These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the fluffy texture of homemade pancakes with the sweet cinnamon swirl flavor of classic cinnamon rolls. Finished with a rich cream cheese frosting, this breakfast recipe is perfect for cozy weekends, brunch gatherings, or special mornings with family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and fluffy pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl
- Cream cheese glaze tastes just like a bakery cinnamon roll
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Family-friendly and perfect for brunch
- Great for holidays, birthdays, or weekend breakfasts
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pancakes
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
Cream Cheese Glaze
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream cheese until mostly smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until creamy and set aside.
Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Small lumps are fine.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Swirl
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag and cut a small corner off for piping.
Cooking the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Heat a lightly greased skillet or electric griddle over medium heat.
- Scoop batter into 4-inch pancakes.
- When bubbles begin forming, pipe a cinnamon swirl starting from the center outward.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until bubbles begin popping.
- Flip carefully and cook for 2–3 more minutes until golden brown.
- Wipe the pan clean between batches if needed.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Letting the batter rest creates fluffier pancakes.
- Use medium heat to prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning.
- Pipe thin swirls for easier flipping.
- If the glaze thickens, warm it slightly before serving.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas.
- Maple syrup can be added for extra sweetness.
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl.
- Store leftover glaze separately for best texture.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 20g
FAQ
Can I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter and cinnamon swirl a day ahead and refrigerate separately.
Why are my pancakes sticking?
Make sure the skillet is lightly greased and fully preheated before cooking.
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, but the pancakes may be slightly less fluffy. You can make a buttermilk substitute using milk and lemon juice.
How do I keep pancakes warm?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a skillet over low heat.
Similar Recipes
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a sweet cinnamon swirl and rich cream cheese glaze.Perfect for brunch, holidays, or cozy weekend breakfasts.Easy homemade pancake recipe packed with cinnamon roll flavor.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 oz cream cheese room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pancakes
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 3 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 1/3 cup butter melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
Instructions
Cream Cheese Glaze
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream cheese until mostly smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Stir until creamy and set aside.
Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Small lumps are fine.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Swirl
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag and cut a small corner off for piping.
Cooking the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Heat a lightly greased skillet or electric griddle over medium heat.
- Scoop batter into 4-inch pancakes.
- When bubbles begin forming, pipe a cinnamon swirl starting from the center outward.
- Cook for another 2–3 minutes until bubbles begin popping.
- Flip carefully and cook for 2–3 more minutes until golden brown.
- Wipe the pan clean between batches if needed.
- Drizzle with cream cheese glaze before serving.
Notes
- Serve with fresh berries or sliced bananas.
- Maple syrup can be added for extra sweetness.
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl.
- Store leftover glaze separately for best texture.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat with fluffy layers, sweet cinnamon swirls, and creamy frosting in every bite. They are easy enough for a weekend breakfast yet impressive enough for brunch guests. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite comfort food recipe.