Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon roll pancakes combine the fluffy goodness of pancakes with the rich, buttery cinnamon swirl of a classic cinnamon roll. Topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these pancakes are the perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat. With all the flavors of a warm cinnamon roll in an easy-to-make pancake form, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Fluffy & Sweet – Soft pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl.
  • Easy to Make – No need to roll dough like traditional cinnamon rolls.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for weekend brunch or holiday mornings.
  • Customizable – Make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or extra decadent.
  • Tastes Just Like a Cinnamon Roll – But quicker and easier!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pancakes:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Milk (or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • Butter (melted)
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

Make the Cinnamon Swirl:

  1. Mix Ingredients – In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small hole cut in the corner.

Prepare the Pancake Batter:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Combine with dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Cook the Pancakes:

  1. Preheat Griddle – Heat a lightly greased pan or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Pour Batter – Add ¼ cup of batter to the pan.
  3. Swirl in Cinnamon – Pipe a spiral of cinnamon mixture onto the pancake.
  4. Cook & Flip – When bubbles form on the surface, flip and cook until golden brown.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  1. Whisk Together – Mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Serve & Enjoy:

  1. Drizzle Glaze Over Pancakes – Stack pancakes and pour the glaze over them. Serve warm!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 (makes about 10 pancakes)
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Use almond milk and dairy-free butter/cream cheese.
  • Extra Fluffy Pancakes – Use buttermilk instead of regular milk.
  • Caramel Drizzle – Replace cream cheese glaze with caramel sauce.
  • Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl for crunch.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds or warm in a skillet over low heat.

FAQs

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Why is my cinnamon swirl burning?

Reduce the heat and cook pancakes slowly to prevent the sugar from caramelizing too quickly.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

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

Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner cut off for even spirals.

Can I use pancake mix instead of homemade batter?

Yes! Just follow the package instructions and add the cinnamon swirl.

How do I make the glaze thinner?

Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

What’s the secret to fluffy pancakes?

Use fresh baking powder and don’t overmix the batter.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Yes! Maple syrup or powdered sugar also taste great.

Can I use a non-dairy milk?

Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk all work well.

How do I prevent pancakes from sticking?

Use a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with butter or oil.

Can I make these into waffles?

Yes! Just use a waffle iron instead of a griddle.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll pancakes are a fun and indulgent twist on classic pancakes, bringing the gooey, sweet flavors of a cinnamon roll to your breakfast table. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a special morning treat, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the perfect balance of fluffy pancakes, cinnamon goodness, and creamy glaze!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 pancakes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring together the best of both worlds—soft, fluffy pancakes swirled with a buttery cinnamon filling and topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

  • 1/4 cup (60g) butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup (70g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp flour

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth.

Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock bag and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

Gently mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix!

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease with butter.

Pour ¼ cup batter onto the pan.

Snip the tip of the cinnamon swirl bag and pipe a spiral on top of the batter.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Stack pancakes and drizzle with cream cheese glaze.

Serve warm and enjoy!

 


Notes

  • No Piping Bag? Use a spoon to drizzle the cinnamon swirl.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Make It Healthier: Use whole wheat flour and Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.

Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe!

If you love this recipe, please consider giving it a star rating when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes online. Your support means a lot to me, I appreciate you.

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *