If you’re someone who dreams about the perfect mashup of a gooey cinnamon roll and a stack of fluffy pancakes, then these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes need to happen in your kitchen this weekend. Imagine the tender bite of a classic pancake, swirled with buttery brown sugar cinnamon and finished with a creamy glaze that tastes just like the center of your favorite cinnamon roll. This is the kind of breakfast that instantly turns an ordinary morning into something truly special.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to create that signature taste and irresistible texture. These are simple pantry staples, but when combined, they’re absolute magic for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy pancakes with the perfect crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the batter so it’s not overwhelming.
Baking powder: Ensures your pancakes rise and stay light as air.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
Milk: Brings moisture and tenderness to your pancakes—whole or 2% work best.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Melted butter: For a decadent, buttery taste in every bite.
Vanilla extract: Lends that warm, bakery-style aroma and flavor.
Unsalted butter (for swirl): Melted and mixed with brown sugar and cinnamon for that classic cinnamon roll swirl.
Packed brown sugar: Gives the swirl its signature molasses depth and gooey texture.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice for that iconic, cozy flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened to blend easily into a luscious glaze.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves beautifully for a silky-smooth topping.
Milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzle-able consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the glaze with extra warmth and depth.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring just until the mixture comes together—don’t worry if there are a few lumps, as overmixing can make the pancakes tough. This simple step is the key to those pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a thick, fragrant paste. Transfer this mixture into a zip-top bag or a piping bag and snip off a small corner. This makes it easy to swirl that sweet, buttery goodness right into your pancakes, creating those signature cinnamon roll spirals.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In another bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. This creamy glaze will take your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes over the top, giving every bite that irresistible, tangy-sweet finish reminiscent of classic cinnamon roll icing.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes and Add the Swirl

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. Let them cook until bubbles begin to form on top. Then, pipe a spiral of cinnamon mixture onto each pancake. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and fragrant. If the cinnamon swirl thickens as you go, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it up.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Arrange your warm pancakes on a plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. For easy cleanup, you can place a wire rack over a baking sheet and glaze the pancakes there, letting any extra drip away. Now you’re ready to dig in to the ultimate Cinnamon Roll Pancakes experience!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, a little extra flair goes a long way. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a few toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon on top for extra aroma and texture. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can add a burst of color and freshness, elevating the look and flavor of your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes even more.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are quite the showstopper on their own, but pairing them with a side of crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage can create a perfect sweet-and-salty balance. For a lighter touch, serve with a bowl of fresh fruit or a simple yogurt parfait to round out your brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the pancakes high and drizzle the glaze in dramatic zigzags, or cut them into wedges for a fun, shareable breakfast platter. You can even make mini Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for brunch parties—just use a tablespoon of batter for each and pipe tiny swirls. However you present them, these pancakes are sure to steal the spotlight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s a big “if”), let the pancakes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can treat yourself to a quick and decadent breakfast any morning.

Freezing

For longer storage, arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months—just hold off on the glaze until you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the pancakes in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds, or warm them in a 300-degree oven for about 10 minutes. If you made the glaze ahead, give it a quick stir (and maybe a few seconds in the microwave) before drizzling it over your warm Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

FAQs

Can I make the batter or cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the pancake batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The cinnamon swirl mixture also holds up well overnight—just let it come to room temperature or gently rewarm before using so it pipes smoothly.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the swirl?

No worries! A simple zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off works just as well for the cinnamon swirl. Even a small spoon can do the trick if you’re careful, though the spiral might not be as precise.

Can I make these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free pancake blend. Make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture, and proceed as usual—no other changes needed!

How do I keep the pancakes warm if I’m making a big batch?

Place cooked pancakes on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200-degree oven. This keeps them warm and prevents them from getting soggy while you finish the rest of your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This recipe doubles (or even triples) beautifully. Just mix larger batches of the batter, swirl, and glaze, and keep the pancakes warm in the oven until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from scratch—every swirl, every drizzle, and every bite brings comfort and joy to the breakfast table. If you’re craving a breakfast that feels like an occasion, give this recipe a try and watch smiles appear all around. Happy cooking!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the fluffy texture of classic pancakes with a delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl and a smooth cream cheese glaze, perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat that tastes like a warm cinnamon roll in pancake form.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pancakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

2 oz cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to ensure light, fluffy pancakes.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until smooth and pour into a zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off a small corner for easy piping during cooking.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In another bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set the glaze aside at room temperature for drizzling later.
Cook the Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. Wait until bubbles form on the surface, then pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture onto each pancake. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the cinnamon swirl melts and the batter firms up.
Flip Pancakes: Carefully flip each pancake using a spatula and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through, about 1 to 2 more minutes. Wipe the skillet clean between batches if necessary to prevent burning or residue buildup.
Serve: Transfer pancakes to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze for a sweet, tangy finish. Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Notes

If the cinnamon swirl mixture begins to harden, gently reheat it to soften before piping again.
For easier cleanup, place a baking sheet under a wire rack and drizzle the pancakes with glaze there to catch any drips.
You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative to make this recipe lactose-free.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth glaze texture.

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