This is truly the best cinnamon waffles recipe ever! It’s a simple, tasty breakfast, made with just a few basic ingredients.
Waffles have been around for centuries, with different variations popping up in different parts of the world.
Cinnamon waffles in particular variety are very popular in the United States. They're usually served for breakfast with maple syrup or other classic breakfast ingredients.
Pancakes are more common in the UK but waffles are well worth the effort, whether enjoyed in a simple stack or as part of a big American-style breakfast. They also work as a dessert or even a quick snack!
To make your waffles, you'll combine self-raising flour, cinnamon and sugar, then whisk in a mixture of eggs, milk, vanilla and melted butter.
These simple steps will give a beautifully smooth, glossy batter, ready to ladle into your waffle maker and cook.
I used an electric waffle maker for this recipe, using 1 standard kitchen ladle as a measurement for 1 waffle. If you use similar, you'll get 8 waffles using this recipe, but you may get less if you use a larger, stove-based circular waffle pan.
Don't forget that you'll only need enough batter to cover the bottom of your waffle maker as it'll expand as it cooks.
I topped my cinnamon waffles with slices of fresh orange and a drizzle of maple syrup - golden syrup works great too.
Feel free to serve your cinnamon waffles hot and fresh with your favourite toppings - I also love to pair then with berries, powdered sugar or whipped cream.
If you're feeling really indulgent, serve them with a dollop of ice cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream on top!
So if you're ready for a super special breakfast to make this weekend, give these cinnamon waffles a try!
Ingredients
- 3 medium free-range eggs
- 420 ml whole milk
- 125 g slightly salted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g self-raising white flour (self rising flour)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 55 g white caster sugar (superfine sugar)
Equipment
Instructions
Preheat your waffle iron.
Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter and vanilla together in a jug.
Measure the flour, cinnamon and sugar into a large bowl.
Mix.
Make a well in the flour mixture.
Pour the milk mixture into it.
Using your whisk, gradually incorporate the flour into the milky mixture until you have a smooth batter.
Spoon a small ladleful of batter into the waffle maker. The batter will give 8 waffles in the Sage Smart Waffle Maker. Don't overfill your waffle iron, as the batter will expand considerably as it cooks.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on how well cooked you like your waffles.
Stack and serve hot and fresh.
They go wonderfully with fresh orange slices and a drizzle of syrup.
Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect Cinnamon Waffles
Are Cinnamon Waffles easy to make?
Yes, these cinnamon waffles are very easy to make. All you need to do is whisk your wet ingredients together in a jug, your dry ingredients together in a bowl, then gradually incorporate the wet into the dry until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
You'll then pour your batter into a preheated waffle maker and wait a few minutes for the ultimate winter breakfast.
The recipe is really that straightforward! If you have any questions or need some extra help, hopefully, this FAQ will be of use. If you still can't find the answer to your question, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page.
The only equipment you'll need for this recipe is measuring spoons/weighing scales, a bowl, a whisk and a waffle maker!
Will I need any special equipment to make this cinnamon waffles recipe?
The only special piece of equipment you'll need for this recipe is a waffle iron or electric waffle maker. Other than that, you'll just need simple, standard kit such as a bowl, jug and whisk.
There's always a complete list of suggested equipment on the recipe card below my recipes if you're in doubt. I've also included links to example products to show exactly what I used to make each recipe.
How can I tell if eggs have gone off?
If your egg has any external cracks, or the inside has any discolouration, odd appearance, or a strange or foul odour, it is most likely rotten.
To avoid cross-contamination, wash your hands before and after handling eggs. If your egg has spoiled, you should immediately discard it and thoroughly wash anything it may have come into contact with.
Some people swear by the egg float test. This is where you drop your egg, still in its shell, into a cup or bowl of water to see if it sinks or floats. If it floats it has excess gas, meaning it is bad or spoiling. However, sometimes a bad egg can still sink, so don't rely on it as your only test.
To ensure you don't contaminate a recipe with a bad egg, it's always best to crack your eggs into a separate bowl or cup before adding them to a recipe.
Remember: you should only cook with eggs which have been correctly stored. In the UK, Red Lion stamped eggs should be kept at a consistent temperature below 20 degrees celsius, meaning the refrigerator is the best place for them. So, if you keep your eggs in a warm kitchen, they are more likely to spoil well before the Use By date.
