Breakfast might just be my favorite meal of the day, and recipes like these churro waffles are exactly why. Give me a stack of hot waffles or pancakes first thing in the morning and I am a very happy person.

My husband, on the other hand, has never really understood the breakfast obsession. Sweet breakfasts are especially not his thing, which still feels impossible to me, though he will happily go for savory dishes when the mood strikes. About the only time I reliably see him eat breakfast is on vacation, which honestly feels very on brand.

It had also been a while since I shared a true breakfast recipe, and even though my last few breakfast posts had all leaned waffle-heavy, I decided to keep that streak going. Churros have always been a big favorite of mine, so turning that warm cinnamon-sugar flavor into a batch of fluffy waffles felt like an easy yes.

These churro waffles came out exactly how I hoped they would: crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, and coated in that buttery cinnamon-sugar finish that makes churros so hard to resist. They are cozy, simple, and just the kind of breakfast that makes a regular weekend morning feel a little more fun.

What are Churro Waffles?

Churro waffles are fluffy Belgian-style waffles finished with melted butter and a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, giving them the flavor of a classic churro in breakfast form. They bring together the best of both worlds: the soft, airy inside of a homemade waffle and the sweet, slightly crisp exterior that makes a churro so memorable.

Unlike a traditional churro, which is piped and fried, these churro waffles are made from an easy batter and cooked in a waffle iron until golden brown. While they are still warm, they get dipped in melted butter and tossed in cinnamon sugar so every nook and cranny picks up that sweet, spiced coating.

The result is a breakfast that feels a little playful and a little nostalgic. Whether you serve them plain, with whipped cream, or as part of a bigger brunch spread, churro waffles are a fun way to bring bakery-style flavor to your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Warm churro flavor at home: You get all that familiar cinnamon-sugar goodness without dealing with frying.
• Soft inside, crisp outside: The waffles stay fluffy in the center while the topping gives them just enough texture.
• Simple pantry ingredients: Everything in this recipe is basic and easy to keep on hand.
• Perfect for weekends or brunch: These feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a cozy morning at home.
• No syrup required: The buttery cinnamon-sugar coating brings plenty of flavor all on its own.
• Easy to customize: Serve them plain, with whipped cream, or alongside fruit if you want to dress them up a bit.

Ingredients

These churro waffles keep things simple, but each ingredient pulls its weight.

• All-purpose flour: Gives the waffles structure while still keeping them tender.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and helps all the flavors come through.
• Baking powder: Gives the waffles their lift so they cook up fluffy and light.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the batter.
• Eggs: Help bind everything together and support that soft, rich texture.
• Milk: Loosens the batter and keeps the waffles moist.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness to both the batter and the churro-style finish.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a warm bakery-style flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings the signature churro flavor to the topping.

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Substitutions & Additions

There is a lot to love about this recipe as written, but it is also easy to make it your own.

• Regular waffle maker: If you do not have a Belgian waffle maker, a standard waffle iron will still work. You may just get thinner waffles and need to adjust the cook time slightly.
• Extra cinnamon flavor: If you love a stronger cinnamon note, you can add a small pinch of cinnamon to the batter in addition to the topping.
• Whipped cream: This is one of my favorite ways to serve these. A little whipped cream on top turns them into a real treat.
• Fresh fruit: Strawberries, bananas, or even warm sautéed apples pair nicely with the cinnamon-sugar flavor.
• Chocolate drizzle or dulce de leche: If you want a more dessert-like version, a light drizzle over the top can be a fun extra.

How to Make this Recipe

Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then give it a light coat of nonstick cooking spray. Getting the waffle iron nice and hot before you start helps the waffles cook evenly and keeps them from sticking.

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons baking powder, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Add the 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups milk, 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until everything is just combined. Try not to overmix here. A few small lumps are fine, and keeping the batter from being overworked helps the waffles stay tender.

Scoop the batter onto the hot waffle iron in 1/3 cupfuls, or a little more if your waffle maker calls for it, and cook until the waffles are golden brown. Every waffle iron is a little different, so let your machine be your guide, but you are looking for waffles that are cooked through with crisp edges and a soft interior.

While the waffles cook, set up the topping. Pour the 1/4 cup melted butter into a small bowl or shallow dish. In a separate small bowl or shallow dish, stir together the 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon.

As soon as each waffle comes off the iron, dip it into the melted butter, making sure all sides get lightly coated. Then toss it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is well covered. Doing this while the waffles are still warm helps the topping stick beautifully and gives you that classic churro-style finish.

Once coated, shake off any excess cinnamon sugar and serve right away. If you are making multiple batches, place the finished waffles on a wire rack instead of stacking them so they stay crisp between rounds.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Do not overmix the batter: Stir only until everything is combined so the waffles stay soft and fluffy.
• Preheat fully: A properly heated waffle iron gives you better browning and helps prevent sticking.
• Coat while warm: The butter and cinnamon sugar cling best when the waffles are fresh off the iron.
• Use a wire rack between batches: This keeps steam from getting trapped underneath and helps the waffles stay crisp.
• Spray between batches if needed: Some waffle makers need a quick refresh of nonstick spray as you go.
• Work in an assembly line: One dish for butter and one for cinnamon sugar makes the coating step easy and less messy.

Serving Suggestions

These churro waffles are wonderful all on their own, and they really do not need syrup unless you want it. The cinnamon-sugar coating brings plenty of sweetness and flavor.

If you want to make breakfast feel a little extra special, top them with a spoonful of whipped cream. That creamy finish works really well with the warm spice of the cinnamon sugar.

They are also great with fresh fruit on the side and a hot cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or brunch. If you are serving a crowd, pair them with eggs, bacon, or a simple breakfast scramble so everyone gets a little sweet and savory on the plate.

Storage Suggestions

Churro waffles are best enjoyed fresh, especially if you want the outside to stay slightly crisp. If you do have leftovers, let them cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.

For short-term storage, place the cooled waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a toaster, toaster oven, or a low oven so they warm through and regain some texture.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled waffles in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated straight from frozen in the toaster or oven.

Recipe FAQ

Do I need syrup for these waffles? Not at all. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds plenty of sweetness, though you can absolutely serve syrup on the side if that is your thing.

Can I make the batter ahead of time? It is best made fresh so the waffles stay as light as possible, but you can measure out your dry ingredients ahead to speed things up.

Why should I use a wire rack instead of stacking the waffles? Stacking traps steam, which can soften the outside. A wire rack helps keep them crisp.

Can I serve these with whipped cream? Yes, and it is one of my favorite ways to eat them. A little whipped cream goes really well with the warm cinnamon-sugar topping.

Can I freeze leftover waffles? Yes. Let them cool completely, freeze them, and then reheat in the toaster or oven when you are ready to eat.

If you love a breakfast that feels cozy, a little nostalgic, and just different enough from the everyday routine, these churro waffles are such a fun one to make. They are fluffy, buttery, full of cinnamon-sugar flavor, and simple enough to pull together whenever a waffle craving hits.

This is the kind of recipe that makes a weekend morning feel a little more special without asking much from you in return. So if you are in the mood for something warm, sweet, and seriously hard to resist, go ahead and make a batch of churro waffles this weekend.