Cinnamon Swirl Waffles

Who’s ready for a delicious spin on cinnamon rolls that is faster and much easier to make? Meet the latest and greatest breakfast idea… warm, sweet Gluten Free Cinnamon Swirl Waffles with a mouthwatering cream cheese topping for the ultimate breakfast win.

You still get that fluffy waffle taste, but, now with a caramelized swirl in the middle.

And you can even generously frost these breakfast waffles with a gooey, sweet topping everyone will be talking about for the rest of the day.

To put it another way… y’all will fall in love with how delicious these taste without the hassle and wait time of traditional cinnamon rolls.

It’s no surprise these are the hottest breakfast item around our house right now. For one thing the cinnamon swirl waffles aren’t too sweet or rich; they’re beautifully perfect.

The brown sugar, dairy free butter, and cinnamon create a perfect swirl. You will taste the cinnamon swirl in every bite.

Notably the most difficult part of preparing these waffles is deciding which frosting to top with. Both the the cinnamon swirl drizzle and the thick, cream cheese glaze work fabulously.

You won’t be disappointed with either. 

You can also you this cinnamon swirl recipe on your favorite pancake batter and top with the same delicious crema cheese spread.

ingredients + tips for this recipe

Get more info on these simple ingredients in the recipe card below. These are some of our favorite brands that we know you are going to ask about. 

• boxed or homemade waffle recipe-- you will need ingredients to prepare the gluten free batter as you normally would. If you're looking for a brand to try, consider the Kinnikinnick Pancake and Waffle Mix or the Bisquick Gluten Free Pancake and Waffle Mix.
• brown sugar
• vanilla extract
• ground cinnamon
• melted dairy free butter-- we use Earth Balance Buttery Sticks, these are vegan and also soy free, but you can use any dairy free butter- Country Crock has a plant based one that everyone seems to enjoy. Use whatever you prefer for your melted butter. If you don't want to use that, you can use melted coconut oil instead.
• salt
• 2 frosting options-- The first is a lighter Cinnamon Swirl Drizzle and the second is a thick, creamy Cream Cheese Glaze. My family goes crazy over both. You could also use our Cinnamon Spice Glaze
• Cinnamon Swirl Drizzle--powered sugar, vanilla extract, and dairy free milk
• Cream Cheese Glaze-- dairy free cream cheese (we use this brand or Violife Cream Cheese), dairy free butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract

Helpful Tools

• non-stick spray-- this might very well be one of the most important ingredients. Spray your waffle maker liberally, particularly the top. If you do happen to get cinnamon batter stuck to the top of your waffle maker, allow it cool when finished. Then take a dull knife to any leftover hard cinnamon sugar. It will easily remove from the maker.
• zip lock bag-- place the cinnamons swirl mixture into a zip lock bag and cut a bottom corner off. Hold on to if firmly to make the swirl design
• optional-- chopped walnuts to top waffles with or warmed maple syrup
• waffle maker-- we use this one
• pancakes-- use this cinnamon swirl recipe on pancake batter too. And the cream cheese frosting is delicious with pancakes as well.

How to Make the Best Gluten Free Waffles

First, prepare your Cinnamon Swirl frosting, either the Cinnamon Drizzle Topping or Cream Cheese Glaze. 

Cinnamon Drizzle Topping

1. Place all cinnamon swirl ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Then place in a Ziploc bag and cut a corner off. Set aside.
2. Mix the powdered sugar topping ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and cream cheese until smooth with a hand mixer. Then place the powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the bowl and cream until smooth, about two minutes.
2. Refrigerate the glaze for about twenty minutes until serving.

Waffle Prep Instructions

1. Heat waffle maker.
2. Combine your favorite waffle batter, mixing dry ingredients with wet ingredients in a large bowl as normal. Add in the vanilla extract. No need to let the waffle batter rest.
3. Liberally spray waffle maker with nonstick spray before each new batch of batter is placed on maker, particularly spray the top for this recipe.
4. Place waffle batter on maker. You can transfer the batter using a measuring cup, or by using the same Ziplock bag method that you will use with the cinnamon swirl mixture. Hold onto Ziplock bag and create a cinnamon swirl in the center of each waffle.
5. Bake about 5 minutes or until set. Carefully remove waffle, and serve with topping while warm.
6. For super crispy waffles, add a minute or two. Keeep an eye on your cooked waffles and adjust as necessary.
7. Tip– spraying the waffle maker between waffles will help prevent the sugar from burning on the maker.

​Storage

For best results, these delicious waffles are best when you first make them! If you want to make them and keep some for later, wrap them in plastic or foil, place them in a plastic bag or airtight container, and store in the fridge (not at room temperature) for up to a week. 

Can I freeze these? 

You bet, these gluten free waffles make great make ahead and freeze gluten free quick breakfasts! Make a batch or two and place in a freezer bag to enjoy again later, just like you would a regular waffle. 

How do I keep waffles warm when I'm making more?

If you need to keep waffles warm while making more, preheat your oven to 250°F and place the waffles on a baking sheet in the oven on a wire rack.

Microwaving them is not advised as this will make them too dry. Enjoy every bite!

If I'm reheating, what's the best way to reheat waffles using this gluten-free waffles recipe?

The best way to reheat waffles is in a toaster oven. Place the waffles on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes or until warm.

If you don't have a toaster oven, place them on a plate in the microwave for about 30 seconds- but they'll not end up as crispy as they would be if you reheated them in the oven or toaster oven.

Keep an eye out so they don't burn! You can also reheat them on the stove top in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Don't forget to add your favorite topping! Enjoy your delicious waffles!

Next time you are making a batch of fluffy waffles, make a second batch to freeze for later! 

Serve these with or without any glaze or frosting. You could also serve with fresh fruit, a drizzle of real maple syrup or some honey. 

You can use any waffle maker to make whatever shape waffles you want. Square waffles, or character shaped waffles are always fun to enjoy with a glass of dairy-free milk and your favorite toppings! 

more gluten and dairy free recipes to love

• creamy ricotta stuffed shells-- you won't believe how delicious this meal is with a dairy free ricotta mixture and giant pasta shells
• the best taco bake-- this easy to prep meal is filling and a family favorite topped with all your taco must-haves
• the ultimate pizookie-- this giant, warm cookie filled with chocolate chips is the perfect way to end the day
• chocolate peanut butter layer brownies-- the layer brownies are a copycat Joanna Gains recipe everyone loves
• lastly you'll find recipes to celebrate every holiday in style on my website too-- Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Super Bowl, Mother's Day, and the 4th of July.

Need more gluten and dairy free recipes?

Did you know that we have a cookbook called The Classics??!

It's available as an ebook, or as a physical cookbook!

The ebook has 16 recipes while the physical printed copy has 20 recipes. These are tried and true recipes that our family loves to make (our family classic recipes)

You can get more info on both versions here.

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