Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Imagine starting your morning with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and vanilla wafting through your kitchen. These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring together the beloved flavors of classic cinnamon rolls in a fluffy, stackable breakfast treat that’s easier to make than you might think.

With a tender pancake base swirled with cinnamon-sugar goodness and topped with a creamy glaze, this recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into something truly special. Perfect for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something extraordinary.

What are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are fluffy pancakes that capture all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional cinnamon rolls without the lengthy rising time or complicated rolling technique. They feature a light, tender pancake base with a cinnamon-sugar swirl that creates beautiful patterns and bursts of flavor in every bite.

The magic happens when you swirl a cinnamon mixture into the cooking pancake batter, creating those signature cinnamon roll spirals. Topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze, these pancakes deliver the same satisfaction as bakery-style cinnamon rolls but in a fraction of the time.

Ingredients List for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

For the Pancakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1¾ cups whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
⅓ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delectable pancakes involves three simple components that come together for breakfast perfection. Here’s how to make them:

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
Transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle or plastic bag with a corner snipped off for easy application.
Set aside while you prepare the pancake batter.

2. Make the Pancake Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
Don’t overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in fluffier pancakes.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for balanced flavor.

4. Cook the Pancakes:

Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
Working quickly, squeeze the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake in a spiral pattern, starting from the center.
Use a toothpick to gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter for that signature cinnamon roll appearance.

5. Flip and Finish:

Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set.
Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Transfer to a warm plate and repeat with remaining batter.
Drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to customize your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes? Here are some delicious alternatives:

Flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber, or try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free pancakes.
Milk: Substitute with buttermilk for extra tanginess, or use almond milk or oat milk for dairy-free options.
Butter: Coconut oil or vegetable oil can replace butter in both the pancakes and cinnamon swirl.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Make it lighter by using Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla, or try a simple maple syrup drizzle.
Add-ins: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch, or add a handful of mini chocolate chips for indulgent pancakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes every time by avoiding these common pitfalls:

Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Lumpy batter actually creates fluffier pancakes.
Too High Heat: Cook over medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the cinnamon swirl.
Not Preheating the Pan: Make sure your griddle is properly heated before adding batter for even browning.
Using Cold Cream Cheese: Room temperature cream cheese creates a smooth, lump-free glaze.
Skipping the Swirl: Don’t just dollop the cinnamon mixture; actually swirl it for the best visual and flavor distribution.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These pancakes are substantial enough to serve as the star of your breakfast spread. I like to arrange them on individual plates, stacking 2-3 pancakes high and drizzling the cream cheese glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Presentation Ideas for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Make your breakfast look as amazing as it tastes with these presentation tips:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds elegance and extra sweetness.
Garnish with Cinnamon Sticks: Place a cinnamon stick alongside the stack for aromatic appeal.
Fresh Fruit Arrangement: Arrange fresh berries or sliced strawberries around the plate for color contrast.
Warm Syrup Drizzle: Serve with warm maple syrup in addition to the cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.
Butter Rosette: Top with a small pat of butter shaped into a rosette for that classic pancake house look.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for pancake perfection:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Let eggs and milk come to room temperature for better mixing and fluffier results.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5 minutes before cooking to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
Test Your Heat: Cook a small test pancake first to ensure your temperature is just right.
Keep Them Warm: Place finished pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking the rest.
Make Extra Glaze: You can never have too much cream cheese glaze – make extra for those who want more.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cool pancakes completely before storing to prevent condensation. Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, wrap cooled pancakes individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. The cream cheese glaze should be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to one week.

To reheat, warm pancakes in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or pop them in the toaster for a quick crispy exterior. Microwave reheating is also possible but may result in softer pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: I recommend using pancake batter immediately for the fluffiest results, but you can prepare it up to 2 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before using.

Q: Can I freeze these pancakes?
A: Absolutely! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to freezer bags. They reheat beautifully in the toaster or oven.

Q: What if I don’t have a squeeze bottle for the cinnamon mixture?
A: Use a plastic sandwich bag with a small corner cut off, or simply spoon small amounts onto the pancake and swirl with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives in the pancakes, and substitute the cream cheese glaze with a simple powdered sugar and plant milk icing.

Q: How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
A: Look for bubbles forming on the surface and the edges appearing set. The bottom should be golden brown when you peek underneath.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Certainly! This recipe doubles well for feeding a crowd. Just make sure you have enough griddle space or plan to cook in batches.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes have become my go-to recipe for special breakfast occasions, and I’m confident they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too. The combination of fluffy pancakes, aromatic cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze creates a breakfast experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

What I love most about this recipe is how it delivers all the flavors we crave from cinnamon rolls without the time-consuming process of making yeasted dough. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a stack of these beauties ready to serve to impressed family members or guests.

Remember to take your time with the swirling technique – it’s what gives these pancakes their signature look and ensures every bite has that perfect cinnamon roll flavor. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the glaze either; it’s truly the crowning touch that transforms good pancakes into something extraordinary.

Whether you’re celebrating a special morning or just want to elevate your weekend breakfast routine, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes deliver joy in every single bite. Happy cooking, and enjoy creating these delicious memories with the people you love!

What are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?