Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A Swirled, Sweet Breakfast Dream

If you’ve ever had a hard time choosing between a warm, gooey cinnamon roll and a stack of fluffy pancakes, we have great news—you don’t have to choose! These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the perfect fusion of both, bringing together the soft, comforting texture of pancakes with a rich, buttery cinnamon swirl and a drizzle of cream cheese glaze. They’re decadent, easy to make, and totally crave-worthy.

Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to impress your family with something sweet and homemade, this recipe delivers. Think: warm spirals of brown sugar and cinnamon melting into golden pancakes topped with creamy glaze. Yes, please!

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Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

• 🌀 Swirled with cinnamon sugar butter for gooey goodness in every bite
• 🥞 Fluffy and soft pancakes with bakery-style flavor
• 🍯 Topped with luscious cream cheese glaze instead of plain syrup
• 🧒 Kid-friendly and fun to make
• 🍽️ Perfect for brunch, holidays, or breakfast-for-dinner

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancakes:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1¼ cups milk
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

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For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted

💡 Tip: Make extra glaze—it’s delicious drizzled on French toast, waffles, or fruit.

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How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
2. Transfer the mixture to a small zip-top bag or piping bag.
3. Set aside to cool slightly so it thickens to a pipeable consistency.

🚫 If it’s too runny, the swirl may not hold its shape in the pan. Let it rest for 5 minutes before using.

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Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while heating your pan.

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Step 3: Cook the Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirl

1. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease.
2. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake.
3. When bubbles start to form (after ~1 minute), pipe a spiral of the cinnamon swirl over the top.
4. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, then carefully flip the pancake.
5. Cook another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
6. Wipe skillet between batches to prevent sugar from burning.

⚠️ Cook low and slow to avoid burning the sugar swirl.

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Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add milk and vanilla, then whisk until fully blended.
3. Slowly whisk in powdered sugar until a drizzleable consistency is reached.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Stack pancakes on plates, then drizzle generously with warm cream cheese glaze. Optional toppings:

• Whipped cream
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Sliced bananas or berries
• Dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar

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Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

✅ Let the cinnamon swirl mixture cool slightly to thicken before piping.
✅ Use medium-low heat—too high and the swirl may burn.
✅ For best flavor, use real butter and pure vanilla extract.
✅ Don’t overcrowd the pan—make 2–3 pancakes at a time depending on skillet size.
✅ Rest pancake batter for a few minutes before cooking—it helps with fluffiness.

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Variations & Add-Ins

🍎 Apple Cinnamon Pancakes:

Add shredded apples or sautéed apple slices to the batter for an apple pie twist.

🍫 Chocolate Chip Version:

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle between layers.

🥥 Coconut Twist:

Use coconut milk in the glaze and top with toasted coconut.

🍯 No Cream Cheese?

Swap with a simple powdered sugar glaze: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp milk and ½ tsp vanilla.

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Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

🧊 Storage:

• Store leftover pancakes (without glaze) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.

❄️ Freezing:

• Stack pancakes with parchment between each, freeze in zip-top bags for up to 2 months.
• Reheat from frozen in a toaster or warm skillet.

🔁 Glaze:

• Store leftover glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat gently and stir before drizzling.

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What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Balance the richness of these pancakes with light or savory sides:

• 🥓 Crispy bacon or sausage links
• 🍳 Scrambled eggs
• ☕ Fresh coffee, lattes, or chai
• 🍓 Fresh fruit salad or smoothie
• 🥤 Sparkling juice or brunch mimosas

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.

Can I use boxed pancake mix?

Yes. Start with your favorite mix and swirl in the cinnamon filling. You’ll still need to prepare the glaze.

What type of cinnamon is best?

Use ground Ceylon cinnamon for a sweeter, more delicate flavor or Cassia cinnamon for bolder spice.

Why did the swirl melt too much?

The swirl was likely too warm or runny. Let it thicken before piping, and cook on low heat.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Combines two favorite breakfast treats into one
• Textural contrast between fluffy pancakes and gooey swirl
• Sweet, creamy glaze pulls everything together
• Adaptable and crowd-pleasing for any age or occasion
• Easy to make ahead for brunches, parties, or cozy mornings

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Final Thoughts: A Pancake Worth Waking Up For

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the kind of breakfast that makes mornings better. They’re indulgent, sweet, and every bite delivers warm, buttery cinnamon with the lightness of pancakes and the richness of icing. Whether you’re cooking for guests or treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

So the next time you’re torn between cinnamon rolls and pancakes, don’t choose—have both in one bite.

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