Some mornings just feel different. The kind where the sunlight pours in gently, the house is still quiet, and all you want is something a little extra cozy. That’s where these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes come in. They’re the perfect mix of comfort and indulgence — like wrapping up in your favorite blanket, but in breakfast form.

I first stumbled across the idea of cinnamon roll pancakes one lazy Sunday when I couldn’t decide between baking cinnamon rolls or flipping pancakes. So, in true weekend fashion, I did both — sort of. The result? A tender, fluffy pancake swirled with that signature cinnamon-sugar filling and drizzled with a velvety cream cheese glaze. Imagine the best parts of a gooey cinnamon roll baked right into each bite of a buttery pancake. It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and absolutely magical.

This dish has quickly become a favorite for birthday breakfasts, Christmas mornings, or anytime we need a little morning pick-me-up. The scent alone is enough to pull everyone out of bed with a smile.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Two favorites in one: Pancakes meet cinnamon rolls — enough said.
• Perfect for special mornings: Whether it’s a holiday or just a slow Sunday, this feels like a treat.
• Easy to make ahead: You can prep parts the night before for an even easier morning.
• Kid and adult approved: Everyone will love the sweet swirl and creamy topping.
• Customizable: Make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or even swap in your favorite flour — these pancakes are pretty forgiving.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

For the Pancakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Mix up that cinnamon swirl

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. The texture should be thick but pipeable — like a soft paste. Spoon it into a zip-top bag and snip off a small corner. Set it aside for swirling into your pancakes later.

Pro tip: Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep the rest so it thickens slightly — this helps it hold its shape on the griddle.

Step 2: Whip up the pancake batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, and vegetable oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay — that’s the secret to fluffy pancakes!

Step 3: Preheat the griddle

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.

Step 4: Swirl in the magic

Scoop about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the griddle. Immediately pipe a swirl of cinnamon filling on top of each pancake, starting in the center and spiraling outward.

Let the pancake cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Flip it gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes. Don’t worry if a little cinnamon filling oozes out — it just adds to the caramelized goodness.

Step 5: Make the glaze

While the pancakes are cooking, warm the butter and cream cheese together in the microwave until melted and smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy and drizzle-worthy.

Step 6: Serve and swoon

Stack your warm pancakes high, then drizzle with the cream cheese glaze. Serve immediately while they’re still warm, gooey, and absolutely irresistible.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• No piping bag? Use a sandwich bag with the corner snipped off or even a squeeze bottle.
• Keep pancakes warm: Place cooked pancakes in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.
• Batch-friendly: Double the batter and filling if you’re feeding a crowd — trust me, they go fast.
• Make ahead: The cinnamon filling and glaze can be made the night before and stored in the fridge. Just warm them up slightly before using.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 4 servings (8 medium pancakes)
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste, or almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version.
• If the cinnamon filling gets too runny, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes to firm it up again.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per serving – approximately)

• Calories: 410
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Protein: 7g
• Sugar: 27g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on brands used.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Stack them with parchment between each pancake, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap out the milk for any plant-based milk and use dairy-free butter and cream cheese in the glaze.

How do I make them gluten-free?
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works great here. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Do I have to make the glaze?
You can skip it — but once you try it, you probably won’t want to. It’s that good.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or a toaster oven until warm. Store the glaze separately and warm it before drizzling.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes with Blueberry Sauce
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
• Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

CONCLUSION

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes aren’t just breakfast — they’re a full-on experience. Warm, buttery, sweet, and swirled with nostalgia, they’re a treat that turns any morning into something special. Whether you’re making them for guests, your kids, or just because you deserve something decadent, they always bring smiles and sticky fingers.

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