There’s something magical about the swirl of cinnamon and sugary sweetness dancing right inside fluffy pancakes, and that’s exactly what the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe delivers. It’s like your favorite cinnamon roll but in pancake form—soft, warm, and topped with a dreamy cream cheese glaze that makes mornings extra special.

A stack of four thick, golden pancakes sits on a white plate, each layer separated by creamy, smooth off-white icing that drips slightly over the edges, creating a rich texture. On top, there is a spiral of amber-colored syrup swirling over the icing, adding a shiny contrast. A silver fork rests against the plate's edge on a blue and gray striped cloth, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe quickly became a weekend favorite in my house because it brings that cinnamon roll vibe without needing to wait hours for dough to rise. It’s hands-down easier and just as delicious—perfect for impressing breakfast guests or treating yourself on a lazy morning.

Easy to Make: No yeast or waiting involved, so you can whip this up any time.
Cinnamon Swirl Magic: That gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl bakes right into each pancake for bursts of flavor in every bite.
Cream Cheese Glaze: The glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang, making each pancake feel indulgent but balanced.
Customizable and Fun: You can easily adjust the swirl or toppings to match your mood or crowd.

Two thick, soft pancakes stacked on each other sit on a white plate. The pancakes are light golden yellow with a smooth texture and have a shiny, amber-colored syrup swirled on the top in a spiral pattern. A silver fork rests beside the pancakes on the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with whipped cream. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe come together beautifully—simple pantry staples that combine for a comforting texture and that signature cinnamon roll flavor. Buying fresh cinnamon and cream cheese makes a noticeable difference, so splurge a little here if you can!

Flat lay of light brown sugar heaped in a small pile, sticks of unsalted butter both melted and solid, ground cinnamon sprinkled artfully, creamy dollops of smooth cream cheese, a mound of powdered sugar, fresh whole eggs with rich orange yolks visible through cracks, a neat stack of all-purpose flour, and a glass of whole milk partially filled, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and warm tones, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control salt levels and ensures the cinnamon swirl and glaze are rich without being too salty.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds that deep molasses flavor vital for an authentic cinnamon roll taste in the swirl.
Ground Cinnamon: Freshly ground spices brighten the flavor; it’s worth getting a good quality cinnamon stick or powder.
Cream Cheese: The cream cheese in the glaze creates a luscious creaminess that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
Powdered Sugar: For a smooth, velvety glaze without any grit.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth to the glaze, making every bite taste like a bakery treat.
All-Purpose Flour: Gives pancakes their tender crumb yet enough structure for the swirl to hold.
Baking Powder: Ensures the pancakes rise fluffy and light.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pancake batter just enough without overpowering the swirl.
Milk: Using whole milk adds richness—the pancakes are fluffy and moist without needing extra fat.
Eggs: They bind everything and contribute to a tender, fluffy pancake.
Canola or Vegetable Oil: Helps to keep your skillet nonstick and pancakes golden without extra butter burning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Over time, I’ve found that tweaking the cinnamon swirl or turning this into a more indulgent brunch dish really makes it feel personal. You’ll enjoy experimenting with flavors once you get the base down—it’s all about making these pancakes your own little morning celebration.

Add Nuts or Pecans: I like adding chopped toasted pecans into the cinnamon swirl for a bit of crunch—it’s a texture upgrade that’s just amazing.
Healthier Option: Swap some flour for almond meal or use a milk alternative; just be mindful the pancakes might be a bit less fluffy but still delicious.
Extra Swirls: Double up the cinnamon swirl mixture if you love that gooey cinnamon goodness soaking into every bite.
Glaze Variations: Try stirring a pinch of citrus zest into the cream cheese glaze for a fresh, unexpected zing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Start by melting the butter and mixing it with the packed brown sugar and cinnamon until it’s smooth and thick. This flavor-packed swirl is what makes these pancakes stand out. Transfer the mixture into a pastry bag or a zip-top bag—this little trick makes piping the swirl much easier. Pro tip: snip the bag corner small at first; you can always make it bigger if needed.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the butter and cream cheese until super smooth. Then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt gradually, mixing to a creamy, lump-free glaze. Cover it and set aside. I like making this a day ahead sometimes—I find it tastes richer after resting overnight in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before drizzling.

Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Stir in the cooled melted butter, milk, and beaten eggs until just combined. Don’t overmix—small lumps are okay! This keeps the pancakes tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Cook and Swirl

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle on medium-low and grease it lightly with oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Immediately pipe in a cinnamon swirl in a spiral—this is the fun part! First few times, keep your heat low to avoid burning the sugars. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook each pancake for 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t flip them! Since the swirl sugar can burn, we’re cooking them through gently with steam—this keeps them perfectly soft and gooey inside.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Stack those beautiful pancakes on a plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. Serve warm, grab a fork, and enjoy the cozy, sweet magic.

Top Tip

When I first made this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, I learned that the key to success is gently cooking on low heat. The sugar in the swirl burns quickly if you’re not careful, so patience is your best friend here—trust me, it’s worth it.

Low and Slow is the Way: Keep heat on low and cover the pan; this lets pancakes cook fully without burning the swirl.
Use a Pastry Bag: It makes swirling the cinnamon sugar into perfect shapes so much easier and less messy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk gives you smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
Don’t Flip: Since the cinnamon swirl sugar can burn, avoid flipping the pancakes to preserve that beautiful caramelized sweetness.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these pancakes with a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, plus an extra drizzle of cream cheese glaze because, why not? Fresh berries on the side brighten things up visually and with a little tang, balancing the richness.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory brunch combo. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or cinnamon-spiced chai pairs beautifully too, enhancing that warm cinnamon note.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, arrange the pancakes in a tight spiral stack and drizzle glaze artistically with a fork or spoon. You can even add edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top for a fancy touch that looks stunning but feels effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent them from drying out, layering parchment paper between pancakes works wonders. They keep well for up to 3 days, making a quick weekday breakfast a breeze.

Freezing

Freeze leftover pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This stops them from sticking together and lets you pull out just how many you want. They freeze beautifully and retain their cinnamon swirl magic!

Reheating

Reheat gently in a warm oven (about 300°F) or in a toaster oven for crisp edges and soft centers. Microwave reheats work too, but watch out for sogginess. Adding a little cream cheese glaze after reheating brings the fresh-from-the-griddle feel back.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the cinnamon swirl and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature and stir before piping onto the pancakes.

Why shouldn’t I flip the pancakes?

The cinnamon sugar in the swirl can burn easily on a high heat, so flipping isn’t recommended. Cooking on low heat with a lid lets the pancakes cook through gently without burning the swirl.

Can I use a different frosting instead of the cream cheese glaze?

Definitely! While the cream cheese glaze is classic, you can swap it for maple syrup, honey, or even whipped cream for a twist that suits your taste.

How do I keep my pancakes fluffy?

Using room temperature ingredients and not overmixing the batter helps keep pancakes light and fluffy. Also, cooking on medium-low heat ensures they cook evenly without getting tough.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is like giving yourself a big warm hug in pancake form. The joy it brings on a chilly morning—sharing the scent of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen, the gooey swirl, and the tangy glaze—is something I always look forward to. I promise you’ll love it just as much as I do, and it might just convince you that breakfast is the best meal of the day.