Craving the warmth of a cinnamon bun but short on time? This recipe combines the fluffy goodness of waffles with the irresistible spice of cinnamon buns, creating a breakfast (or any-time-of-day) treat that’s both quick and incredibly delicious. Forget those soggy, sad weekend mornings – this recipe is your ticket to a happy, cinnamon-spiced start! It's one of those easy recipes perfect for busy weeknights too, making it a staple for healthy meals or simply a delicious and satisfying quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
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For the Waffles:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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For the Cinnamon Filling:
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Waffle Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined – don't overmix! A few lumps are okay.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Filling
In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Waffles
Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour about ½ cup of waffle batter onto the hot iron. Immediately spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the cinnamon filling onto the batter. Top with another spoonful of batter to cover the filling. Cook until golden brown and crispy, following your waffle iron's instructions.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your cinnamon bun waffles immediately. Top with your favorite additions like whipped cream, maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps the gluten relax, resulting in lighter and fluffier waffles.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet waffle, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or the filling.
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings like fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
Variations:
- Apple Cinnamon Waffles: Add ½ cup of chopped apples to the waffle batter for a delicious twist.
- Pecan Cinnamon Waffles: Stir in ½ cup of chopped pecans to the waffle batter for added crunch.
- Vegan Cinnamon Bun Waffles: Substitute the milk with plant-based milk, the egg with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tbsp water), and use vegan butter.
Nutritional Information (per waffle, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on toppings and waffle size)
This is a delicious and relatively healthy meal option! These waffles offer a good balance of carbohydrates for energy and a touch of sweetness to satisfy your cravings. Remember that nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This recipe is a delightful addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a special weekend breakfast. Enjoy!