cook the waffles, as they lose their signature crispy texture upon cooling; however, having the frosting ready makes the actual cooking process much faster.

Serving ideas

Serve these waffles on individual plates with a small fork and knife, as the gooey frosting and crispy texture are best handled with utensils.

You might consider pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a side of seasonal berries to provide a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, sweet notes of the brown butter and cream cheese.

For a truly indulgent breakfast, serve these alongside a hot cup of black coffee or a spiced tea. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly cuts through the intense sweetness of the maple syrup and the richness of the cream cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience for any special weekend occasion.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crispy Waffled Cinnamon Rolls with Brown Butter Frosting

Prep 5 minCook 3 minTotal 8 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 jumbo cinnamon-swirl brioche rolls
• 60 grams unsalted butter, browned
• 100 grams cream cheese, softened
• 30 milliliters pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp toasted pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the butter, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a deep golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately. In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, softened cream cheese, and pure maple syrup. Whisk the mixture vigorously until it is smooth and fully emulsified.
2. Preheat your non-stick waffle iron to 350°F (180°C). Place one cinnamon-swirl brioche roll into the center of the iron. Close the lid firmly and press down slightly to ensure the dough fills the grid pockets. Cook for 2.5 minutes. Repeat this process for the remaining cinnamon rolls, ensuring the iron stays at the correct temperature for even browning.
3. Carefully remove the hot waffled cinnamon rolls from the iron using heat-safe tongs. Place them on a serving plate or board. Generously drizzle or flood the top of each waffle with the prepared brown butter maple cream cheese frosting. Immediately sprinkle the toasted pecans over the frosting to add texture and flavor before serving while warm.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

6.5 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

1.5 g

Sugar

22 g

Sodium

380 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.