There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon rolls. Now imagine all that flavor swirling inside fluffy, golden pancakes. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes take your classic breakfast favorite and give it a fun twist that’s perfect for weekend mornings, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself.
One chilly morning a while back, I was craving cinnamon rolls but didn’t have the time or energy to roll out dough and wait for it to rise.
So I got creative and thought, why not combine cinnamon rolls with pancakes?
The idea of swirling cinnamon sugar and a simple cream cheese glaze into fluffy pancakes sounded like breakfast magic.
After a few tasty trials, this recipe was born.
It’s easy enough for a weekday treat but special enough to impress guests on a lazy Sunday brunch.
Plus, it’s a fun way to switch things up if you’re tired of plain pancakes.
Why You’ll Love This
First, the flavor is absolutely irresistible. You get the warm, cozy taste of cinnamon sugar melting right into every bite, topped with a creamy glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming. It’s like a cinnamon roll and pancake had a delicious baby.
Second, the texture is spot on. These pancakes are fluffy and tender, with a slight caramelized edge from the cinnamon swirl. The swirls themselves add a gooey, almost caramel-like quality that makes each bite exciting.
Third, they are surprisingly easy to make. If you can whip up basic pancakes and a simple glaze, you’re already halfway there. The cinnamon swirl is made from pantry staples and requires just a few extra minutes to prepare.
Finally, these pancakes are incredibly versatile. You can serve them plain for a quick treat, pile on fresh fruit for a healthy boost, or drizzle extra glaze for a decadent brunch. They’re kid-friendly too, making breakfast a fun family affair.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine Type: American Breakfast / Brunch
- Servings: 4 (about 8 pancakes)
- Estimated Cost: $5–7 (depending on ingredient brands)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
- Small bowl (for cinnamon swirl)
- Spoon or piping bag (optional, for swirl)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Helpful notes: You can swap whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and added fiber, but the pancakes will be a bit denser. If you don’t have cream cheese for the glaze, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze instead by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla. The cinnamon swirl can be piped or spooned in — either way works great.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s perfect — don’t overmix or your pancakes could turn tough.
- To make the cinnamon swirl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable. Set it aside while you heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Immediately drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the batter. Use a toothpick, skewer, or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the pancake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the pancakes cook, prepare the cream cheese glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a little more milk if it’s too thick, or powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Serve the pancakes warm, stacked high and generously drizzled with the cream cheese glaze. You can add fresh fruit or chopped nuts on top if you like. Dig in immediately for the best experience.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 7 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 1.5 grams
- Fat: 13 grams
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Tips for Success
Start with room temperature ingredients for the smoothest batter. Cold milk or eggs can make it harder to mix evenly, which affects pancake fluffiness.
Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened to keep your pancakes tender and soft.
Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned griddle to prevent sticking, and keep the heat moderate. Too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks through.
Swirling the cinnamon sugar gently is key. Use a light hand with the toothpick or spoon to create pretty swirls without fully mixing the cinnamon sugar in, which keeps that signature cinnamon roll look and taste.
Common Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I prepare the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the cinnamon swirl a day ahead and keep it covered at room temperature or in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before using.
How do I store leftovers?
Cool pancakes completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can freeze them layered with parchment paper for up to 2 months.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
Reheat pancakes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Microwave works too, but the texture might get a bit soggy.
Variations and Substitutions
If you want to add some nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl before swirling it into the batter.
For a fruitier twist, add diced apples or raisins to the cinnamon swirl mixture, or top the finished pancakes with fresh berries or sliced bananas.
To make these dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a vegan butter alternative. You can also make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and plant-based milk instead of cream cheese.
If you love a little extra spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the cinnamon swirl for a warm fall flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are amazing on their own but pairing them with a few sides makes breakfast feel extra special. Try serving with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast.
A side of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a fruit salad adds a fresh, bright note to balance the sweetness.
For drinks, a hot cup of coffee or chai tea complements the cinnamon beautifully. On warmer days, try a glass of cold milk or a fresh orange juice for a classic breakfast combo.
You could also top the pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent brunch treat.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk whole or 2%
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir just until combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s perfect — don’t overmix or your pancakes could turn tough.
- To make the cinnamon swirl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth and spreadable. Set it aside while you heat your skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Immediately drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the batter. Use a toothpick, skewer, or the back of a spoon to gently swirl the cinnamon sugar through the pancake batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Cook the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the pancakes cook, prepare the cream cheese glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with a little more milk if it’s too thick, or powdered sugar if it’s too thin.
- Serve the pancakes warm, stacked high and generously drizzled with the cream cheese glaze. You can add fresh fruit or chopped nuts on top if you like. Dig in immediately for the best experience.
Notes
Enjoy these pancakes anytime you want that cozy cinnamon roll flavor with a light, fluffy twist.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this recipe with me.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes have quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and I hope they bring the same joy and warmth to your table.
Whether it’s a weekend family breakfast or a special treat to brighten your morning, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to put a smile on your face.
Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how you like them!
