Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe: Easy Breakfast Treat

Cinnamon roll pancakes combine fluffy pancakes with cinnamon swirls and cream cheese glaze for a breakfast treat. This easy recipe makes 8-10 pancakes with 15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes cook time. The secret is layering cinnamon sugar between pancake batter layers for that signature swirl effect.

Craving the sweet, comforting taste of cinnamon rolls but short on time? These cinnamon roll pancakes deliver all the flavor in a fraction of the effort. As a breakfast enthusiast who's tested dozens of pancake variations, I've perfected this recipe to capture the essence of cinnamon rolls while maintaining the light, fluffy texture pancakes lovers expect.

Why This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe Works

Unlike other attempts that either drown the pancakes in sugar or fail to create the signature swirl, this method uses a two-step approach that ensures every bite has balanced cinnamon flavor without compromising texture. The key innovation is adding the cinnamon sugar mixture between layers of batter rather than mixing it directly in, preventing the pancakes from becoming dense.

Ingredients for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Use these precise measurements for consistent results. All ingredients should be at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
All-purpose flour	1½ cups	Spoon and level for accuracy
Granulated sugar	2 tbsp	Plus ½ cup for cinnamon mixture
Baking powder	3½ tsp	Fresh for best rise
Ground cinnamon	1½ tsp	Plus 2 tsp for swirl mixture
Salt	¼ tsp
Milk	1¼ cups	Whole milk recommended
Egg	1 large
Unsalted butter	3 tbsp	Melted and cooled
Vanilla extract	1 tsp

Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Preparing the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, 1½ teaspoons cinnamon, and salt
2. In another bowl, beat milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until well combined
3. Create a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients
4. Gently fold together until just combined (small lumps are okay - overmixing makes pancakes tough)
5. Let batter rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the cinnamon mixture

Creating the Cinnamon Swirl

6. Mix ½ cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl
7. Heat griddle or large skillet to 375°F (medium-high heat)
8. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake onto the griddle
9. Immediately sprinkle 1½ teaspoons cinnamon sugar over each pancake
10. Add another 2 tablespoons batter on top of the sugar to seal in the swirl
11. Cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set (2-3 minutes)
12. Flip carefully and cook 1-2 minutes more until golden brown

Cream Cheese Glaze Preparation

While pancakes cook, prepare the glaze:

1. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition
3. Add vanilla and salt
4. Thin with milk, one tablespoon at a time, until pourable but not runny
5. Pour over warm pancakes just before serving

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

• Temperature matters: Keep your griddle at a consistent 375°F. Too hot burns the sugar; too cool makes pancakes greasy
• Don't skip the rest: Letting batter rest allows flour to hydrate for fluffier pancakes
• Seal properly: The second layer of batter must completely cover the cinnamon sugar to prevent burning
• Work quickly: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar immediately after pouring batter before it sets
• Glaze timing: Apply glaze to warm (not hot) pancakes so it melts perfectly without soaking in

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many homemade cinnamon roll pancakes recipes fail because of these issues:

• Mixing cinnamon directly into batter: This dilutes the flavor and can make pancakes dense
• Using too much sugar: Excess sugar burns on the griddle - stick to the 1½ tsp per pancake
• Overflipping: Flip only once when bubbles form for optimal rise
• Cold ingredients: Room temperature ingredients create better texture
• Incorrect griddle temperature: Test with a small amount of batter first

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon roll pancakes pair perfectly with:

• Fresh berries for a balanced breakfast
• Bacon or sausage for a complete brunch
• Whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat
• Maple syrup drizzle alongside the cream cheese glaze

Storage and Reheating Instructions

While best served fresh, you can store leftovers properly:

• Room temperature: Keep uncovered for up to 2 hours
• Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for 2-3 days (without glaze)
• Reheating: Warm in toaster oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes for best texture
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed pancakes between parchment paper for up to 1 month

Variations to Try

Once you've mastered the basic recipe, experiment with these delicious twists:

• Apple cinnamon roll pancakes: Add ¼ cup finely diced apples to the batter
• Whole wheat version: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour
• Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based milk, flax egg, and vegan butter
• Mini cinnamon roll pancakes: Make silver-dollar size for bite-sized treats
• Protein boost: Add 1 scoop vanilla protein powder to dry ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cinnamon roll pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. Mix wet ingredients in the morning, combine with dry ingredients, and proceed with the recipe. For best results, don't mix the complete batter more than 30 minutes before cooking as the baking powder will lose effectiveness.

Why are my cinnamon roll pancakes soggy?

Soggy pancakes usually result from an incorrect griddle temperature (too low) or flipping too early. Ensure your cooking surface reaches 375°F before adding batter, and wait until bubbles form across the surface and edges look set before flipping. Overmixing the batter can also cause toughness rather than fluffiness.

Can I use pancake mix instead of making from scratch?

While you can use a basic pancake mix, the results won't be as flavorful or authentic as making from scratch. If using mix, reduce added sugar in the cinnamon mixture since most mixes already contain sugar. For best cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch experience, the homemade batter makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor absorption.

How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from burning?

The key to preventing burned cinnamon sugar is proper sealing with the second layer of batter and correct griddle temperature. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar immediately after pouring the first layer of batter, then quickly add the second layer to cover it completely. Maintain a consistent 375°F temperature - too hot will burn the sugar, while too cool won't set the batter properly.

What's the secret to extra fluffy cinnamon roll pancakes?

The secret to maximum fluffiness is not overmixing the batter (lumps are okay), using fresh baking powder, and letting the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking. Separating the egg and folding in the whipped egg white at the end can add extra lift, but the standard method with proper technique yields excellent results without the extra step.