There’s something magical about a breakfast that smells like pure comfort. Imagine waking up to the scent of cinnamon and butter swirling through the air, with the promise of a warm, golden pancake waiting for you. That’s the joy of cinnamon roll pancakes — a perfect blend of two beloved breakfast classics in one irresistible dish.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday brunch, surprising your family with something special, or treating yourself on a quiet morning, these pancakes are pure happiness on a plate. If you love cozy breakfast recipes, try this Sourdough French Toast next — it’s golden, fluffy, and perfect with maple syrup.
What Are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
If you love the gooey sweetness of a cinnamon roll and the fluffiness of a pancake, this recipe is where the best of both worlds meet. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are light, buttery pancakes infused with a swirl of cinnamon sugar that caramelizes as they cook, topped with a creamy glaze that melts into every bite.
The result? A warm, sweet, and slightly spiced breakfast that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance — and once you try it, it’s guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen required. These pancakes are designed for flavor, fun, and simplicity — perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced bakers alike.
1. Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make something extraordinary. With just butter, cinnamon, and pantry staples, you’ll create layers of flavor that taste like they came straight from a bakery.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
From holiday breakfasts to weekend brunch, this recipe brings everyone to the table. They’re also a huge hit with kids, making them a great way to turn an ordinary morning into something special.
3. Easily Customizable
You can switch things up to match your mood — add chopped pecans for crunch, swirl in chocolate for decadence, or even mix in pumpkin purée for an autumn twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather your ingredients. Getting everything ready beforehand makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Pancake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes — and every step fills your kitchen with a buttery cinnamon aroma that’s impossible to resist.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small piping bag or a zip-top bag and snip a tiny corner. This will help you swirl it neatly into the pancakes later.
Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and whisk gently until combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the pancakes fluffy.
Cook the Pancakes
Preheat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour roughly ¼ cup of batter into the pan for each pancake. Once bubbles begin to form on top, pipe a cinnamon swirl over the batter — start from the center and work outward in a spiral.
Flip gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until golden brown. The cinnamon sugar will caramelize beautifully, giving your pancakes that signature swirl look and flavor.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if you want a drizzle or more sugar for a thicker frosting-style glaze.
Stack and Serve
Layer your pancakes high, drizzle the glaze over the top, and let it slowly melt into the cinnamon swirls. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy, bakery-style goodness right from your kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Even simple recipes have secrets to success. Keep these tips in mind for flawless pancakes every time:
- Use medium heat — high heat can burn the cinnamon swirl.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking; it helps the texture.
- Clean the pan between batches to prevent burnt sugar spots.
- Use a squeeze bottle for the swirl if you want more control.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Variations You Can Try
Want to get creative? Here are some delicious ways to put a new spin on your cinnamon roll pancakes:
- Apple Cinnamon Pancakes: Add sautéed apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Pancakes: Mix in ½ cup pumpkin purée and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Chocolate Cinnamon Pancakes: Add cocoa powder to the swirl for a mocha flavor. For another cinnamon-swirled delight, these Overnight Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls are soft, rich, and perfect for brunch.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend — the taste and texture stay just as soft.
- Want something extra indulgent? Try Hawaiian Roll French Toast, a sweet twist on a classic morning favorite.
Each version keeps the same rich swirl but adds its own personality, so you’ll never get bored with this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are already a showstopper, but pairing them with the right sides can make your meal unforgettable.
- Serve with crispy bacon or sausage for balance.
- Add fresh berries or sliced bananas for a touch of freshness.
- Pair with a latte, chai, or hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort breakfast.
- Dust with extra cinnamon or drizzle with maple syrup for a bakery-style finish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), here’s how to keep them delicious:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Stack with parchment paper between each pancake; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, then drizzle with fresh glaze before serving.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter in advance and chill it overnight. Stir gently before using.
Why did my cinnamon swirl burn?
Your pan may be too hot. Keep it on medium-low heat and clean the pan between batches.
Can I use a boxed pancake mix?
Definitely! Just prepare it as directed and follow the swirl and glaze steps for the same delicious results.
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.
What’s the best way to make the glaze thicker?
Add extra powdered sugar until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Start Your Day with a Swirl of Joy
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the kind of breakfast that makes an ordinary morning feel extraordinary. The soft pancakes, buttery cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze come together in every bite to create something comforting, nostalgic, and completely irresistible.
So next time you’re craving something sweet and cozy, skip the bakery — make these pancakes instead. You’ll love how simple they are to create, and once that first swirl hits the pan, your kitchen will smell like pure happiness. If you enjoy warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, these Pumpkin Cupcakes are another fall-inspired treat you’ll love.
Now it’s your turn: grab your whisk, heat your skillet, and treat yourself to the best breakfast ever — your homemade Cinnamon Roll Pancakes!
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter or oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 oz cream cheese softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk add more for a thinner glaze
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Pour the mixture into a piping bag or zip-top bag and snip off a tiny corner for easy swirling.
Prepare the Pancake Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined — don’t overmix.
Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. When bubbles form on the surface, pipe a cinnamon swirl in a spiral shape over the top.
- Flip carefully and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Wipe the pan between batches to prevent the sugar from burning.
Make the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as desired.
Assemble and Serve:
- Stack the pancakes, drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze, and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Keep the heat at medium or medium-low to avoid burning the cinnamon swirl.
- Use a squeeze bottle for neat, even spirals.
- Let the pancake batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking for fluffier results.
- You can substitute the glaze with maple syrup or whipped cream if preferred.
