Meet your new breakfast obsession: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Imagine the tender fluffiness of classic pancakes swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and laced with velvety cream cheese glaze. Every forkful packs nostalgia and indulgence, making it just as perfect for a lazy weekend brunch as it is for spoiling loved ones on a weekday morning. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes unite the best parts of two beloved breakfast staples into one unforgettable dish—get ready to crave these morning, noon, and night!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are sheer magic, thanks to a handful of simple baking staples you probably already have on hand. Each ingredient brings a layer of flavor, texture, or color—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why.

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for fluffy, tender pancakes.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the cinnamon swirl.
Baking powder: Gives the pancakes some well-deserved lift and fluff.
Salt: Enhances every single flavor—trust me, don’t leave it out!
Milk: Helps create that signature, pillowy pancake texture.
Egg: Binds everything together for a cohesive, smooth batter.
Melted butter (for batter): Delivers rich flavor and guarantees a soft crumb.
Vanilla extract: That dreamy aroma and depth, both in the batter and glaze.
Unsalted butter (for swirl): Combines with brown sugar and cinnamon to create the ultimate gooey swirl.
Brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes to the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: The star of the show, for irresistible warmth and spice.
Cream cheese: Softened, so it whips up silky-smooth for the glaze.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without any grittiness.
Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to perfect drizzle-worthy consistency.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Make the Pancake Batter

Start by whisking your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, blend the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ones and gently mix until just combined; don’t overdo it—lumps are totally fine and will yield softer pancakes! Let the batter rest while you work on the swirl and glaze.

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until it forms a thick, smooth paste. Transfer this mixture into a zip-top bag or piping bag, squeezing the filling toward one corner. Let it cool for a couple of minutes so it thickens up; this step prevents your swirl from disappearing into the batter.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

For that classic cinnamon roll finish, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. Keep whisking until the glaze is completely smooth and pourable. Taste for sweetness—a little extra powdered sugar can be your secret weapon!

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes With Cinnamon Swirl

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about 1/4 cup of your pancake batter onto the hot skillet. Snip the corner off your cinnamon swirl bag, then pipe a spiral right on top of the batter (think classic cinnamon roll shape!). Let the pancake cook until bubbles pop on the surface, then flip gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes more. Wipe the skillet between batches if the swirl starts to caramelize.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Stack those warm pancakes high and generously drizzle with your homemade cream cheese glaze. The swirl melds into the pancake, the glaze seeps into every bite, and suddenly you’re at the breakfast table of your dreams.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

Complete your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a little flourish! Sprinkle on some extra cinnamon, add a dollop of whipped cream, or toss a handful of toasted pecans over the top. If you’re feeling playful, a few decorative swirls of glaze and a dusting of powdered sugar make these pancakes practically glow.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are stars all on their own, but if you want to round out your brunch table, serve with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory touch. Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your plate and balance all that sweet goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them tall and serve like a layer cake, slicing wedges for a shareable treat. Make mini Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for a brunch party platter—perfect for little hands or sampling a variety of toppings. They also shine as a dessert, crowned with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Cinnamon Roll Pancakes left (a rare occasion!), stack them between sheets of parchment and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and moist for up to three days—just don’t add the glaze until reheating if you want them to taste bakery-fresh.

Freezing

For a quick breakfast fix, freeze your pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. It’s the ultimate make-ahead treat for busy mornings or surprise weekend guests.

Reheating

Warm leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes in a toaster or microwave until heated through. For that just-cooked feel, you can also reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cream cheese glaze after heating for that gooey, fresh-from-the-griddle flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just check that your mix includes xanthan gum or an equivalent binding agent to help the pancakes hold together and remain fluffy.

Why did my cinnamon swirl melt into the pancake?

If the swirl melts too much, it might be that your cinnamon filling was too warm or thin when piped onto the batter. Let it cool and thicken for a minute before using next time. Also, make sure your skillet isn’t overly hot, which can speed up the melting.

Can I make the batter or swirl ahead of time?

Yes! Both the pancake batter and swirl can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give the batter a quick stir in the morning and let the cinnamon swirl soften at room temperature before piping.

What’s the best way to pipe the cinnamon swirl?

A zip-top bag with one small corner cut off works in a pinch, but if you’ve got a piping bag, use a small round tip for extra control. Swirl gently so the filling stays on top, creating the signature cinnamon roll look.

Can I double the cinnamon swirl or glaze for extra decadence?

You’re speaking my language! Feel free to double up on the swirl and glaze if you like your pancakes extra indulgent—just remember not to go too heavy on the swirl, or the pancakes may be harder to flip.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, I can’t encourage you enough to give them a whirl. They’re fun, festive, and sure to wow everyone at the table. Pop on your apron, gather your favorite people, and let this breakfast mashup be the highlight of your morning!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat with these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that combine the flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with fluffy pancakes, topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Pancakes:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

2 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Pancakes: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix. Set aside to rest while you prepare the swirl and glaze.
Cinnamon Swirl: Stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour into a zip-top bag or piping bag and set aside.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Snip the tip off the cinnamon swirl bag and pipe a spiral over the batter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes. Wipe skillet between batches if needed.
Serve pancakes warm, drizzled with cream cheese glaze.

Notes

Let the cinnamon swirl cool slightly before piping to prevent it from spreading too thin.
You can double the swirl and glaze for extra indulgence.
These pancakes freeze well for a quick future breakfast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American