Name: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup milk (may need to add a little more if batter is too thick); 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 large egg, beaten; 1/3 cup butter, melted; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 Tablespoons butter; 2 ounces cream cheese; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Bursting with buttery swirls of cinnamon and finished with a rich cream cheese glaze, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the ultimate weekend breakfast treat that combine everything you adore about cinnamon rolls and fluffy pancakes—all in a single bite. Whether you’re serving these on a lazy Sunday morning, at a holiday brunch, or just because you crave something extraordinary, each mouthful brings a gorgeous marriage of spice and sweetness. This recipe is pure comfort and fun, with the signature flavors you love, and it will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each component in this recipe serves a special purpose, from the silky pancake base to the irresistible cinnamon swirl, and the decadent cream cheese glaze. It’s all about simple, pantry-friendly ingredients coming together to create something sensational!

All-purpose flour: Gives the pancakes structure and a soft crumb—classic and reliable for a perfect stack.
Baking powder: Helps the pancakes puff up and turn out wonderfully fluffy.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: Adds moisture and keeps the batter silky; feel free to add a splash more if your batter looks too thick.
Vegetable oil: Delivers tenderness and prevents dryness, resulting in irresistible pancakes.
Large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to that golden-color and richness.
Pancake mix (such as Bisquick): An easy shortcut—just follow the package instructions for quick pancakes.
Butter (divided): Essential twice! For the cinnamon filling and the cream cheese glaze, it provides delectable richness.
Light brown sugar: Creates a deep caramel flavor in the signature cinnamon swirl.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of these pancakes, it brings that cozy, spicy warmth we crave.
Cream cheese: The secret to a smooth, tangy glaze that sets these pancakes apart from the rest.
Powdered sugar: Ensures the glaze is silky, sweet, and perfectly pourable.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with an aromatic hint of vanilla luxury.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Filling

Before you even fire up your griddle, mix together melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This thick swirl is the soul of every Cinnamon Roll Pancake, melting into a gorgeous spiral that perfumes your kitchen. Scoop it all into a small zip baggie and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Patience is key—it needs to thicken slightly for the swirl to hold its shape instead of running everywhere.

Step 2: Whisk up the Pancake Batter

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt first. Next, whisk in the milk, oil, and beaten egg just until the batter is moist—small lumps are absolutely normal and even desirable. They’ll cook out, leaving your pancakes fluffy, light, and tender every time.

Step 3: Shortcut Option with Pancake Mix

If you’re pressed for time or simply love your favorite boxed pancake mix (hello, Bisquick fans!), go ahead and use it. Just stick to the package instructions, and you’ll still achieve stellar results in your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes adventure.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, heat together the butter and cream cheese until soft and melty. Whisk until smooth—no lumps allowed! Then blend in powdered sugar and vanilla until your glaze reaches pourable, irresistible perfection. Set aside and try not to sneak too many fingerfuls as you go.

Step 5: Cook and Swirl

Warm a large skillet or griddle over low heat and spritz it lightly with nonstick spray. Pour out about half a cup of pancake batter for each round. Snip a tiny corner off your cinnamon swirl bag and pipe a spiral onto the surface of every pancake. Watch for bubbles to form on top, then flip each pancake and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden. Keep the finished pancakes warm in a low oven as you work through the batter and filling—anticipation builds, and your patience will pay off.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Stack your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes high on plates, then lavish them with that luscious cream cheese glaze. The sauce flows down the warm pancakes, filling every spiral and crevice. Grab a fork and dive in—the donut shop can wait!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

A final flourish goes a long way. Dust your stack with a sprinkling of powdered sugar or top with a drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze. For a little color and freshness, scatter over plump berries or a twist of orange zest—both complement the warm cinnamon beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these rich, sweet pancakes with salty crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage for the perfect balance. A fresh fruit salad or tangy Greek yogurt on the side will cut through the sweetness and keep breakfast light and lively.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform a platter of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes into a brunch centerpiece by stacking them in layers with glaze in between for a “pancake cake.” Or cut them into wedges and offer toothpicks for a brunch buffet—these swirled beauties are an instant party starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few spare Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (an unlikely scenario!), let them cool completely before stacking with parchment between each one. Pop them into an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.

Freezing

Layer cooled pancakes between parchment paper and slip them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months. For the cream cheese glaze, freeze separately in a small airtight container—simply thaw both overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To bring those Cinnamon Roll Pancakes back to life, reheat them gently in a warm oven (about 300°F) or give them a quick zap in the microwave. Warm the cream cheese glaze separately, then drizzle generously and enjoy as though they were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes without cream cheese?

Absolutely! While the cream cheese glaze is classic, you can swap it for a simple powdered sugar-milk drizzle or even use maple syrup. The pancakes will still deliver all those lovely cinnamon sugar flavors.

Can I use a dairy-free alternative for these pancakes?

Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and a vegan butter for both the batter and cinnamon filling/glaze. The result will be just as scrumptious, and you won’t miss a thing.

What’s the trick to a perfect swirl in the pancakes?

Letting the cinnamon filling rest until thick but still pipeable is the real secret. If the filling is too runny, it will dissolve right into the batter instead of creating a distinct, show-stopping spiral.

Why are my pancakes sticking to the skillet?

Be sure to lightly coat your griddle or skillet with nonstick spray and keep the heat nice and low. High heat can cause the cinnamon sugar to caramelize too quickly, leading to sticking or burning.

How do I avoid the swirl leaking out when flipping?

Wait until bubbles appear and the edges of the pancake look set before flipping; this helps seal in the cinnamon layer and keeps your swirl intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about biting into warm, gooey Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, with every swirl bursting with love and nostalgia. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or just pampering yourself, I can’t recommend these highly enough. Give them a try, and prepare to swoon with every bite!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 28 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Makes 8–10 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes – a delightful fusion of classic cinnamon rolls and fluffy pancakes, topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch treat!

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Scoop the filling into a small zip baggie and set aside. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thick.
Prepare Pancake Batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, milk, oil, and egg until moistened. For boxed mix, follow package directions.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Heat butter and cream cheese until melted. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
Cook Pancakes: Heat skillet, pour batter, squeeze cinnamon filling on top. Flip when bubbles appear, cook until browned. Keep warm in oven. Repeat for remaining pancakes.
Serve: Spoon warmed cream cheese glaze on each pancake. Enjoy!

Notes

Add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.
Make extra glaze and serve on the side for dipping.
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American