Imagine the delicious marriage of two breakfast favorites: fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolls. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes take everything you love about swirled, buttery cinnamon rolls and transform it into a quick-cooking, weekend-worthy pancake stack. These delightful pancakes are layered with pockets of buttery brown sugar and cinnamon, finished with a drizzle of tangy cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re cooking for a lazy Saturday brunch or looking to surprise your family with a truly indulgent treat, this unforgettable recipe hits all the right notes.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a trio of simple fillings, every ingredient in these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes brings an essential element to the table. From the warm, comforting spice of cinnamon to the creamy richness in the glaze, here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

All-purpose flour: Forms the backbone of your pancakes for a tender crumb and sturdy texture.
Baking powder: Gives your batter a fluffy lift so each pancake is cloud-soft.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
Milk: Brings moisture; add a touch more if your batter feels too thick.
Vegetable oil: Keeps pancakes light and prevents sticking.
Large egg, beaten: Binds everything together for structure and richness.
Pancake mix option (like Bisquick): For busy mornings, use your favorite mix and just follow the package directions.
Butter (for cinnamon filling): Melted butter is key to that unmistakable gooey swirl inside every pancake.
Light brown sugar: Delivers sweetness and that deep, molasses-rich flavor found in classic cinnamon rolls.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—don’t skimp!
Cream cheese: Provides a touch of tang and glorious creaminess in the glaze.
Powdered sugar: The base for that velvety-sweet drizzle everyone loves.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with warm, fragrant notes.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Mix the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Once smooth, scoop this mixture into a small zip-top baggie. Let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes; as it cools, it’ll thicken slightly, making it easier to pipe beautiful swirls onto the pancakes without running.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pancake Batter

In a separate medium bowl, quickly whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, oil, and beaten egg, then gently stir just until combined—the batter should still have a few tiny lumps for tender pancakes. Or, if you’re using a pancake mix like Bisquick, simply prepare it according to the box instructions. Both paths lead to breakfast bliss!

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and cream cheese together until just smooth (start with 30-second intervals). Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then whisk until you have a lush, pourable glaze. Set aside—the anticipation makes it taste even sweeter.

Step 4: Swirl, Flip, and Cook

Heat a skillet or griddle over low heat and coat with non-stick spray. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter per pancake. Snip a corner from your cinnamon filling bag and pipe a generous spiral right onto the uncooked side. When you see bubbles on top, gently flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, until golden. Try not to swoon as the cinnamon sugar caramelizes!

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Stack your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes on a warm baking sheet if you’re batch cooking. Right before serving, lavish them with a spoonful of the cream cheese glaze. Grab your fork—there’s no turning back from here.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

These pancakes are already a showstopper, but a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon will take them over the top. For extra flair, add a few thin slices of banana or a swirl of whipped cream to echo the cinnamon roll spirit.

Side Dishes

Pair Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with crisp bacon, sausage links, or sweet fruit salad for a balanced plate. A cup of hot coffee or a tall glass of cold milk perfectly complements the rich, sweet, and spicy flavors, turning breakfast into a full-blown brunch celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making a pancake stack cake for special occasions—layer pancakes with glaze in between and slice like you would a dessert. Mini versions make a festive addition to a breakfast buffet, or roll them up with the cinnamon swirl inside for a fun and portable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep extra cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze in separate containers—they’ll firm up as they chill.

Freezing

For longer storage, lay cooled pancakes flat between parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to two months. You can also freeze the glaze and cinnamon filling in separate bags; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm pancakes gently in the microwave or a low oven. Zap the glaze and filling for a few seconds if they’ve become too firm, then assemble and serve as usual. You’ll be surprised how fresh and decadent these taste, even after a quick reheat!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour or use a gluten-free pancake mix. Check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free for total peace of mind.

Is there a way to lighten up the recipe?

You can swap in low-fat milk, use light cream cheese for the glaze, and cut back on some of the filling if you want a slightly healthier version. These tweaks will still deliver the comforting flavors you crave!

Why did my cinnamon swirl leak out of the pancake?

This usually happens if the filling is too warm and runny, or if the swirl is piped too close to the edge. Letting the filling thicken a bit and piping it in a tight spiral in the center should help keep it neatly contained.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are perfect for feeding a group! Double (or even triple) the ingredients, but keep your pan size in mind so you don’t overcrowd it. Baking pancakes in the oven on a sheet pan can also be a game-changer for big brunches.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while finishing the batch?

Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven (about 95°C) until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them fluffy and warm without drying them out, so everyone enjoys them just as they should be.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to level up your breakfast game, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are simply a must-try! You’ll love how they blend the homestyle comfort of classic pancakes with the irresistible swirls and cream cheese magic of your favorite bakery treats. Invite friends or family over and watch these disappear, one warm, sticky, cinnamon-filled bite at a time.