Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles: The Ultimate Weekend Breakfast
Wake Up to Gluten-Free Deliciousness!
Are you on a gluten-free diet but still dream of indulging in warm, gooey cinnamon buns? What if you could enjoy that same comforting flavor in a fraction of the time, and in waffle form?

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Get Your Copy TodayThese Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles are the answer! Perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a special weekday treat, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the ease of waffles and the irresistible taste of cinnamon buns. It’s a delightful way to start your day, completely gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles
Living gluten-free doesn’t mean sacrificing your favorite flavors. This recipe is designed to:
- Satisfy your cinnamon bun cravings: Get that authentic cinnamon-swirl taste without the gluten.
- Save you time: No need for lengthy dough rising! These waffles are ready in minutes.
- Offer a fun twist on breakfast: Waffles, but make them cinnamon buns! A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Be easily adaptable: Customize your glaze or add toppings to make it your own.
Cooking Insights for Gluten-Free Waffles
Creating the perfect gluten-free waffle requires a few key considerations:
- Flour Blend Matters: This recipe uses a blend of white rice flour, cornstarch, and sweet rice flour for the ideal texture – crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Xanthan Gum is Your Friend: Don’t skip the xanthan gum! It acts as a binder, mimicking the role of gluten in traditional baking.
- The Swirl Secret: The “broken” appearance of the cinnamon swirl mixture is perfectly normal and ensures a delicious, gooey swirl in every bite.
- Non-Stick is a Must: Make sure your waffle iron is well-greased to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your golden waffles.
How to Make Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles
Craving cinnamon buns but don’t have the time for all the steps? These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles are the perfect solution! Get that delicious cinnamon bun flavor in a fraction of the time with this easy waffle recipe.
Yields
About 6 waffles
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Swirl
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed (2 ounces; 56 grams)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (increase to 2 tablespoons for a richer swirl) (½ ounce; 14 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk (1 ounce; 28 grams)
For the Waffles
- 1 cup finely ground white rice flour (4 ounces; 113 grams)
- ½ cup cornstarch (2 ounces; 56 grams)
- ¼ cup sweet rice flour (1 ounce; 28 grams)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (½ ounce; 14 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 ¼ cups milk (10 ounces; 283 grams)
- 2 large eggs (about 3 ½ ounces; 100 grams)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (1 ¾ ounces; 50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar (4 ounces; 113 grams)
- 2 tablespoons milk, plus more as needed (1 ounce; 28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- Waffle Iron
- Medium Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Pastry Bag or Ziplock Bag
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Icing
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The icing should easily flow from a fork. If it’s too thick, add milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the dark brown sugar, softened butter, and ground cinnamon. Mash with a fork until a thick paste forms. Add the milk and stir to combine. The mixture will appear thick and slightly curdled; this is perfectly normal. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Transfer the mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a small tip (number 4), or alternatively, use a large zip-lock bag and snip off one of the corners. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Gluten-Free Waffle Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the gluten-free white rice flour, cornstarch, sweet rice flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, salt, and xanthan gum. Be sure to use a gluten-free baking powder. This blend of flours and xanthan gum is crucial for achieving the right texture in gluten-free waffles. Add the milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Cook the Cinnamon Bun Waffles
Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once heated, generously spray the iron with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron (the amount will vary depending on your iron’s size).
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Swirl
Immediately after pouring the batter onto the waffle iron, grab your piping bag (or zip-lock bag) filled with the cinnamon swirl. Squeeze the cinnamon filling evenly over the batter in a swirl pattern. Be generous – this is what gives the waffles their delicious cinnamon bun flavor!
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crisp, following your waffle iron’s instructions. Once cooked, carefully remove the waffles from the iron and drizzle generously with the prepared glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful taste of gluten-free cinnamon bun waffles!
Tip for Cleaning Your Waffle Iron
To clean your waffle iron after making these delicious waffles, heat it on a low setting. This will help loosen any stuck-on sugar. Carefully wipe the warm iron with a damp cloth.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon-Swirl:
- ¼ cup dark brown sugar, packed (2 ounces; 56 grams)
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened (increase to 2 tablespoons for a richer swirl.) (½ ounce; 14 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons milk (1 ounce; 28 grams)
For the Waffles:
- 1 cup finely ground white rice flour (4 ounces; 113 grams)
- ½ cup cornstarch (2 ounces; 56 grams)
- ¼ cup sweet rice flour (1 ounce; 28 grams)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (½ ounce; 14 grams)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1 ¼ cups milk (10 ounces; 283 grams)
- 2 large eggs (about 3 ½ ounces; 100 grams)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (1 ¾ ounces; 50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar (4 ounces; 113 grams)
- 2 tablespoons milk, plus more as needed (1 ounce; 28 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Nutritional Information
These Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, gluten-free diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional benefits and considerations:
- Gluten-Free Advantage: This recipe uses rice flour, cornstarch, and sweet rice flour, making it entirely gluten-free. This is perfect for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, reducing the risk of digestive discomfort and inflammation.
- Rice Flour Benefits: White rice flour is easily digestible and provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Cornstarch Contribution: Cornstarch helps to create a light and airy texture, enhancing the overall waffle experience.
- Sweet Rice Flour Perks: Sweet rice flour adds a slightly chewy texture, contributing to the unique consistency of these waffles.
Tips and Variations
Get the most out of your Gluten-Free Cinnamon Bun Waffles with these helpful tips and delicious variations:
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk to make this recipe dairy-free. Ensure your butter is also replaced with a dairy-free alternative.
- Egg-Free Option: Use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to make the waffles egg-free. Typically, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water can replace one egg. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding to the batter.
- Refined Sugar-Free Option: Replace granulated sugar and powdered sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup. Adjust the liquid content accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon swirl for an extra layer of warmth and spice.
- Waffle Iron Care: To prevent sticking, ensure your waffle iron is well-greased with non-stick cooking spray or coconut oil. For easy cleanup, heat the waffle iron on low after cooking to loosen any stuck-on sugar, then carefully wipe with a damp cloth.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven for the best texture.
- Make Ahead: The waffle batter can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Whisk well before using.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations to create the perfect gluten-free waffles that cater to your dietary needs and preferences!
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