Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If there’s ever been a breakfast that feels like an instant celebration, it’s Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Imagine the very best elements of pillowy pancakes and gooey, spiced cinnamon rolls, all swirled into one dreamy stack. Each bite is tender and fluffy, swirled with a ribbon of buttery cinnamon sugar and crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re serving these at a weekend brunch or just treating yourself on a weekday, this mashup is pure comfort that tastes like a warm hug from your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes come together with simple staples you probably have on hand, but each one is crucial for achieving homemade diner magic. From flour for structure to cinnamon for pizzazz, don’t substitute if you want that signature flavor and texture!

• All-purpose flour: Gives the pancakes their soft, fluffy texture and structure.
• Baking powder: Ensures your pancakes rise beautifully for extra fluffiness.
• Salt: A little bit balances sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist and adds richness.
• Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and helps prevent sticking.
• Large egg (beaten): Binds the batter for a hearty, consistent crumb.
• Butter (for cinnamon filling): Delivers classic, buttery cinnamon roll flavor in every swirl.
• Packed light brown sugar: The secret to that deep, caramelized cinnamon filling.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and aroma to the swirl.
• Butter (for glaze): Makes the glaze rich and impossibly creamy.
• Cream cheese: Adds tang and silkiness for that classic cinnamon roll glaze experience.
• Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze its smooth, sweet finish and pourable texture.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a touch of warmth and complexity.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Start by mixing the butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a bowl until well combined and glossy. Spoon this luscious mixture into a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped off). Set it aside for about 10–15 minutes—this rest time lets it thicken just enough to swirl neatly through your pancakes without running everywhere.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, beaten egg, and oil, then stir everything gently—just until there are no more dry streaks. Don’t overmix! The secret to fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is a tender batter that still has a few lumps left in it.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Combine butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Set this aside; you’ll want it warm and pourable when your pancakes come off the griddle.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat your skillet or griddle on low-medium and rub a little oil or butter over the surface. Pour about 1/2 cup of your pancake batter on, letting it spread into a thick, cozy circle. Now’s when the magic happens: pipe a generous cinnamon swirl over the batter. Let it cook until little bubbles start popping on top and the edges start setting.

Step 5: Flip and Finish

With a quick, confident flip, cook the other side for just another minute or two—keep an eye out, because the cinnamon swirl can caramelize quickly! The pancake should be golden, with the swirl turning dark brown and shiny.

Step 6: Keep Warm As You Go

Slide your finished pancake onto a warm plate or keep them cozy in a low oven while you repeat with the rest of your batter and cinnamon filling. That way, every Cinnamon Roll Pancake is ready for a grand glaze drizzle at the end.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Arrange your stacks high and pour over that dreamy cream cheese glaze. Serve them immediately for the best, gooey texture—this is the moment you’ll be waiting for all morning!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

For a wow-factor finish, drizzle each stack of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a generous pour of the warm cream cheese glaze, and maybe shower on a pinch of extra cinnamon or a scatter of chopped toasted pecans. A dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries adds color, freshness, and balance to the sweet richness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, or a platter of fresh fruit for a perfect brunch spread. The saltiness or tartness from the sides helps balance the sweetness and makes every bite even more irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini Cinnamon Roll Pancakes as fun finger food for a brunch buffet, or serve a single oversized pancake on a platter for sharing at the table. For a special touch, layer pancakes with extra glaze in between and sprinkle chopped nuts or cinnamon chips for a show-stopping cake-style stack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, simply layer them with parchment between each cake and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three days and are easy to reheat morning after morning.

Freezing

Cool the pancakes completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or foil before popping them into a freezer bag. Stored this way, your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes will keep their taste and texture for up to two months—a sweet treat whenever you need it.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed pancakes briefly in the microwave (about 30 seconds with a moist paper towel) or pop them in a low oven until heated through. If you’ve saved some glaze, reheat it gently and drizzle over just before serving to bring back that fresh-from-the-skillet magic.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before, then quickly combine them in the morning just before cooking. This keeps the baking powder active and your pancakes fluffy.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl?

No problem! Just fill a sturdy zip-top bag with the cinnamon filling, snip a small corner off, and use it like a homemade piping bag for easy swirls.

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend in a one-to-one ratio for the flour. Just make sure it has added xanthan gum for the best texture.

Is there a way to make them dairy-free?

You can swap the cow’s milk for almond or oat milk, and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. The Cinnamon Roll Pancakes will still be rich, decadent, and satisfying.

How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from burning?

Cooking on low-medium heat is key. If your skillet gets too hot, the sugar in the swirl can burn quickly, so keep an eye on things and flip as soon as the pancakes are ready.

Final Thoughts

I can hardly wait for you to try these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes—you’re about to earn major breakfast hero status! They truly bring together the best of both worlds, with swirls of cinnamon goodness and a glaze that begs for seconds. Don’t forget to share your delicious stacks; homemade mornings don’t get better than this.

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