There’s something special about mornings that start with cinnamon roll pancakes — the kind that makes your kitchen smell like a bakery and your first bite feel like pure joy. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the fluffy comfort of pancakes and the gooey sweetness of cinnamon rolls. Whether you’re flipping them for a lazy Sunday brunch or whipping up a surprise breakfast for your family, these cinnamon roll pancakes will never disappoint. They’re easy, fast, and delicious — everything you want in fun, easy recipes that satisfy your sweet cravings.
The Story Behind Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
A Sweet Breakfast Memory
I still remember the first time I made these cinnamon roll pancakes. The idea came on a cold weekend morning when I couldn’t decide between making pancakes or baking cinnamon rolls. So, I thought — why not both? I whisked up a quick batter and swirled in cinnamon sugar, watching golden spirals form as they cooked. The smell alone was worth it. These cinnamon roll pancakes quickly became a weekend tradition — a simple joy I’d share with friends and family whenever we needed a cozy breakfast moment.
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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy cinnamon roll pancakes with gooey cinnamon swirls and cream cheese icing.
Ingredients
1 ¼ cup milk
2 tbsp maple syrup
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup flour
3 tsp cinnamon
4 tbsp butter
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
2 oz cream cheese
Instructions
1. Mix wet and dry ingredients to make pancake batter.
2. Combine cinnamon, sugar, and butter for swirl.
3. Make icing by mixing cream cheese, butter, and sugar.
4. Cook pancakes and swirl cinnamon mixture on top.
5. Flip and cook until golden.
6. Drizzle with icing and serve warm.
Notes
Use plant-based butter and milk for dairy-free version.
Cook on medium-low to prevent swirl from burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 186
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
Why Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Became a Homemade Cookbook Favorite
This recipe has earned its spot in my homemade cookbook of quick recipes snacks. It’s quick enough for weekday mornings but indulgent enough for holidays. The cinnamon swirl melts perfectly into the soft, fluffy pancake layers, while the cream cheese glaze adds a tangy-sweet finish. It’s a delicious reminder that fun baking recipes don’t have to take all day — they just have to make you smile.
Ingredients That Make the Magic
The Core Batter
The base of these cinnamon roll pancakes is light yet satisfying. You’ll need milk (dairy or plant-based), a touch of maple syrup for sweetness, baking powder for lift, vanilla for aroma, and your choice of regular or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Keeping it simple ensures that the cinnamon swirl truly shines. If you’re following a Чистое Питание (clean eating) plan, you can easily use coconut sugar and plant-based butter.
The Sweet Cinnamon Swirl
The swirl is where the fun begins. A mix of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a rich, caramel-like filling. When it hits the pan, it slightly caramelizes and blends into the pancake for that signature gooey roll flavor. It’s this combination that transforms basic pancakes into sweet snacks recipes worth saving.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Step-by-Step Perfection
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Mix milk, maple syrup, baking powder, and vanilla. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
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Prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture separately, combining cinnamon, sugar, and butter until smooth. Spoon into a piping bag.
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Whip up the cream cheese icing by mixing powdered sugar, melted butter, and cream cheese until creamy.
Cooking Like a Pro
Heat your skillet to medium-low. Add a touch of butter. Pour 2–3 tablespoons of pancake batter, then swirl in the cinnamon mixture using a spiral motion. Cover with another spoon of batter to seal the swirl. Flip when bubbles form and cook until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, and top with your luscious cream cheese drizzle. Serve immediately — because that’s when they taste their best.
Expert Tips for Fluffy, Golden Pancakes
Timing is Everything
Cooking at the right temperature ensures your cinnamon swirl doesn’t burn. Keep your heat medium-low so the inside cooks before the sugar caramelizes. If the swirl starts to ooze out, don’t worry — that’s part of the charm. Those crispy bits on the edges? They’re pure flavor.
Variations for Every Taste
Want to make these pancakes extra special? Add crushed nuts for a crunchy twist, a touch of nutmeg for warmth, or even chopped apples for an apple-cinnamon roll vibe. For a clean-eating version, swap out butter for coconut oil and sugar for coconut sugar. These small tweaks make it one of the most versatile and fun easy recipes around.
Serving & Storing Your Pancakes
The Perfect Finish
Serve your cinnamon roll pancakes stacked high, drizzled with cream cheese icing, and maybe a touch more cinnamon on top. The creamy glaze melts slightly over the warm pancakes, giving each bite a sweet, rich finish. They’re perfect for brunch parties, birthdays, or just a cozy morning at home.
Storage Tips for Freshness
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. The icing softens beautifully, making them taste freshly made. You can even freeze them for up to a month — just separate each pancake with parchment paper.
FAQ Section
Can I make cinnamon roll pancakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and cinnamon filling the night before. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge. In the morning, bring them to room temperature before cooking.
What’s the best flour for gluten-free cinnamon roll pancakes?
Use King Arthur Measure-for-Measure gluten-free flour. It creates a soft texture that closely matches regular flour.
Can I skip the cream cheese icing?
Absolutely. These pancakes taste amazing with just maple syrup or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning?
Keep the heat on medium-low and always add a little batter over the swirl to protect it while cooking.
Conclusion
These cinnamon roll pancakes are more than just breakfast — they’re a sweet reminder that comfort can be quick, homemade, and wholesome. Whether you’re adding them to your homemade cookbook or sharing them as a fun baking recipe, they’re a delicious way to start the day right. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a swirl of joy — that’s what makes them unforgettable.
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