If you love the cozy aroma of cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven but don’t want to wait for dough to rise, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the perfect solution. These fluffy pancakes are swirled with a buttery cinnamon-sugar filling and finished with a silky cream cheese glaze that melts into every bite. The result? All the comforting flavor of a cinnamon roll in a quick, skillet-made breakfast that feels bakery-worthy yet totally doable at home.
Perfect for weekends, holidays, or any morning that deserves a little indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Cinnamon roll flavor without yeast or waiting
- Soft, fluffy pancakes with gooey cinnamon swirls
- Cream cheese glaze that tastes just like the real thing
- Easy to make with pantry staples
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special breakfasts
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pancake Batter
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Milk | 1¼ cups |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 4 tbsp |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tbsp |
Cream Cheese Glaze
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese, softened | 4 oz |
| Powdered sugar | ½ cup |
| Milk | 2–3 tbsp |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp |
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
1. Make the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until thick and smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag and set aside. This swirl should be thick but still easy to pipe.
Tip: If it’s too runny, add a tablespoon more brown sugar.
2. Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
Gently stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined. A few small lumps are fine—overmixing will make pancakes dense.
3. Heat the Skillet
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Lower heat is key so the cinnamon swirl doesn’t burn before the pancake cooks through.
4. Cook the Pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup batter onto the skillet. Immediately pipe a spiral of cinnamon filling onto the pancake, starting in the center and working outward.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Repeat with remaining batter.
5. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until creamy and pourable. Adjust thickness with more milk if needed.
6. Serve
Stack the warm pancakes on plates and drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Cook on medium-low heat for even cooking
- Pipe the swirl right after pouring the batter
- Use a nonstick pan to keep swirls neat
- Serve warm so the glaze melts beautifully
Variations & Substitutions
- Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl
- Chocolate lovers: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter
- Maple glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the glaze
- Lighter option: Use half whole-wheat flour or reduce glaze
What to Serve With Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- Fresh berries or sliced bananas
- Scrambled eggs
- Hot coffee, latte, or fresh juice
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store pancakes (without glaze) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze pancakes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Warm in a skillet, microwave, or toaster oven. Add glaze fresh before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cinnamon Roll Pancakes be made ahead of time?
Yes. Make the pancakes ahead and reheat when ready to serve. Add the glaze fresh.
Why did my cinnamon swirl spread too much?
The swirl may be too thin or the pan too hot. Thicken the swirl slightly and lower the heat.
Can I skip the glaze?
You can, but the glaze adds the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Are these kid-friendly?
Absolutely—kids love the sweet swirl and creamy topping.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a breakfast that feels special without being complicated, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the answer. Fluffy, sweet, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they bring all the comfort of cinnamon rolls straight to your skillet—no yeast required.