Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

The warm, buttery swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar melts perfectly into each fluffy pancake, creating a heavenly breakfast treat that combines the comfort of cinnamon rolls with the fluffiness of pancakes. Drizzled with rich cream cheese glaze, every bite offers an indulgent balance of sweet and spice.

Ideal for weekend brunches, cozy family mornings, or when you’re just in the mood for something a little extra, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes turn an ordinary morning into something truly memorable. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to be at your table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pancake Batter:

• ¾ cup milk

• 2 teaspoons white vinegar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• ¼ cup butter, softened

• 2 ounces cream cheese

• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, stir milk and vinegar together. Let sit for 5 minutes to create “soured” milk.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add egg, melted butter, and vanilla to the soured milk; whisk until well combined.

4. Slowly add wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while whisking until just combined. A few lumps are okay.

5. In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Pour into a zip-top bag, push to one corner, and refrigerate for about 10 minutes until thick.

6. For the glaze, mix softened butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 40 seconds. Stir until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and stir until creamy.

7. Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Pour 2/3 cup batter into the center.

8. Once bubbles begin to appear (about 2–3 minutes), snip the corner of the cinnamon filling bag and swirl the filling on top of the pancake.

9. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes. Remove and repeat for remaining batter, cleaning the pan between each batch to prevent burning.

10. Drizzle with cream cheese glaze before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Magic Behind the Fusion

What makes Cinnamon Roll Pancakes extraordinary is the way the cinnamon swirl is incorporated into each pancake. As the batter cooks on the griddle, a spiral of melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is piped into the center, slowly melting and caramelizing into the pancake. When flipped, the swirl becomes slightly crisped, creating a texture contrast that mimics the center of a cinnamon roll—the most coveted part.

This swirl isn’t just about taste; it’s about presentation too. The spiral creates a visually striking appearance, making these pancakes as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious. Whether you serve them stacked high with syrup cascading down or plate them individually with a careful drizzle of glaze, the end result always feels gourmet.

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

The cinnamon filling mixture plays a crucial role in both flavor and texture. By blending brown sugar with melted butter and cinnamon, the resulting paste has the right consistency to be piped onto the pancakes. It’s important that this mixture be chilled slightly before use so that it thickens and doesn’t run across the griddle.

When added at just the right moment—after bubbles form on the surface of the pancake—the swirl melts gently into the batter. The swirl stays suspended in the pancake rather than sinking or spreading uncontrollably, which is key to achieving that beautiful cinnamon roll-style look and taste.

Cream Cheese Glaze: The Sweet Finishing Touch

No cinnamon roll is complete without a glaze, and this recipe honors that tradition with a luscious cream cheese drizzle. Made with butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, the glaze is warmed until smooth and pourable. Its slight tanginess offsets the sweetness of the brown sugar swirl, creating a rich balance that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.

The glaze is applied while the pancakes are still warm, allowing it to melt slightly into the surface and infuse each bite with creamy sweetness. Some people like to drizzle it in a spiral pattern to mimic the cinnamon swirl, while others prefer to pour it generously over a full stack for maximum coverage.

Why This Recipe Works

One of the most appealing things about Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is how accessible they are. Unlike traditional cinnamon rolls that require kneading, rising, and baking, this recipe takes about 30–35 minutes from start to finish. The pancake batter is made with simple pantry staples, and the cinnamon swirl and glaze can be assembled quickly with just a few ingredients.

The process allows for creativity and flexibility. For example, the pancake batter can be made with buttermilk instead of soured milk for a slightly tangier flavor, or whole wheat flour can be used for a nuttier texture. The cinnamon swirl can be spiced up with a dash of nutmeg or cardamom, and the glaze can be flavored with maple syrup or orange zest for a unique twist.

Ideal Occasions for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These pancakes are ideal for occasions that call for a little extra flair. Think holiday mornings, birthday brunches, Mother’s Day, or cozy weekend gatherings. They’re especially popular among kids due to the sweet, swirled appearance and frosting-like glaze. Adults, meanwhile, appreciate the nostalgia factor—this dish recalls the comfort food memories of sticky buns and diner pancakes but in a sophisticated, home-cooked format.

If you’re hosting brunch, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes can be served alongside savory options like scrambled eggs, bacon, or a breakfast casserole to balance the sweetness. They also pair beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a cold glass of milk.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These pancakes store surprisingly well. If you happen to have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave them for about 20–30 seconds, or warm them in a non-stick skillet over low heat. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them individually in wax paper or parchment before placing them in a zip-top freezer bag.

The glaze can be made in advance and stored separately in a sealed container in the fridge. Before serving, gently reheat it in the microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring in between until it reaches a smooth consistency.

Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

• Use a Squeeze Bottle or Piping Bag: For precise swirls, pour the cinnamon mixture into a squeeze bottle or a piping bag with the tip cut off. This gives you better control and ensures the swirl stays in place.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to tough, chewy pancakes rather than fluffy ones.

• Clean the Griddle Between Pancakes: The cinnamon sugar filling can burn easily, so wipe your griddle or pan with a damp cloth between each pancake to avoid a scorched taste and messy appearance.

• Cook on Medium Heat: High heat will cook the outside too quickly and may burn the cinnamon swirl. Keep the heat at medium to ensure even cooking.

• Serve Immediately: These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh off the griddle, while they’re still warm and soft, with the glaze gently melting over the top.

Customizations and Variations

For those who love to experiment in the kitchen, there are many ways to customize this recipe:

• Add-ins: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter or cinnamon swirl for added crunch. Mini chocolate chips or raisins are also fun additions.

• Flavor Variations: Add a hint of maple extract or almond extract to the batter or glaze for a unique flavor profile.

• Healthy Tweaks: Substitute whole wheat flour, almond flour, or a plant-based milk alternative to fit dietary needs. You can also use a sugar substitute like coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener in the swirl.

• Vegan/Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and cream cheese for the filling and glaze, and replace the milk and egg with vegan alternatives like almond milk and flax egg.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are more than just a sweet breakfast—they’re a celebration on a plate. By blending the richness of cinnamon rolls with the fluffiness of pancakes, this recipe offers comfort, joy, and indulgence with every bite. It’s approachable enough for weekday mornings when you want to treat yourself and impressive enough to serve for brunch with guests.

This dish bridges the gap between baking and cooking, capturing the essence of a bakery-fresh cinnamon roll without the labor-intensive process. With just a few basic ingredients and a little creativity, you can enjoy a stack of these golden beauties in under an hour. Whether you’re making breakfast for loved ones or treating yourself to something special, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are sure to satisfy and delight.