Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Bacon-Apple Frosting Recipe

1. For the Cinnamon Roll Waffles: Open package and separate cinnamon rolls. Flatten each dough round with fingers to 1/2-inch thickness.

2. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. Brush with melted butter. Place one dough round on each waffle grid. Cook on medium-high heat setting until waffle iron beeps and cinnamon roll waffle is cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to cooling rack and repeat with remaining butter and dough.

3. For the Bacon-Apple Frosting: Line large plate with 2 layers paper towels. Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. With slotted spoon, transfer to prepared plate.

4. Transfer all but 2 teaspoons rendered bacon fat to bowl. Add apples, brown sugar, bourbon, and cinnamon to skillet and cook until golden but still crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to plate and cool to room temperature, 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and salt on low speed until incorporated. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until light, about 2 minutes. Add bacon and apples and beat just to combine, about 30 seconds.

6. To Assemble: Slice waffles in half. Brush cut sides with remaining bacon fat. Cook 8 waffle halves, cut sides down, in now-empty skillet until toasted, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining waffle halves.

7. Spread 8 waffle halves with icing and top with remaining 8 waffle halves. Serve.

Special equipment

Waffle iron, pastry brush, cooling rack, large skillet, spatula, large plate, paper towels, electric mixer