Who doesn’t love waking up to the smell of cinnamon and freshly made pancakes? Now imagine combining the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy texture of pancakes—sounds like heaven, right? That’s exactly what Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring to the table!
These delightful pancakes have a rich cinnamon swirl baked right into them, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, making every bite an irresistible treat. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert, these pancakes will quickly become a household favorite.
Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe to create these delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from scratch!
Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Before we start flipping pancakes, let’s gather everything we need.
Pancake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start making these mouthwatering pancakes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, combine milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay!
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture into a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off.
Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet.
- Quickly pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake.
- When bubbles start forming on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining batter.
Making the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until creamy and drizzle-worthy.
- Adjust milk if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother batter.
- Pipe the cinnamon swirl carefully to prevent spreading.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the sugar.
- Let the pancakes rest for a minute before stacking to keep them fluffy.
Variations and Customizations
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for an extra crunch.
- Use almond or oat flour for a gluten-free version.
- Make it vegan by substituting milk with almond milk and using a flaxseed egg.
Best Toppings for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Fresh fruit like bananas or berries
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
- Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
- Beverages: A hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or a smoothie
- Sides: Scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or a fruit salad
Healthier Alternatives
- Swap white flour for whole wheat flour
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar
- Opt for a yogurt-based glaze instead of cream cheese
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can store the batter in the fridge overnight. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.
2. What’s the best way to get a perfect cinnamon swirl?
Use a piping bag or ziplock bag to carefully create a spiral pattern without overloading the batter.
3. How do I make these pancakes extra fluffy?
Avoid overmixing the batter and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking.
4. Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
5. What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while serving?
Keep them in a warm oven (about 200°F) on a baking sheet until ready to serve.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fluffy, sweet, and packed with a rich cinnamon swirl—these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes taste just like your favorite cinnamon rolls! Topped with a creamy glaze, they are the perfect weekend brunch idea.
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
1. Make the Pancake Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Pour into a small piping bag or a ziplock bag with the tip cut off.
3. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease lightly.
- Pour ¼ cup batter onto the skillet.
- Pipe a cinnamon swirl onto the pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over warm pancakes.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter – it should be slightly lumpy.
✔ Pipe the cinnamon swirl carefully to prevent spreading.
✔ Cook on medium heat to avoid burning the sugar.
✔ Let pancakes rest a minute before stacking to keep them fluffy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes