1. Introduction to the Recipe

What happens when you combine the warm, gooey delight of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy perfection of pancakes? You get Cinnamon Roll Pancakes—a breakfast masterpiece that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying. This recipe brings together rich swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar and layers it inside soft, tender pancakes, all drizzled with luscious cream cheese icing.

Whether you’re craving a weekend brunch upgrade or looking to impress guests with a breakfast that feels like dessert, these pancakes deliver. The base is a classic buttermilk-style pancake batter made with milk and vinegar for extra fluff. A buttery cinnamon sugar filling creates those beautiful spirals right in the pan, and the final touch—a silky cream cheese glaze—melts right into each warm stack.

What sets these pancakes apart is their irresistible texture and presentation. They’re easier than homemade cinnamon rolls and far quicker, but every bite delivers the same sticky-sweet satisfaction. Pair them with a cup of coffee or fresh fruit and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal at home.

Looking for more creative pancakes? Try these churro-style pancakes or learn to master homemade cinnamon rolls. But first—let’s make these irresistible cinnamon roll pancakes.

2. Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Sweet Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Author: Sarah White

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Description

These cinnamon roll pancakes combine fluffy pancakes with a gooey swirl and cream cheese icing for the ultimate sweet breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pancake Ingredients

¾ cup milk
2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter

1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Cooking spray or butter for the skillet

Cinnamon Swirl Filling

5½ tablespoons packed brown sugar

¼ cup melted butter
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Icing

¼ cup softened butter

2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pancake Batter
Combine the milk and vinegar in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to create a quick buttermilk. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In the milk mixture, whisk in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Spoon into a piping bag or zip-top bag and snip a small hole in the corner.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Icing
In a bowl, beat together the butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.

4. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease with cooking spray or butter. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.

Immediately pipe a cinnamon swirl into the top of each pancake in a spiral shape. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles form. Carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve and Ice
Transfer to a plate. Drizzle with cream cheese icing while warm and serve immediately.

Notes

Letting the milk and vinegar sit creates homemade buttermilk for extra fluffy pancakes.

For clean cinnamon swirls, don’t overheat your pan—medium heat works best.

If the cinnamon filling is too runny, chill it briefly to thicken before piping.

You can thin the icing with a bit of milk if needed.

Wipe the pan between batches to avoid burning sugar.

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

3. Advanced Techniques

1. Perfecting the Cinnamon Swirl

To ensure the cinnamon sugar swirl stays defined and doesn’t melt into the pancake, let the swirl mixture cool slightly before using. A thick yet pipeable consistency is key. Pipe slowly and carefully on top of the batter to maintain the spiral shape.

2. Keeping the Pan Temperature Consistent

Avoid cooking over high heat—this causes the sugar swirl to burn before the pancake cooks through. Instead, preheat the pan on medium and reduce the heat slightly as you go. Wipe off any burnt sugar between batches to keep each pancake clean.

3. Using a Squeeze Bottle for the Swirl

For better control over your cinnamon swirl, use a plastic squeeze bottle. It allows for more precise spirals and prevents leaking, compared to a zip-top bag.

4. Making a Fluffier Pancake

Separate the egg yolk and white. Whip the egg white to soft peaks and fold it into the batter at the end. This aerates the batter and results in fluffier, diner-style pancakes.

5. Flavor Boost with Add-ins

Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon swirl mixture for a deeper spice flavor. Or try folding mini chocolate chips into the pancake batter for a decadent twist.

See more advanced recipes at cookingwhite.com

4. Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

1. Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking.

2. Freezing for Future Meals

Cinnamon roll pancakes freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

3. Reheating

To reheat, use a toaster oven or skillet over low heat to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving with icing on top—it can melt unevenly. Add icing after reheating for best results.

4. Keep Icing Separate for Storage

Store leftover icing separately in the fridge in an airtight container. Warm slightly before drizzling on reheated pancakes.

5. Batch Cooking Tip

Make a double batch and freeze half for later. They make for an excellent quick breakfast or brunch prep for guests.

5. Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free Option

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend (like Cup4Cup or Bob’s Red Mill 1:1). Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, especially baking powder.

2. Dairy-Free Version

Use almond or oat milk with vinegar for buttermilk. Substitute vegan butter for the swirl and icing, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the topping.

3. Refined Sugar-Free Alternative

Replace white sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup in the batter. Use maple sugar or date sugar in the cinnamon swirl. The flavor will be slightly more caramelized.

4. Vegan Adaptation

Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water), use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Check sugar brands for vegan certification.

5. Nut-Free But Flavorful

This recipe is naturally nut-free, but if desired, add seed-based toppings like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast.

6. FAQs About the Recipe

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using. Keep the swirl and icing mixtures stored separately in airtight containers.

2. Why is my cinnamon filling leaking everywhere?

The filling may be too warm or too runny. Let it cool and thicken before piping. Also, avoid overfilling the swirl area—it expands during cooking.

3. Can I skip the icing?

Yes, but the icing is what truly gives these pancakes their cinnamon roll flavor. If you want a lighter option, a simple drizzle of maple syrup also works well.

4. My swirl burned—what went wrong?

Your pan may be too hot or wasn’t cleaned between pancakes. Keep your heat at medium to medium-low and wipe excess sugar from the skillet between batches.

5. Can I use boxed pancake mix?

You can, though homemade batter gives the best results. If using boxed mix, choose a buttermilk or fluffy variety and follow box instructions, adding the cinnamon swirl and icing as directed.

7. Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the ultimate fusion breakfast—warm, sweet, gooey, and beautifully swirled with cinnamon goodness. This recipe is perfect for special brunches, cozy weekends, or just when you want to treat yourself to something truly comforting and satisfying.

Combining the soft texture of pancakes with the richness of a cinnamon roll, these pancakes are both visually striking and delicious. Plus, the cream cheese glaze takes them over the top, melting into every bite. Whether you’re making them for your family, your guests, or just yourself, you’ll find this dish quickly becomes a breakfast favorite.

And while they look fancy, they’re surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already

have on hand. Even better—you can tweak them to suit your dietary preferences, freeze them for later, or make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.

So grab that whisk and let your weekend mornings smell like cinnamon and butter. These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are ready to wow.