If you’ve ever been torn between craving a gooey, fresh-baked cinnamon roll and a stack of fluffy pancakes, this recipe is your dream come true! Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the irresistible swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar with the soft, pillowy texture of classic pancakes and finish it all off with a silky cream cheese glaze. Every bite is pure breakfast magic—perfect for a special morning, a cozy brunch, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth in the most comforting way possible.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be overwhelmed by the list—these are kitchen staples that work together in perfect harmony to create the best Cinnamon Roll Pancakes imaginable. Each ingredient brings something special, whether it’s flavor, fluff, or that signature glaze gloss.

Unsalted butter (for glaze and swirl): Adds richness and depth to both the cinnamon swirl and the luscious cream cheese glaze.
Cream cheese: Gives the glaze its smooth, tangy decadence—don’t skip this for that true cinnamon roll flavor!
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze to perfection and helps it drizzle beautifully over your pancakes.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze and ties the whole dish together with warmth.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pancakes, creating that light, fluffy structure we all love.
Baking powder: Provides lift, so your pancakes stay thick and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness and balances every bite.
Buttermilk: Ensures tenderness in the pancakes and adds a slight tang.
Large egg: Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes moist without overpowering any flavor.
Brown sugar: Essential for that deep, molasses-sweet cinnamon swirl.
Ground cinnamon: The true star of the swirl, infusing every pancake with warmth and spice.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Start by making the cream cheese glaze, which is the finishing touch that transforms these pancakes into something extra special. Melt the butter and cream cheese together in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until smooth, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Set the glaze aside—it will firm up a bit and be ready for that dramatic drizzle at the end.

Step 2: Mix the Pancake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, large egg, and vegetable oil until thoroughly mixed. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold them together; stop mixing as soon as you no longer see flour. A few lumps are totally fine and actually mean you’ll get softer pancakes—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until you have a thick, glossy paste. Scoop this mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off. This will give you total control as you create those signature cinnamon roll swirls right on your pancakes.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease if needed, then pour about 1/2 cup of pancake batter for each pancake. When bubbles start to form and the edges look set, carefully pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture on top. Flip the pancake gently and cook until golden brown. Wipe out any leftover swirl mix in the pan between batches to keep everything perfect.

Step 5: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze

Once your pancakes are cooked, stack them up and immediately drizzle with that dreamy cream cheese glaze. Watch as it melts into every nook and cranny—this is the moment Cinnamon Roll Pancakes go from great to legendary.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

A good garnish takes Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from delicious to dazzling. Try a little dusting of powdered sugar, a handful of toasted pecans, or a swirl of whipped cream for a bakery-style finish at home. Each topping brings extra flavor and a pop of color that makes breakfast feel instantly special.

Side Dishes

These pancakes are sweet, so balance things out with a side of fresh fruit—think juicy berries or sliced bananas. If you’re hosting a brunch, offer scrambled eggs or crispy bacon on the side to contrast all that rich cinnamon goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try stacking mini pancake towers with glaze between each layer, or serve a giant pancake topped with a dramatic spiral swirl. For a kid-friendly treat or festive morning, let everyone decorate their own pancakes with sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or even a bit of caramel drizzle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, don’t worry! Let them cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the cream cheese glaze separately for the best texture when serving again.

Freezing

Both the pancakes and glaze freeze well. Lay pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then stack with parchment between each and store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the glaze in a small container; defrost overnight in the fridge for easy use.

Reheating

To restore that just-made taste, reheat pancakes in a toaster or 300°F oven until warmed through. Warm the glaze gently in the microwave or over low heat before drizzling—it will taste freshly made every time!

FAQs

Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix one cup of regular milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, let it sit for five minutes, and use it as you would regular buttermilk.

How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from oozing everywhere?

Make sure your cinnamon swirl mixture is thick but still pipeable. If it’s too runny, add a little more brown sugar to firm it up, so it will stay in that beautiful spiral as you cook.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! This recipe easily doubles or triples—just use a larger bowl and keep the pancake batter and cinnamon swirl in separate containers for easy assembly.

Are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love these pancakes! The sweet swirl, the fun spiral pattern, and the creamy glaze make them a hit at family breakfasts or birthday brunches.

What’s the best way to prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning?

Use medium-low heat and wipe the skillet clean between batches. This helps avoid burnt sugar from previous pancakes sticking and ensures each swirl stays tender and caramelized, not scorched.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cinnamon Roll Pancakes enough—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and just so much fun to make. If you’re looking for a new weekend tradition or want to elevate a lazy morning, give them a try. After one bite, they might just become your breakfast signature!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 8 pancakes) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of cinnamon rolls and pancakes with this mouthwatering recipe. These pancakes feature a sweet cinnamon swirl and a creamy cream cheese glaze that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pancakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Cinnamon Swirl:

4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Glaze: Melt the butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla, then set aside.
Pancakes: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, and vegetable oil. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined—do not overmix. In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a small corner cut off. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter per pancake. When bubbles form on the surface, pipe the cinnamon mixture in a spiral pattern over the batter. Flip the pancake and cook until golden on the other side. Serve warm with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.