Make sure you consult egg safety advice relevant to your country to be sure of the best way to keep your eggs as fresh and safe as possible.
Egg safety is crucial if you're cooking for someone in a vulnerable or at-risk group, such as older people, people living with health conditions, or a pregnant person.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. Please consult with your medical professional.
How can I tell if the butter has gone off?
As with eggs, it's always best to use fresh ingredients when baking. This is because butter can go off quickly if it isn't stored properly and this could make the results taste less pleasant or even rancid
Fresh butter should be a pale, creamy yellow with a lovely buttery scent. If your butter is darker than usual, has a strange texture, or smells/tastes sour - it is most probably spoiled.
You should not eat butter that looks, smells or tastes odd, so if your butter has any discolouration, odd appearance or a strange or foul odour, it is better to throw it out to avoid making yourself ill with food poisoning.
How can I tell if milk has spoiled?
There are a few things you can check to get a decent sense of whether your milk has spoiled.
First, check the Best Before date. This should give you a good indication as to whether the milk is still ok to use. Unlike Use By dates, which should never be exceeded, Best Before dates are more to indicate quality, and food a little past that date may still be safe to consume, as long as there are not other signs of spoilage.
Second, make sure the milk has been stored correctly. Milk should always be stored in the fridge, and ideally in the main compartment as this is usually the coldest part.
Check that the milk hasn't separated into chunks suspended in clear liquid. This happens when multiplying bacteria create a more acidic environment in the milk, causing the milk proteins to clump.
Unless you have intentionally added an acid to fresh milk (such as with this soda bread recipe), lumpy milk is a sure sign that the milk is no longer safe to drink.
Spoiled milk will smell sour and have an off-taste. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
Are Cinnamon Waffles suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these waffles are suitable for vegetarians as they contain no meat, fish or poultry.
However, remember to check your ingredient labels to ensure that they are vegetarian.
Are Cinnamon Waffles suitable for vegans?
These waffles aren't vegan, as they contain dairy and eggs.
To make them vegan, you could try out using the following substitutions. Please note I have used all these options in my baking but I haven't tested them for this specific recipe:
- Milk: Try a non-dairy milk such as almond or soy milk. I regularly use unsweetened soy milk as a good substitute for dairy milk in my baking.
- Butter: A vegan butter or baking block should work well. I tend to use Flora Pl+nt butter in my vegan baking these days, but any brand will work as long as it has a fat content of over 80% (similar to dairy butter).
- Eggs: You could make a homemade vegan egg substitute using one of the method below, or you could use a store-bought vegan egg replacer.
Animal-derived products can be used to thicken, colour or flavour sweet and savoury food, so it sneaks into the most surprising ingredients!
Always make sure that you double-check all of your ingredient labels to ensure that they are vegetarian. Also, don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your waffles.
What can I replace the eggs in these waffles with?
Eggs play quite a fundamental role in the texture, rise and flavour of waffles, so they're the hardest element to veganise.
For vegan baking in general, I tend to use one of the following methods. Note: each alternative counts as 1 egg, so multiply as needed for any given recipe:
- 1 tablespoon of crushed chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and left for 10 minutes in the fridge.
- 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the water you get in a tin of chickpeas).
- 3 tablespoons of applesauce (bear in mind this will add sweetness).
Tip: To avoid a grainy texture, grind your chia/flax seeds finely using a pestle and mortar or spice grinder.
As I haven't tested these, I can't be sure which would work best. In pancakes, my preference is chia seeds. You might find 1 tbsp is enough, plus some extra plant milk, so expect to need to experiment.
Are Cinnamon Waffles gluten-free?
These waffles aren't gluten-free as they're made with wheat flour. However, flour is the only ingredient containing gluten, so you could try swapping it for gluten-free flour.
Make sure you use one with raising agents or add some gluten free baking powder to compensate for whichever plain gluten-free flour you choose.
Double-check all of your ingredient labels to make sure that they are gluten-free. Don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your waffles.
Are Cinnamon Waffles keto-friendly?
These waffles aren't keto-friendly as they contain too many carbohydrates.
A ketogenic diet typically involves eating foods that are high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates. This means that you would need to adapt this recipe or find a suitable replacement for the flour and sugar.
Some possible replacements for flour include almond flour, coconut flour, and ground flaxseed. And for sugar: stevia, erythritol or monk fruit extract.
I'm not sure how these replacements would affect the cooking time, texture or flavour as I haven't made a keto version of this Cinnamon Waffles recipe. If you try it, let me know how it goes below!
