Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe – A Sweet Twist on Breakfast

If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen Cinnamon Roll Pancakes making waves. Imagine the best parts of a warm cinnamon roll — the gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, the creamy glaze — combined with soft, fluffy pancakes. This recipe brings both worlds together for a decadent breakfast that feels like dessert.

Whether you’re looking to surprise your family, serve a special brunch, or just treat yourself on a weekend morning, these pancakes are worth every bite. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you think.

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Why Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Are So Popular

The magic is in the swirl — a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture piped into the pancake batter while cooking. When the heat hits, it creates a caramelized, slightly crispy pattern that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Top it with a tangy cream cheese glaze, and you’ve got a breakfast masterpiece.

This recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require fancy equipment. If you can make regular pancakes, you can make cinnamon roll pancakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancake Batter

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups milk (room temperature)
1 egg
3 tbsp melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
3–4 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Mix until smooth.
Pour the mixture into a piping bag or squeeze bottle and set aside.

💡 Tip: Let the filling cool slightly so it thickens — this will prevent it from being too runny when piped.

Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined — a few lumps are okay.
Avoid overmixing to keep your pancakes fluffy.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
When small bubbles start forming on the surface (about 1–2 minutes), pipe the cinnamon swirl onto the pancake, starting from the center and spiraling outward.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes, then gently flip and cook for 1 more minute.
Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter.

💡 Tip: Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the batch.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix well.
Gradually add milk until the glaze reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Stack your pancakes high, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and serve warm. You can also add fresh berries, a dusting of cinnamon, or even chopped pecans for extra texture.

Tips for the Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Control the heat: Too high and the cinnamon sugar will burn before the pancake cooks through.
Swirl timing: Add the swirl when the pancake is halfway cooked for best results.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.

Serving Ideas

For brunch: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced plate.
For dessert: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead of glaze.
Holiday mornings: Make mini versions for a festive breakfast platter.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 2 pancakes with glaze)

Calories: ~380
Protein: 6g
Fat: 17g
Carbs: 52g
Sugar: 27g

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe – A Sweet Twist on Breakfast

Why Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Are So Popular