Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Featured in Start Your Day with Perfect Breakfast Recipes.

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes brilliantly combine the comfort of fluffy buttermilk pancakes with the indulgent flavors of a classic cinnamon roll. Each pancake features a perfect spiral of buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture that creates caramelized swirls as it cooks. The pancakes themselves are light and tender, made with buttermilk for extra flavor and fluffiness. What makes this recipe special is the finishing touch - a rich cream cheese icing that melts beautifully over the warm pancakes, just like a fresh cinnamon roll. It's the perfect recipe for special breakfast occasions, weekend brunches, or any time you want to transform an ordinary morning into something extraordinary.
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Updated on Sat, 22 Feb 2025 21:13:44 GMT
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These indulgent Cinnamon Roll Pancakes transform two beloved breakfast classics into one extraordinary morning treat. Each fluffy pancake features a mesmerizing swirl of warm cinnamon-sugar filling, crowned with a luxurious cream cheese glaze that melts perfectly into every groove. The result is a breakfast that combines the comfort of traditional pancakes with the irresistible appeal of fresh cinnamon rolls.

The first time I made these for my family's holiday brunch, my nephew declared them "better than regular cinnamon rolls" because you get the perfect ratio of cinnamon to cake in every bite.

Essential Elements

  • Buttermilk: Creates tender, tangy pancakes
  • Brown sugar: Provides rich caramel notes
  • Fresh cinnamon: Quality matters for best flavor
  • Cream cheese: Must be room temperature for smooth icing
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all other flavors
  • Real butter: Essential for perfect swirl texture
  • All-purpose flour: Creates ideal pancake structure

Creating Perfect Pancakes

Batter Development:
Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even leavening. Combine wet ingredients separately for perfect incorporation.
Swirl Technique:
Create cinnamon filling with proper consistency for easy piping. Apply swirl with confident, steady hand for beautiful presentation.
Cooking Strategy:
Maintain proper heat for golden brown color without burning. Watch for telltale bubbles before flipping.
Finishing Touch:
Apply cream cheese glaze while pancakes are warm for perfect melting consistency.
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Growing up, my grandmother always made cinnamon rolls for special occasions. These pancakes have become my modern twist on her tradition, bringing those beloved flavors to our table in half the time.

Perfect Pairings

Create an unforgettable breakfast spread by serving alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. Fresh fruit helps balance the sweetness, while hot coffee or cold milk completes the experience.

Creative Variations

Experiment with different spice combinations like adding nutmeg or cardamom. Try apple pieces in the swirl for fall flavors, or incorporate orange zest into the glaze for citrus brightness.

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Storage Success

Keep leftover pancakes separated by wax paper in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster oven for best results. Store extra glaze separately and warm slightly before serving.

After perfecting this recipe through countless weekend breakfasts, I've found that success lies in the details - the temperature of the griddle, the consistency of the swirl, and the patience to let each pancake cook properly. Whether you're cooking for a special celebration or just want to make an ordinary morning extraordinary, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes deliver warm, comforting flavors that create lasting memories around the breakfast table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make the components ahead of time?
You can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture and cream cheese icing a day ahead. Store in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using.
→ Why did my cinnamon swirl burn?
Keep the heat at medium and watch carefully. The sugar in the swirl can burn quickly if the heat is too high. Make sure your pan isn't too hot before starting.
→ Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Cool completely, layer between wax paper, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or oven. Make fresh icing when ready to serve.
→ What if I don't have buttermilk?
Mix 1 1/2 cups regular milk with 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice or white vinegar. Let stand for 5 minutes before using.
→ Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Don't overmix the batter - a few lumps are good. Also, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and let the batter rest before cooking.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a sweet cinnamon swirl and cream cheese icing, combining two breakfast favorites into one delicious treat.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Breakfast & Brunch

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Cinnamon Swirl

01 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
03 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ For the Pancakes

04 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
05 2 teaspoons baking powder
06 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
10 1 large egg
11 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Cream Cheese Icing

13 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
14 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
15 3/4 cup powdered sugar
16 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 2-3 tablespoons milk, as needed

Instructions

Step 01

In a medium bowl, whisk the soft butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until very well blended. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock bag and set aside.

Step 02

In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt until well combined.

Step 03

In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. A few lumps are okay. Set aside.

Step 04

In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until thick and lump-free. Mix in the milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 05

Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Grease lightly. Pour 1/4 cup portions of pancake batter. Pipe a thin swirl of cinnamon filling over each pancake. When bubbles appear, flip and cook 1-2 minutes more.

Step 06

Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm with cream cheese icing drizzled on top.

Notes

  1. Let pancake batter rest 5-10 minutes for fluffier results
  2. Maintain medium heat to prevent cinnamon swirl from burning

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Piping bag or ziplock bag
  • Skillet or griddle
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 654
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 82 g
  • Protein: 12 g