Are Cinnamon Waffles suitable for those on a FODMAP diet?
A FODMAP is a type of carbohydrate that can be difficult for some people to digest. This includes things like wheat, onions, garlic, and dairy products.
These carbohydrates are difficult for some people to digest and cause symptoms like bloating, pain, cramps and wind. While some people affected by this might be able to tolerate small amounts, others will need to avoid them altogether.
There are a few different low FODMAP diets, but the most common one is the Elimination Diet. This diet involves eliminating all high FODMAP foods from your diet for some time and then slowly reintroducing them one by one to see which ones cause symptoms.
If you are following a low FODMAP diet at the elimination stage, these waffles are unsuitable for you as they contain wheat and dairy.
If you are following a low FODMAP diet and feel the ingredients are suitable, be sure, double-check the amounts. This site doesn't offer medical advice.
Don't forget to check anything extra you intend to serve with your waffles.
Are Cinnamon Waffles healthy?
As with all food, moderation is key. Cinnamon Waffles can be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed as part of a balanced meal plan and active lifestyle.
You might like to serve the waffles with fruit to up the nutritional value of the meal.
If you're looking to cut down on the sugar in your diet, you could try reducing the sugar without too much impact on the texture. You may also wish to try a sugar replacement such as xylitol.
You could also experiment with changing the flour. Spelt, whole wheat flour, or oat flour could work well in this recipe, although I haven't tested them. These options will add some extra fibre to your waffles and give them a lovely nutty or earthy flavour.
Are Cinnamon Waffles safe to eat while pregnant?
Make sure that all of your ingredients are in good condition, stored properly and that you prepare this meal safely and hygienically.
As long as your Cinnamon Waffles are then cooked through properly, they should pose no risk to a pregnant person.
A Mummy Too does not offer medical advice. Please seek help from a medical professional if you need further information or have any concerns.
Is Cinnamon Waffles suitable for babies and toddlers?
If making this recipe for babies and toddlers, I'd recommend leaving out the sugar. This is because the NHS advises you only feed sugar to children over 5.
A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional.
The NHS has some fantastic resources on their website on what to feed babies and young children.
What goes best with Cinnamon Waffles?
There are lots of things that go well with Cinnamon Waffles. If you're serving them at breakfast, you could serve them with:
- Fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries or bananas
- Sliced peaches, pears or apples
- Maple syrup or honey
- Whipped yoghurt
Or, if you're serving them as a dessert, you could serve them with:
- Chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Ice cream
Can I make these Cinnamon Waffles without cinnamon?
If you make these waffles without cinnamon, they won't be Cinnamon Waffles! But it's fine to skip the cinnamon or swap it for another spice like nutmeg (just a pinch), ginger or even a pumpkin spice blend if you like.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
If you don’t have any self-raising flour, making your own is very simple! All you’ll need is plain flour and baking powder.
The best method is a ratio of 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 225g (8oz) of plain flour. This recipe calls for 300g (10.6oz) of self-raising flour. So if using plain flour, you'll need an extra 2.5 tsp of baking powder.
Once you've mixed your DIY self-raising flour ingredients, simply follow the recipe steps as if you were using store-bought self-raising flour.
Can I add chocolate to this recipe?
You could certainly add chocolate chips to this recipe.
The batter is quite thin so full size chocolate chips would sink if stirred into the batter.
I'd recommend either stirring a handful (1/2 cup) of mini chocolate chips into the batter, or scattering a few on top of the batter as soon as it's been poured into the waffle maker before closing the lid.
You could also serve the waffles with chocolate chips, if you like.
How should I store my waffles?
Cooked waffles will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or you could freeze your waffles in a sealed sandwich bag or freezer-safe container. They should keep for up to 3 months, if well wrapped.
How long will Cinnamon Waffles keep?
Cooked Cinnamon Waffles will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or you could freeze your waffles in a sealed sandwich bag or lunchbox. Frozen waffles should last for 3-4 months as long as you keep them tightly wrapped.
Can I leave Cinnamon Waffles out on the counter?
No. Any leftover waffles must be cooled and stored in a sealed container in the fridge to keep them from spoiling.
How should I reheat cinnamon waffles?
To reheat your waffles, you can pop them in the toaster on a low setting until piping hot. Alternatively, you can wrap your waffles in foil and heat in a low oven.
