Cinnamon roll pancakes are one of those delightful breakfast treats that combine two all-time favorites into one irresistible dish. Imagine the soft, fluffy texture of pancakes swirling with the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon and sugar, topped with a sweet cream cheese glaze. I created this recipe because I wanted a cozy, comforting breakfast that felt a little extra special but was still easy enough to make on a weekend morning.

Whether you’re craving the nostalgic taste of cinnamon rolls or just want to elevate your pancake game, this recipe brings the best of both worlds. Keep reading — I promise this will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe

What makes cinnamon roll pancakes stand out is the perfect marriage of two classic breakfasts. It’s not just a pancake with cinnamon sprinkled on top — it’s a pancake with cinnamon roll swirls baked right inside!

I love this recipe because it’s cozy, comforting, and indulgent without being overwhelming. The cinnamon and brown sugar filling melts beautifully into the batter as the pancakes cook, creating pockets of gooey sweetness. Plus, the cream cheese glaze adds that signature rich tang that makes cinnamon rolls so crave-worthy.

If you’re someone who loves breakfast treats that feel homemade but aren’t complicated, this recipe delivers. It’s a special morning treat that’s also easy to make, making it ideal for brunches, holidays, or whenever you want to treat yourself.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

To make cinnamon roll pancakes, you’ll need a few staple pantry ingredients, plus a couple of special additions for that classic cinnamon roll flavor. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a tender pancake texture.
Baking powder & baking soda: These help the pancakes rise fluffy and light.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.

Sugar: Both granulated sugar in the batter and brown sugar in the cinnamon swirl add sweetness.
Cinnamon: The star spice that gives the recipe its warm, cozy flavor.
Milk: I prefer whole milk for richness, but you can use any kind.

Eggs: They bind the batter and add structure.
Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and flavor.
Vanilla extract: For a subtle sweetness and depth.

Cream cheese: For the glaze, providing that tangy richness typical of cinnamon rolls.
Powdered sugar: To sweeten and thicken the glaze.

These ingredients come together to create a batter that’s thick enough to hold the cinnamon swirl and yield pancakes that are fluffy yet richly flavored.

How Much Time Will You Need

Making cinnamon roll pancakes is a wonderfully manageable project on any morning. From start to finish, expect about 30 to 40 minutes.

Preparation: 10 to 15 minutes to gather ingredients, mix the batter, and prepare the cinnamon swirl.
Cooking: About 15 to 20 minutes, depending on your pan size and how many pancakes you make at once.

Glazing and serving: Another 5 minutes.

So, if you plan it right, you can enjoy a delicious stack of warm cinnamon roll pancakes within 40 minutes — perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special brunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make these irresistible pancakes perfectly every time.

Step – 1: Prepare the cinnamon swirl filling. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar and ground cinnamon until combined. This will be your flavorful swirl to drizzle inside the pancakes.

Step – 2: Make the pancake batter. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and granulated sugar. In a separate bowl, beat eggs with milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix — some lumps are okay!

Step – 3: Prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk until smooth and pourable. Set aside.

Step – 4: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

Step – 5: Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet to form each pancake. Immediately drizzle some cinnamon sugar mixture over the top in a spiral pattern. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter gently.

Step – 6: Cook pancakes for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Step – 7: Transfer pancakes to a warm plate and repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.

Step – 8: Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the warm pancakes before serving.

These steps help the cinnamon sugar melt slightly inside the pancake, creating a delicious cinnamon swirl effect — just like a cinnamon roll, but in pancake form.

Substitutions

If you want to customize or adapt the recipe, here are some great substitution ideas:

Milk alternatives: You can use almond, oat, soy, or any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
Flour: For a gluten-free twist, try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Butter: Coconut oil or vegan butter work well for dairy-free.
Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep the brown sugar for the swirl for best texture.
Cream cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese or a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a vegan option.

These swaps let you make the recipe fit your dietary needs without losing the cinnamon roll pancake magic.

Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

To round out your breakfast and make it even more satisfying, try pairing your cinnamon roll pancakes with:

Fresh fruit salad: Berries, melons, and citrus add a refreshing contrast.

Crispy bacon or sausage links: The savory and salty flavors balance the sweetness.
Greek yogurt with honey and nuts: Adds protein and creaminess with a touch of crunch.

These sides complement the richness of the pancakes and make for a well-balanced meal.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When it comes to serving cinnamon roll pancakes, presentation can really elevate the experience and make breakfast feel extra special. I like to stack the pancakes high, layering them so the cinnamon swirls peek through the edges. Then, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top — letting it cascade down the sides adds that luscious, inviting look.

To add some texture and color, sprinkle a few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or blueberries also brightens the plate and balances the sweetness. For an elegant touch, you could dust a little powdered sugar over everything just before serving.

Using warm plates helps keep your pancakes nice and cozy, and offering extra glaze or maple syrup on the side lets everyone customize their perfect bite. Presentation is all about appealing to the senses, so think about warmth, color, and layers of texture when plating.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

To take your cinnamon roll pancakes to the next level, here are a few tips I’ve learned through experience:

Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing until just combined keeps the pancakes tender and fluffy. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour too much and can make them dense.
Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs, milk, and cream cheese should be at room temperature to blend smoothly and create a consistent batter and glaze.

Swirl gently but thoroughly: When adding the cinnamon sugar to the pancake batter on the griddle, use a toothpick or skewer to create gentle swirls. This ensures the cinnamon swirl is well distributed without breaking the pancake apart.
Keep pancakes warm in the oven: If making a big batch, place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (93°C) oven. This keeps them warm and fluffy while you finish cooking the rest.
Experiment with fillings: Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, or a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl for extra flavor and texture.

Make the glaze just before serving: Freshly made cream cheese glaze has the best texture and flavor. If it thickens too much, whisk in a little milk to loosen it.

These tricks help you get consistent, delicious results that impress every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can have pitfalls, so watch out for these common mistakes:

Overcooking pancakes: Cooking pancakes too long or on high heat can dry them out. Cook on medium heat, flipping when bubbles form and edges look set.
Not swirling properly: If you don’t swirl the cinnamon sugar into the batter carefully, it can pool at the bottom or not distribute evenly, resulting in uneven flavor.
Skipping the glaze: The cream cheese glaze is a signature part of this recipe. Don’t skip it, or your pancakes won’t have that iconic cinnamon roll finish.

Using cold ingredients: Cold eggs or milk can cause the batter to clump or cook unevenly.
Overmixing batter: Mixing too much develops gluten and makes pancakes tough, not fluffy.

Avoiding these will keep your cinnamon roll pancakes tender, flavorful, and perfectly swirled.

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerate: Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. They’ll keep for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Separate pancakes with parchment paper and stack them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm refrigerated or frozen pancakes in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until heated through. You can also microwave them briefly, but this might make them softer.

For the glaze, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge and drizzle on pancakes just before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cinnamon roll pancakes dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

Can I prepare the batter or swirl ahead of time?
You can prepare the pancake batter and cinnamon sugar swirl separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just give the batter a gentle stir before cooking.

What’s the best pan to cook these pancakes?
A non-stick skillet or griddle works best. Make sure it’s preheated to medium heat and lightly greased.

Can I add other flavors to the cinnamon swirl?
Absolutely! You can mix in chopped nuts, raisins, or a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to add complexity.

Are these pancakes suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Traditional recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that works for pancakes.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes