Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If your heart beats a little faster at the mention of cinnamon rolls or pancakes, prepare for a double treat: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the dream breakfast that mingles the soft, puffy joy of pancakes with the irresistible swirl and gooey goodness of classic cinnamon rolls. Each bite brings a perfect balance of fluffy batter, buttery cinnamon ribbons, and a tangy-sweet drizzle of cream cheese glaze, making these pancakes not just breakfast food, but a soul-soothing, sweet-tooth-satisfying experience. Whether you’re treating family on a lazy Sunday morning or just want to surprise yourself with a bit of homemade decadence, this recipe promises to deliver big cinnamon roll flavor—in the form of your favorite morning stack.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Cinnamon Roll Pancakes lies in everyday ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting the perfect stack. Simple pantry staples, a few fridge favorites, and a couple extra-special touches create layers of taste, color, and heavenly texture.

  • Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, it adds moisture and depth to both the batter and those signature cinnamon swirls.
  • Packed light brown sugar: Sweet and caramel-like, it melds beautifully with cinnamon for that classic filling.
  • Ground cinnamon: The star spice, giving warmth and signature cinnamon roll flavor throughout.
  • Cream cheese: Smooth and tangy, it forms the base of the decadent glaze.
  • Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and blends seamlessly into the cream cheese for a silky glaze.
  • Vanilla extract: It brings complexity and a fragrant note to the glaze.
  • All purpose flour: Gives structure and fluffiness to your pancakes.
  • Baking powder: Ensures the pancakes puff up nicely for that irresistible, light texture.
  • Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and deepen flavors.
  • Milk: Creates a smooth batter and adds subtle richness.
  • Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and helps with lifting the pancakes.
  • Canola or vegetable oil: Adds tenderness and prevents sticking.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

This is where the magic starts! Stir together melted butter, light brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until completely combined. Spoon this fragrant, deep-brown mixture into a sturdy zip-top baggie and set aside—it’ll soon become those irresistible cinnamon swirls.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

Time to make pancakes taste like a frosted cinnamon roll! Gently melt your butter, then whisk in the softened cream cheese for a creamy base. Sift in the powdered sugar to avoid lumps, stir in vanilla, and let the glaze rest while you move on to the pancakes. If it thickens too much, just give it a quick re-warm before serving.

Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, then add milk, a lightly beaten egg, and a dash of oil. Stir until just blended—some small lumps are totally fine and will actually keep your pancakes tender. The result is a thick, dreamy batter primed for swirls of cinnamon goodness.

Step 4: Swirl and Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet and lightly spray it to ensure nothing sticks. Pour scoops of batter onto the hot skillet, then reduce the heat slightly. Snip a small corner from your cinnamon filling baggie, and as soon as the pancakes begin to bubble, swirl the cinnamon filling right on top, starting from the center and working outwards. Cook for a couple of minutes, flip with a wide spatula, and finish until both sides are golden and the cinnamon swirl is fragrant and slightly caramelized. Wipe out the pan between batches to keep everything looking (and tasting) perfect!

Step 5: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze

As you stack the fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes onto plates, drizzle generously with the luscious glaze. Each pancake becomes a gooey, creamy, cinnamon-laced masterpiece—ready for devouring.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Finish your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with an extra swirl of cream cheese glaze for that bakery-style finish. For a pop of color or texture, try a sprinkle of chopped, toasted pecans, a few fresh berries, or a dusting of cinnamon right before serving. If you love over-the-top breakfasts, a dollop of whipped cream is always welcome!

Side Dishes

These pancakes are a headliner by themselves, but lighter sides will balance the meal. Serve with a big bowl of fresh fruit, some tangy Greek yogurt on the side, or even crispy bacon or sausage links. The contrast of sweet and savory keeps breakfast fun and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, try stacking mini Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and skewering them with a toothpick for bite-sized fun. Or, make a pancake “cake” with layers of pancakes, cinnamon filling, and glaze! Set out little bowls of toppings and let everyone decorate their own stack—kids and adults alike will love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (lucky you!), let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to 3 days and make the happiest leftovers for busy mornings.

Freezing

Pop cooled pancakes onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Frozen Cinnamon Roll Pancakes will keep for up to 2 months. Don’t forget to freeze glaze and cinnamon filling in separate small containers for ultimate freshness.

Reheating

For best results, reheat pancakes in a toaster or on a skillet until warmed through. The microwave also works, just use short bursts so they stay fluffy. Warm the glaze separately and drizzle just before serving, so each pancake is as gooey and decadent as when first made.

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten free baking blend, and check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten free. The results are still wonderfully fluffy with all the cinnamon roll flavor you crave.

What’s the secret to perfect cinnamon swirls?

The key is using a thick but pipeable filling and swirling it shortly after the batter begins to bubble in the pan. If the filling is too runny or you add it too early, it can spread too much, so cool the filling slightly if needed for perfect control.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter and cream cheese with non-dairy versions and use your favorite plant-based milk. The pancakes will still be rich and full of classic cinnamon roll flavor.

How do I avoid sticky messes in the pan?

Be sure to wipe out your skillet with a paper towel between batches so that leftover filling doesn’t scorch. Nonstick spray or a little oil between pancakes also helps keep things neat and makes flipping easy.

Can I prepare the cinnamon filling or glaze in advance?

Definitely. You can make both the cinnamon filling and the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate them. Gently rewarm to bring them back to the perfect consistency before swirling or drizzling onto your pancakes.

Final Thoughts

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are like a warm hug in breakfast form—cozy, rich, and absolutely irresistible. If you’re looking to wow your brunch crowd or simply want to add some joyful decadence to an ordinary morning, whip up a batch and watch every plate return sparkling clean. You have to try these—your breakfast routine will never be the same!

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 8 pancakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and indulgent Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that are sure to impress your breakfast guests. These pancakes are a delightful twist on classic pancakes, with a cinnamon swirl and sweet glaze that mimic the flavors of a cinnamon roll.


Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Filling:

  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted (not boiling)
  • 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
  • ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

Glaze:

  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Pancake Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cinnamon Filling: In a medium bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Place the filling in a zip baggie.
  2. Prepare Glaze: Melt butter in a pan, then whisk in cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  3. Prepare Pancake Batter: Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, milk, egg, and oil until just moistened.
  4. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a skillet, add batter, swirl in cinnamon filling, cook until golden on both sides. Serve with warm glaze.

Notes

  • For best results, squeeze the cinnamon filling in a circular motion for a perfect swirl.
  • Ensure the skillet is at the right temperature to cook the pancakes evenly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Breakfast, Pancake Recipe, Cinnamon Swirl

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