I have warmed them successfully in the microwave, but it's easy to overheat them and turn them rubbery. The best way is to put one or two on a microwave-safe plate, cover with an upturned microwave-safe bowl and cook for about 20 seconds, then check. Careful: the plate/bowl may be hot and steam may accumulate.
Can I make Cinnamon Waffles ahead?
Waffles are best served hot and fresh from the waffle iron, but if you need to make them ahead, you have a couple of options.
I have never tried this but common wisdom is that you can make the batter for waffles ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Just give it a good stir before you start cooking.
Alternatively, you could cook your waffles ahead of time and reheat them when you're ready to serve. They can be reheated in the toaster, in the oven or in the microwave. See above for more detailed reheating advice.
Can I keep Cinnamon Waffles in the refrigerator?
Cooked waffles will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Make sure they are completely cooled before you store them in the fridge. Otherwise, they will generate condensation in the container and become soggy.
Can I freeze my Cinnamon Waffles?
Yes, you can freeze your waffles. One completely cool, place them in a freezer bag or container, seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, simply pop them in the toaster, oven or microwave until warmed through. See above for more detailed reheating advice.
What is the best way to defrost waffles?
You can reheat waffles in the microwave from frozen.
Place one or two on a microwave-safe plate, cover with an upturned microwave-safe bowl and cook in 20 seconds bursts, checking until done. Be careful: the plate/bowl may be hot and steam may accumulate.
If you like, you can alternatively get your container of waffles out of the freezer the night before and place them in the fridge to thaw overnight.
Can I make Cinnamon Waffles in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?
Yes, you can make the batter for Cinnamon Waffles in a stand mixer.
You'd need to whisk the wet ingredients in a jug as normal first, then put the dry ingredients in the stand mixer bowl.
Next, fit the whisk attachment and mix on slow briefly to distribute everything evenly, then start pouring in the liquid ingredients while still mixing on low until everything is combined.
You could use a handheld electric mixer if you prefer, or even a manual whisk.
Whatever type of whisk you use, make sure you don't over-mix the batter or it can become gluey, resulting in tough or rubbery waffles.
Can I make Cinnamon Waffles with a food processor?
Though unorthodox, you could, in theory, use a food processor to combine the wet and dry ingredients.
There's no requirement to whip air into this recipe, so the blades of a food processor should do the job.
You'd need to whisk the wet ingredients in a jug as normal first, then put the dry ingredients in the food processor bowl.
Next, pulse the mixer briefly to distribute everything evenly, then start pouring in the liquid ingredients while still pulsing until everything is combined.
How can I get the best results from my Cinnamon Waffles recipe?
This recipe was designed to give you beautifully fluffy cinnamon waffles. If you follow the steps as written, you should have no issues. But here are some extra pointers to help you make the perfect Cinnamon Waffles:
- Make sure your waffle maker is properly preheated before adding the batter. Putting your waffle batter into a cool waffle iron may prevent the raising agents from working properly and could result in dense waffles.
- You should also check your waffle iron instructions before you start. Every brand will have different settings and guides for timings. You may need to brush the inside of your waffle iron with butter, while others are non-stick enough for that not to be necessary.
- When mixing your batter, make sure there are no lumps of flour or cinnamon. Otherwise, someone will be in for a nasty surprise as they bite into a lump! If you feel your batter is lumpy, you can push it through a sieve or briefly whiz it with a stick blender.
- Use a small ladleful or approx 1/4 cup of batter for each waffle, and spread it out evenly in the waffle maker. Don't fill the waffle iron to the top as the batter expands a lot as it cooks.
- Only add chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter if very small, otherwise it's likely to sink to the bottom of the bowl or the bottom of the waffles, which could cause them to burn.
Why did my Cinnamon Waffles recipe turn out dry/crumbly?
There are a few reasons your Waffles might have turned out dry or hard. One reason could be that you didn't use enough batter per waffle, so they were too thin.
Another reason might be that your waffle maker was set to a very high heat, which caused the waffles to cook too quickly and not be as fluffy and moist as they should be. This would only be the case if your waffle iron has different temperature levels.
If you used too much baking agent, you might also see that your waffles seem hollow as they puff up too much. Likewise, not enough baking agent could make your waffles very flat.
Why did my Cinnamon Waffles recipe turn out wet/soft/dense?
