Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If you’ve ever wished your Saturday morning pancakes came with the cozy swirl and aroma of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll, you’re in for an absolute treat. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring together the irresistible gooeyness of cinnamon rolls and the pillowy comfort of homemade pancakes, all topped with a creamy, dreamy glaze. These pancakes aren’t just breakfast—they’re a whole experience, perfect for making slow mornings feel special or wowing your brunch crowd with something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes rely on a handful of everyday ingredients, each adding something essential to the show-stopping flavors and textures. Don’t be intimidated by the list—every item has its starring role, and the results are absolutely worth it.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the soft, tender base for the pancakes.
• Baking Powder: Adds lift, ensuring your pancakes turn out fluffy and light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances sweetness in the pancakes and fillings.
• Milk: Brings moisture, giving the batter just the right consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the pancakes nice and tender.
• Large Egg (beaten): Binds everything together and adds a touch of richness.
• Pancake Mix (optional): A great shortcut—just follow the package instructions.
• Butter (for cinnamon filling): Delivers that classic cinnamon roll flavor and gooey swirl.
• Light Brown Sugar: Gives the swirl its caramel-like depth and sticky sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The aromatic star—no cinnamon roll flavor without it!
• Butter (for glaze): Creates a silky base for the creamy topping.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and richness for a true cinnamon roll glaze experience.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze so it drizzles just right.
• Vanilla Extract: A small splash rounds out all the flavors with warmth and depth.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Start off by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Once combined, spoon this mixture into a small zip-top bag and set it aside to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Letting it thicken a bit will make swirling into your pancakes super easy and give those gorgeous bakery-worthy spirals.

Step 2: Whisk the Pancake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt so they’re well blended. Next, pour in the milk, oil, and beaten egg, stirring until the batter is just combined (don’t worry if there are a few small lumps—they make pancakes tender!). If you’re short on time, you can absolutely use your favorite pancake mix here; just mix it up according to the box.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter and cream cheese until soft and creamy. Whisk until smooth, then incorporate the powdered sugar and vanilla until you have a luscious, pourable glaze. Set aside—trust me, this is what will take your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes totally over the top!

Step 4: Cook and Swirl

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over low heat, and give it a light spray with cooking oil. Pour about 1/2 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Snip a small corner off your cinnamon filling bag and gently pipe a spiral right on top of the batter. When you see bubbles forming on the surface, carefully flip the pancake and cook for another minute or two until golden and swirled with gooey goodness. Keep the finished pancakes warm on a baking sheet in the oven while you finish the batch.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Plate your warm Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and generously drizzle each one with the cream cheese glaze. Don’t hold back—the more glaze, the more magical each bite! Serve immediately and savor every swirling bite of warm cinnamon and sweet cream cheese glaze.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

For that perfect finishing touch, try a little dusting of extra cinnamon on top, a few chopped pecans or walnuts, or even some fresh fruit for brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, a little swirl of whipped cream never hurts. These little extras make every stack feel like an occasion.

Side Dishes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes pair beautifully with crispy bacon, sausage links, or scrambled eggs for a satisfying sweet-and-savory combo. For a lighter spread, a fresh fruit salad or a simple bowl of berries balances the richness of the pancakes and glaze.

Creative Ways to Present

Make mini pancakes for a brunch buffet, or stack them sky-high and drizzle the glaze so it cascades down the sides—so fun and dramatic! Turning them into pancake “cupcakes” with a dollop of glaze piped on top is cute too, especially for kids or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes fresh, layer any leftovers between sheets of parchment or wax paper and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors even seem to get better overnight, making them perfect for breakfast the next day.

Freezing

Let the pancakes cool completely, then freeze in a flat, single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out individual pancakes as needed. Be sure to store the cream cheese glaze separately in a small airtight container.

Reheating

Warm chilled pancakes in the microwave for about 30 seconds or reheat in a toaster oven until hot. For frozen pancakes, microwave in 30-second bursts until soft and warm, or crisp them up in a skillet. Don’t forget to warm the cream cheese glaze gently so it’s perfectly pourable for drizzling!

FAQs

Can I make the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix up the batter and store it covered in the fridge overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, and you may need to add a splash of milk if it has thickened.

Can I use a dairy-free alternative?

Yes! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk and vegan butter, and use a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze. The pancakes will still be rich and satisfying.

What’s the best way to achieve the classic cinnamon swirl?

Letting the cinnamon filling rest and thicken slightly before piping makes all the difference. Pipe the swirl onto the pancake before flipping for a beautiful, bakery-style spiral.

How do I keep the cinnamon filling from leaking out?

Make sure the filling isn’t too runny; letting it thicken helps. Also, don’t overfill the swirl—just a thin spiral is enough for flavor and keeps everything neat while flipping.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe scales up beautifully. Just keep cooked pancakes warm on a baking sheet in the oven so everyone can dig in together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving comfort with a twist, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the ultimate treat to brighten up your breakfast table. Gather your favorite people, grab that swirl bag, and enjoy a breakfast that tastes every bit as delightful as it looks. Happy pancake flipping!

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