Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If you’re torn between craving a gooey cinnamon roll and fluffy pancakes for breakfast, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes deliver the very best of both worlds on a single, swoon-worthy plate. Imagine tender pancakes marbled with warm cinnamon-sugar swirls and finished with a drizzle of dreamy cream cheese glaze—absolute breakfast bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is that the ingredients are simple, yet every component brings vital flavors and textures—think fluffy cakes, that signature cinnamon streak, and a swoon-worthy glaze you’ll want to lick off the spoon!

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of pillowy pancakes; if you prefer, you can swap in a favorite mix like Bisquick.
• Baking powder: Provides that irresistible lift, ensuring your pancakes are light and fluffy.
• Salt: Just a small pinch balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps meld the batter into pourable perfection.
• Vegetable oil: Makes each bite tender and keeps everything from sticking to the skillet.
• Egg: Binds the batter and adds richness for a classic pancake texture.
• Butter (melted): The base of the cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze; butter means unbeatable flavor.
• Packed light brown sugar: For that signature caramel sweetness in the cinnamon swirl.
• Ground cinnamon: The star note! Deeply warming and fragrant.
• Cream cheese: Makes the glaze luxuriously tangy and smooth—just like a cinnamon roll’s icing.
• Powdered sugar: Blends into the glaze for a silky, sweet topping with no graininess.
• Vanilla extract: A tiny splash brings bakery-fresh aroma and depth to your glaze.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make these pancakes your own! Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are deliciously flexible—play with flavors, swap ingredients, and have fun catering to your family’s cravings or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free flour blend or your favorite GF pancake mix for the base and you’re set!
• Dairy-Free: Try plant-based milk (like almond or oat), vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese to keep things creamy and luscious.
• Maple Twist: Swap half the brown sugar for pure maple syrup in the cinnamon swirl for even deeper breakfast flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the glaze for texture and richness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Start by mixing your melted butter, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon until a thick, fragrant paste forms. Scoop this glorious filling into a zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and set aside for 10 to 15 minutes—letting it cool helps keep your swirl neat and prevents it from oozing out too quickly in the pan.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg, then gently whisk until everything is just combined—some small lumps are perfectly fine! If you’d rather go the quick route, prepare your favorite box mix as directed.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Microwave the butter and cream cheese together in a bowl until just melted, then whisk until the mixture is silky smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until no lumps remain. This glaze is what takes your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes totally over the top.

Step 4: Cook & Swirl the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over low heat and give it a light coating of spray. Pour about 1/2 cup batter for each pancake. As soon as the batter spreads, pipe a generous cinnamon swirl onto the surface (channel your inner pastry chef!). When bubbles start forming, gently flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden.

Step 5: Keep Warm & Finish with Glaze

Transfer each finished pancake to a baking sheet and keep them cozy in a warm oven while you finish the batch. Just before serving, spoon or drizzle the luscious cream cheese glaze over the top—then get ready for pure breakfast joy!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

Finish off your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a flourish! A generous drizzle of extra cream cheese glaze is simply a must, but you can also add toasted pecans, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for those true bakery vibes.

Side Dishes

Balance out the sweetness with sides like crispy bacon, savory sausage links, or a bowl of juicy seasonal fruit. And, truth be told, a piping hot mug of coffee or chai is the ultimate companion to these pancakes!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes tall for a fun brunch centerpiece, serve mini silver-dollar versions for brunch parties, or roll pancakes up pinwheel-style with the swirl facing out for the cutest breakfast treats ever.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool fully, then layer them with parchment in an airtight container in the fridge; they’ll keep beautifully for up to three days without losing their tender goodness.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! Arrange cooled pancakes between sheets of parchment paper in a sealed freezer bag or container and freeze for up to two months for easy, homemade weekday breakfasts.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes gently in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture), or warm them on a skillet over low heat. For the glaze, a quick zap in a small bowl makes it perfectly pourable again!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to bring a little cinnamon roll magic to your mornings with these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes—they’re pure comfort on a plate, guaranteed to wow your crowd and create sweet new breakfast memories. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe)!

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