Name: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional); 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2/3 cup packed brown sugar; 5 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 ounces cream cheese; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you are craving breakfast magic that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine fluffy pancakes swirled with sweet cinnamon sugar and finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze that melts perfectly over every bite. It’s the comforting flavor of your favorite cinnamon rolls transformed into a quick and fun pancake stack that everyone will adore. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special treat, this recipe turns ordinary mornings into moments of pure joy and indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three round pancakes cooking on a black griddle, each pancake has two visible layers: a thick light yellow base that is soft and slightly fluffy in texture, and a dark brown spiral pattern on top that swirls from the center to the edge, creating a nice contrast. The pancakes look fresh and warm with small bubbles appearing on the yellow layer's surface, indicating they are cooking. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect fluffy texture and rich, sweet flavor. From the tangy buttermilk that adds lightness, to the cinnamon swirl that delivers that signature warmth, each component is a simple star contributing to a spectacular breakfast.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender and fluffy pancakes.
Sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give rise to light and airy pancakes.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors.
Ground nutmeg or cinnamon (optional): Adds an extra layer of warm spice depth.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure.
Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and reacts with leaveners for fluffiness.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with subtle aromatic sweetness.
Brown sugar: Key to the cinnamon swirl’s gooey, caramelized sweetness.
Melted unsalted butter (for the swirl): Provides a luscious richness to the cinnamon filling.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice in the swirl for that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Unsalted butter (for glaze): Creamy base for the finishing glaze.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and creaminess to the glaze, mimicking cinnamon roll frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze perfectly.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 200°F and placing a large sheet pan inside. This gentle heat will be your secret weapon to keep the pancakes warm and fluffy as you cook the entire batch, making sure no one has to wait too long for this deliciousness.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional nutmeg or cinnamon. Doing this first ensures that all your leavening ingredients and spices are evenly distributed, which is crucial for fluffy, flavorful pancakes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients and Rest

Lightly beat the eggs, then stir in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Add these wet ingredients to the dry mixture and whisk just until combined. Remember, a few lumps are perfectly fine here. Letting the batter sit for about 10 minutes helps hydrate the flour and results in a tender crumb.

Step 4: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

While the batter rests, mix the brown sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon in a small bowl until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a quart-size zip-top bag. This will become your “piping” bag to create the iconic cinnamon swirls on the pancakes. Setting this aside readies you for the fun part!

Step 5: Heat Your Pan and Begin Cooking

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot, then reduce to medium and grease lightly with butter or oil. Using a 1/3 cup measure, pour batter onto the pan. The heat should be just right so pancakes cook evenly without burning.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

When bubbles start forming on the surface, snip a tiny corner off the bag and pipe the cinnamon filling onto each pancake in a spiral pattern, starting from the center outward. This step transforms ordinary pancakes into luscious cinnamon roll pancakes!

Step 7: Flip and Finish Cooking

Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are set and the bottom is golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to avoid over-browning. The result should be stacks of perfectly fluffy pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl inside.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While cooking, melt butter and cream cheese together in the microwave until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a creamy glaze that mimics the frosting on cinnamon rolls. This glaze is the crowning glory that ties the whole dish together.

Step 9: Keep Warm and Serve

Transfer cooked pancakes to the warm oven to keep them cozy as you finish the batch. This little tip means every stack reaches the table warm and inviting, ready to be slathered in cream cheese glaze.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

The image shows an overhead view of multiple small bowls and a measuring cup arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are two brown eggs in a clear bowl at the lower left, next to a small bowl of dark vanilla extract. A medium white bowl contains white flour, placed near the upper left. Beside it is a glass measuring cup filled with a frothy white liquid. Near the center is a small bowl of melted yellow butter, with a larger bowl of creamy yellow butter nearby. Other ingredients include small bowls filled with light brown sugar, white powdered sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a small amount of white vanilla extract. The bowls vary in size and are mostly clear glass, except one white bowl. Everything is spaced evenly, highlighting the different colors and textures of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping your pancakes with a drizzle of the cream cheese glaze is essential, but feel free to sprinkle on chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to make the presentation extra special. Fresh berries can add a lovely tart contrast if you want a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are rich and satisfying, making simple sides like crispy bacon, sausage links, or fresh fruit the perfect accompaniment. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a warm latte rounds out the meal in the coziest way.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking pancakes in a spiral tower and piping the cinnamon swirl and glaze between each layer for a stunning presentation. For a fun twist, serve mini versions as bite-sized breakfast treats or pancake skewers with fruit in between.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cinnamon roll pancakes keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Lay sheets of parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate swirls.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 2 months. This makes it super easy to enjoy a quick cinnamon roll pancake breakfast any day.

Reheating

Reheat pancakes in a toaster, oven, or microwave. For the best texture, warm them in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. Add the cream cheese glaze just before serving to keep the swirl intact and the glaze fresh.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This DIY buttermilk will add the tanginess needed for great pancakes.

Is the cinnamon swirl sweet or spicy?

The cinnamon swirl is delightfully sweet with warm cinnamon spice balanced by brown sugar and butter. It’s the perfect swirl of gooey, fragrant goodness that makes these pancakes special.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

While it’s best to cook the pancakes fresh, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine and cook in the morning for the fluffiest results. The cinnamon swirl and glaze are best made fresh.

What’s the best way to pipe the cinnamon swirl?

Using a zip-top bag with a small corner snipped makes it easy to control the swirl and create the classic cinnamon roll spiral on each pancake without making a mess.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for pancakes. You might need to adjust liquid amounts slightly to get the right batter consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with fluffy pancakes, and this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe does it beautifully. It’s a surefire way to make your mornings happier and sweeter, perfect for sharing with family or friends. Give it a try and watch those smiles light up the table — trust me, once you do, it will become one of your favorite breakfast traditions.