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:

2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. 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:

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

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:

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

Serve & Enjoy:

9. 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

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!

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