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; ½ 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); ⅓ cup butter (melted); ¾ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 Tablespoons butter; 2 ounces cream cheese; 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you have a weakness for mornings filled with cozy, sweet aromas and warm, fluffy textures, then Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are about to become your new breakfast obsession. This delightful recipe combines the tender, buttery goodness of traditional pancakes with the irresistible swirl of cinnamon sugar, topped off with a luscious cream cheese glaze that’s like a hug on a plate. Imagine biting into soft, golden pancakes that carry the essence of your favorite cinnamon roll but with the ease and comfort of a stack made from scratch or your favorite mix. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring together the best of both worlds, perfect for a weekend treat or any time you want to sprinkle a little magic on your morning.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun of making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, and trust me, these simple staples work in harmony to create that perfect balance of fluffy texture, rich sweetness, and gooey cinnamon swirls. Each one adds a special touch, whether it’s the warmth of cinnamon or the tangy sweetness of cream cheese glaze.

All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): The base that gives your pancakes structure and tenderness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the pancakes rise to fluffy perfection.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Milk (1 cup): Keeps the batter moist and smooth, adding richness.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and prevents sticking.
Large egg (1, beaten): Binds the ingredients and adds fluffiness; or swap with pancake mix if preferred.
Butter (1/3 cup melted + 4 tablespoons): For richness in batter and luscious cinnamon filling.
Light brown sugar (3/4 cup packed): Brings deep sweetness and molasses flavor to the cinnamon swirl.
Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The star spice that fills every bite with that classic cinnamon roll aroma.
Cream cheese (2 ounces): Blended into the glaze for tangy, creamy magic atop the pancakes.
Powdered sugar (1 1/4 cups): Sweetens the glaze with a silky smooth texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds that subtle, fragrant lift to the cream cheese glaze.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Start by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. This mixture is the heart of those irresistible cinnamon swirls that make every bite a little celebration. Spoon it into a small, resealable bag and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes so it thickens slightly – this makes it super easy to pipe onto your pancakes later.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl for an even rise and perfectly tender crumb. Slowly add milk, oil, and the beaten egg, stirring just until the batter is moistened but still slightly lumpy. A few lumps help keep the pancakes light and fluffy, so resist the urge to over mix. If you’re using a pancake mix, simply prepare according to the package instructions to save time.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the butter and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky and luscious. This glaze is the crowning glory that brings creamy sweetness and richness, making these pancakes truly unforgettable.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirls

Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about half a cup of batter onto the skillet. Snip a tiny corner off your cinnamon filling bag and pipe a spiral onto the top of the batter—just like a mini cinnamon roll on a pancake! Wait until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Keep finished pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a low oven while you cook the rest.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

Topping your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with the cream cheese glaze while they’re still warm allows it to melt beautifully, creating a dreamy texture that clings to every swirl. For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon powder, bringing a lovely crunch and boosting that spicy aroma even more.

Side Dishes

Serve these pancakes with a side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or even banana slices to cut through the sweetness and add freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a crispy bacon strip also pairs wonderfully, balancing the rich flavors with a bit of tang or savory delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive mornings or special occasions, stack your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes tall and drizzle the cream cheese glaze in a cascading waterfall effect. You can even swirl some extra cinnamon sugar on top or layer the pancakes with dollops of glaze between each one, turning your breakfast into a beautiful centerpiece that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them properly sealed prevents drying out, so your pancakes remain soft and flavorful for quick breakfasts or snacks later.

Freezing

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, then separate each pancake with parchment paper and stack in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months frozen, making them a perfect batch-cook option for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly-made taste, reheat frozen pancakes in the toaster or microwave until warm. For extra flair, drizzle some fresh cream cheese glaze or syrup to mimic that fresh-from-the-griddle experience in minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pancake mix for these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?

Absolutely! Using a pancake mix simplifies the batter-making process while still delivering fluffy pancakes. The magic really happens with the cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze, so don’t hesitate to go the easy route on the base.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar filling from leaking?

Letting the cinnamon filling rest and thicken before piping helps it hold its shape better during cooking. Also, piping the filling gently onto the batter in a spiral rather than flooding it ensures it stays contained without spilling over the sides.

Is it possible to make these pancakes vegan?

Yes, with some swaps! Use plant-based milk, egg substitutes like flax eggs, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese. The cinnamon filling and glaze can also be adapted with these alternatives to keep the same incredible flavor and texture.

Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! The glaze can be prepared earlier and stored in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and whisk before drizzling to restore its smooth consistency.

What’s the best skillet or griddle for making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?

A heavy-bottomed, non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned cast iron griddle works best to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking, so your cinnamon swirls stay intact and your pancakes cook beautifully golden every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that transforms any morning into a celebration of warmth, sweetness, and homemade love. Whether you’re surprising the family or indulging yourself on a slow day, this recipe invites you to savor every bite of that softly spiced cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze. Go ahead, dive in and discover how easy it is to bring the joy of a cinnamon roll to your breakfast table in pancake form – you’ll wonder why you didn’t try Cinnamon Roll Pancakes sooner!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delight in these fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease and quickness of pancakes. Swirled with a rich cinnamon brown sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these pancakes make for a perfect indulgent breakfast or brunch treat.

Instructions

Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Transfer the filling into a small zip-top bag and set aside to rest for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Make Pancake Batter: In another medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg, stirring just until moistened. It’s okay if the batter remains slightly lumpy. Alternatively, you can use a boxed pancake mix prepared according to package directions.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, heat the butter and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth. Set aside at room temperature.
Cook Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirl: Heat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter onto the skillet. Snip a small corner off the cinnamon filling bag and squeeze a spiral of filling onto the pancake batter surface.
Flip Pancakes: When bubbles begin to form on the top surface and edges look set, carefully flip the pancake using a spatula. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the underside is lightly browned. Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you make remaining pancakes.
Serve: Once all pancakes are cooked, spoon the warmed cream cheese glaze generously over each pancake. Serve immediately and enjoy your cinnamon roll inspired breakfast treat!

Notes

If the pancake batter is too thick, add a splash more milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
Make sure the skillet is on low heat to avoid burning the sugar filling while cooking the pancakes.
Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) on a baking sheet until ready to serve.
For a quicker option, use a quality pancake mix like Bisquick and add the cinnamon swirl filling as instructed.
The cream cheese glaze can be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Griddle cooking
Cuisine: American