Cinnamon Sugar Churro Waffles — Crispy Homemade Recipe

Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, these cinnamon-sugar churro waffles are irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. They’re adapted from Rhodes Bake-N-Serve frozen roll dough for an easy shortcut that keeps great flavor and texture. All photos and opinions are my own.

I enjoy baking from scratch, but having a few convenient, high-quality shortcuts in the freezer makes life easier. One of my favorite time-savers is Rhodes Bake-N-Serve frozen roll dough, which works beautifully for savory items like pizza bialys—and is equally delicious when given a sweet treatment like these churro-style waffles.

The waffle iron produces crisp ridged edges and a soft interior reminiscent of classic churros, without the mess and safety concerns of deep-frying. A quick dip in melted butter followed by a roll in fragrant cinnamon sugar finishes them perfectly—warm, crunchy, and utterly snackable. I confess: I ate two straight from the waffle maker before I even thought about plating.

If you prefer an extra indulgence, dip them in melted chocolate like traditional churros, or serve them over ice cream with a drizzle of hot fudge for a memorable dessert.

How do I thaw frozen bread dough?

Thawing Rhodes frozen roll dough is simple. Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and arrange 16 frozen dough balls spaced about 3 inches apart. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and let the dough thaw at room temperature for 3 to 5 hours, or until thawed and doubled in size.

If you prefer a more predictable schedule, place the covered pan in the refrigerator overnight and remove it one hour before cooking to allow the dough to come to room temperature and rise.

What makes Rhodes dough so good?

Rhodes began with a focus on quality ingredients: unbleached, high-protein flour and recipes without unnecessary preservatives. Their frozen dough gives you the benefit of freshly baked bread flavors and textures without the mixing, kneading, and lengthy prep of scratch baking.

I still bake bread from scratch regularly, but Rhodes products are a convenient, high-quality option I’m happy to serve when time is tight.

For a savory brunch alternative, consider Homemade Breakfast Hot Pockets for a different flavor profile.

The Best Waffle Maker

I’ve tried many waffle makers and have strong opinions based on experience. My top pick is a reliable Belgian-style waffle maker from Cuisinart. It makes two substantial, evenly cooked waffles quickly and has outlasted cheaper models I’ve owned.

If you prefer to make four waffles at once, Cuisinart’s 4-slice Belgian model is a solid, more budget-friendly option. In my experience, investing in a good waffle iron pays off in consistent results and longevity.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar

Cinnamon sugar is effortless to make at home and far more economical than buying pre-mixed blends. Combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 1/4 cup ground cinnamon and whisk until evenly colored. Adjust the ratio to taste—if you like more cinnamon, add it gradually until you reach your preferred balance. Store the mixture in a tightly sealed jar at room temperature.

Churro Waffle

Preheat your waffle maker to the highest setting. Lightly spray the plates with nonstick cooking spray or brush with a small amount of oil.

Remove one thawed dough ball and gently stretch it to about 4–5 inches in diameter.

Place the stretched dough on the hot waffle iron, close, and cook for 1 1/2 to 3 minutes, or until the exterior is crisp and the color reaches your preferred golden to deep brown.

Using tongs, transfer the cooked waffle to a bowl of melted butter, turning to coat both sides. Let excess butter drip off, then move the waffle into a bowl of cinnamon sugar and sprinkle additional cinnamon sugar over the top. Lift to let excess sugar fall away and set the finished churro waffle on a cooling rack over a sheet pan.

Serve piping hot, warm, or at room temperature. They’re best within an hour of making but can be stored at room temperature up to 2 days.