There are a few reasons why your Waffles might have turned out wet, soft or dense. One reason could be that you used too much batter per waffle, so they were too thick. I poured a small ladleful into each waffle mould, no more than 1/4 cup.
If the iron is overfilled, it may overflow or you might find that your waffles are not properly cooked through.
Another reason might be that your waffle maker was set to a very low heat, which caused the waffles to cook too slowly and not be as fluffy and moist as they should be.
Finally, it may be an issue with your flour. When self-raising flour gets old, the raising agents lose their potency. If your waffles don't rise during cooking, they'll turn out dense and undercooked in the centre. So next time, ensure your flour is fresh and stored correctly to avoid any issues.
How can I add/change the flavours in these Cinnamon Waffles?
Personally, I think this is the best cinnamon waffles recipe around! But if you want to change up the flavours in these waffles, there are a few things you can do:
- Add some mini chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate to the batter before cooking. They need to be small pieces or they'll sink in the batter.
- Add some finely chopped nuts to the batter - again, they need to be tiny pieces or they'll sink.
- Top the waffles with some chocolate sauce, melted chocolate, berries or syrup once they're cooked.
- Swap out the cinnamon for another spice, such as nutmeg (you'll only need a pinch) or ground ginger.
- Use a different type of sugar, such as brown sugar for a more caramelised flavour.
What does ‘waffles’ mean?
The word "waffles" is derived from the Middle Dutch word "wafel". It's thought to have been used to mean comes from a French word meaning 'honeycomb cake', which makes sense with the shape of waffles. The first reference to the modern word waffle was from an English cookbook in the 1700s.
Where is the origin of waffles?
The origin of waffles is disputed, but the generally accepted story is that they were first made in Belgium. The first documented recipe for waffles dates back to the 14th century, and they were made with a leavened batter cooked on a griddle.
Despite the name 'waffle' alluding to their modern shape, many sources believe waffles originate from decorative religious wafers cooked in moulds that show religious scenes. Eventually, the griddle shape was introduced, and waffles evolved into the format we know today.
Waffles later became popular in America in the 18th century and were typically made with a yeast-based batter. American waffle recipes also often included things like fruit and nuts.
Nowadays, there are endless variations of waffles, both sweet and savoury. They can be made with all sorts of different batters and toppings. So get creative and enjoy!
Best Cinnamon Waffles Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 medium free-range eggs
- 420 ml whole milk
- 125 g slightly salted butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 300 g self-raising white flour (self rising flour)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 55 g white caster sugar (superfine sugar)
Equipment
- Waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron.
- Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter and vanilla together in a jug.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon and sugar.
- Make a well in the flour mixture and pour the milk mixture into it.
- Using your whisk, gradually incorporate the flour into the milky mixture until you have a smooth batter.
- Spoon a small ladleful of batter into the waffle maker. The batter will give 8 waffles in the Sage Smart Waffle Maker. Don't overfill your waffle iron, as the batter will expand considerably as it cooks.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, depending on how well cooked you like your waffles.
Nutrition
Have you got my book?
'This is a great kids cookery book. Emily is a star' - Simon Rimmer
'The book I'd like to force into any mother's kitchen' - Prue Leith
"A fab book with a plan." - Jane Devonshire, 2016 Masterchef UK winner
'Emily has managed to combine her mummy knowledge and passion for food to make a truly helpful and brilliant cookbook' - Priya Tew, RD, BSc (Hons), Msc
Get Your Kids to Eat Anything is an achievable 'how to' for parents in the battle to overcome picky eating and 'make new the norm'. Emily Leary's unique 5-phase programme looks at the issue of 'fussy eating' in a holistic way that links imagination with food, and which situates parents alongside - not in opposition to - their children.
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More waffle recipes to try
Have you got my book?
'This is a great kids cookery book. Emily is a star' - Simon Rimmer
'The book I'd like to force into any mother's kitchen' - Prue Leith
"A fab book with a plan." - Jane Devonshire, 2016 Masterchef UK winner
'Emily has managed to combine her mummy knowledge and passion for food to make a truly helpful and brilliant cookbook' - Priya Tew, RD, BSc (Hons), Msc
Get Your Kids to Eat Anything is an achievable 'how to' for parents in the battle to overcome picky eating and 'make new the norm'. Emily Leary's unique 5-phase programme looks at the issue of 'fussy eating' in a holistic way that links imagination with food, and which situates parents alongside - not in opposition to - their children.
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