If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a gooey cinnamon roll and a towering stack of pancakes at brunch, then Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are about to make your breakfast dreams come true! Imagine the warm, buttery swirl of cinnamon rolled up in pillowy pancakes, crowned with a decadent drizzle of cream cheese glaze. This fun mashup brings together the very best of two breakfast classics in a way that is both playful and irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you taste one bite of these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, your kitchen will become everyone’s favorite breakfast spot.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is how each simple ingredient works its magic—creating a heavenly combination of soft, tender pancakes, a rich cinnamon swirl, and a luscious cream cheese glaze. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why every item truly matters.

All-purpose flour: This is the base for your pancakes, providing structure and that classic fluffy texture.
Baking powder: Adds airiness, helping your pancakes rise and become light as clouds.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon balances out all the sweet flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Milk: Brings the batter together; adjust the quantity just a tad for the perfect pourable consistency.
Vegetable oil: Adds moistness and helps create that irresistible golden color as your pancakes cook.
Egg, beaten: Acts as a binder and adds tenderness to each bite.
Pancake mix option (like Bisquick): Perfect for mornings when you need a shortcut—simply follow the box directions.
Butter (for cinnamon filling): Melted butter is key for that rich, velvety swirl that sinks right into the pancake.
Light brown sugar: Delivers that caramel note and sticky-sweet essence we adore in cinnamon rolls.
Ground cinnamon: The fragrance superstar! Don’t skimp; it’s what transforms regular pancakes into something magical.
Butter (for glaze): Softens and smooths the glaze, beautifully blending with luscious cream cheese.
Cream cheese: That tangy, creamy note that enhances and balances all the sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves right into the glaze, making it silky and perfect for drizzling.
Vanilla extract: Brings everything together with an aromatic, comforting finish.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prep the Cinnamon Swirl

Start by whipping up the star of the show—the gooey cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, mix your melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you get a thick, rich paste. Scoop this mixture into a small plastic zip bag and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This little pause gives the filling a chance to thicken up just enough so it swirls beautifully in the pancakes (and doesn’t run everywhere!).

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in your milk, vegetable oil, and the beaten egg—just stir until everything is barely mixed; a few small lumps are totally fine and actually make your pancakes fluffier. If having a lazy morning or cooking with kids, feel free to swap in your favorite pancake mix and just follow the package instructions.

Step 3: Mix Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

For that show-stopping finish, heat up your butter and cream cheese together in a medium microwave-safe bowl until melted. Whisk them into a smooth puddle, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Keep whisking until the glaze is creamy, silky, and just pourable. Set aside while you cook your pancakes—the anticipation makes it taste even better!

Step 4: Cook and Swirl the Pancakes

Preheat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and hit it with a bit of non-stick spray. Pour about 1/2 cup of your pancake batter onto the griddle. Snip a tiny corner off your cinnamon filling bag and gently pipe a spiral right on top of each pancake (just like a cinnamon roll!). When little bubbles dot the surface, it’s time to carefully flip—cook another minute or two until golden brown. Keep your finished pancakes warm in the oven on a baking sheet while you make the rest.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

When it’s finally time to eat, spoon or drizzle that sweet cream cheese glaze all over your warm Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Watch how it gets cozy in all those cinnamon swirls—it’s totally irresistible! Stack ‘em high, grab a fork, and dig in.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes look absolutely stunning with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon. Try fresh berries, toasted pecans, or even a light zesting of orange peel for brightness. A final flourish of the last bit of cream cheese glaze never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Balance their indulgent sweetness with crisp salty bacon, breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs on the side. If you’re going all-out brunch, a bowl of fresh fruit or a tangy yogurt parfait complements Cinnamon Roll Pancakes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Skip the stack and make mini Cinnamon Roll Pancakes as party-ready sliders—just spread extra glaze in between! Or fan several pancakes on a platter and sprinkle with crushed nuts and drizzle with maple syrup for a truly decadent brunch centerpiece. It’s all about making breakfast feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have some Cinnamon Roll Pancakes left? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the pancakes and glaze separate so everything stays as fresh and delicious as the first bite.

Freezing

Freeze cooked pancakes (without glaze) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag—lay parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes can be frozen for up to two months, making them a last-minute breakfast hero.

Reheating

To reheat, pop pancakes in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds per pancake, or warm in a toaster oven at 325°F until heated through. Gently rewarm the cream cheese glaze separately, then pour it on just before serving. Breakfast magic, even on your busiest mornings!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, or use a gluten-free pancake mix. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients (like baking powder) are certified gluten-free.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

You can, though the pancakes will be heartier and a touch denser. I suggest starting with a half-and-half blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, and adding a splash more milk to keep the batter pourable.

Is it better to use butter or oil in the pancake batter?

Either gives you a delicious pancake, but vegetable oil generally makes pancakes lighter and fluffier, while butter gives a richer taste. Feel free to use what you love or have on hand.

How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from leaking out?

Letting the cinnamon filling rest and thicken slightly before piping makes a big difference. Also, swirling gently (not too close to the pancake edge) and flipping the pancake carefully help keep the filling beautifully inside.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the cream cheese glaze and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just rewarm in the microwave or over a double boiler before drizzling over your fresh Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have everything you need to whip up a batch of glorious, gooey Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, isn’t it time to treat yourself? There’s something truly magical about combining these two breakfast icons, and I can’t wait for you to taste the magic in every bite. Invite your favorite people, pour some coffee, and make breakfast the highlight of your day!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Makes about 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast classics with these scrumptious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Fluffy pancakes swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze create a delightful morning treat.

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Place in a zip baggie and set aside to thicken for 10-15 minutes.
Prepare Pancake Batter: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, oil, and egg until just moistened, lumps are fine. Alternatively, prepare boxed mix.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Melt butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, whisk until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla. Set aside.
Cook Pancakes: Heat skillet, pour batter, squeeze cinnamon filling in a spiral, flip when bubbles form. Cook until browned, then keep warm in the oven. Serve with cream cheese glaze on top.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American