There’s something so comforting about the smell of cinnamon swirling through a warm breakfast, right? This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe captures that cozy, sweet vibe in a stack of fluffy pancakes that feel like a hug on a plate. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make for weekend mornings when you have a little extra time to treat yourself — trust me, it’s worth it!

A stack of four thick, golden pancakes sits on a white plate, each layer separated by creamy, smooth off-white icing that drips slightly over the edges, creating a rich texture. On top, there is a spiral of amber-colored syrup swirling over the icing, adding a shiny contrast. A silver fork rests against the plate's edge on a blue and gray striped cloth, and the whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these pancakes — the moment the cinnamon sugar started to melt and swirl on the griddle, I knew this recipe was a keeper. It’s like two breakfast favorites got together and made magic happen.

Fluffy yet flavorful: These pancakes stay light and tender, with a cinnamon swirl baked right in for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Homemade cream cheese glaze: The finishing touch is a creamy, slightly tangy glaze that’s so much better than store-bought syrup.
Impress your crowd: Whether it’s a brunch with friends or a cozy family breakfast, these pancakes make everyone feel special.
Simple ingredients: No weird extras here, just pantry staples that come together beautifully.

Two thick, soft pancakes stacked on each other sit on a white plate. The pancakes are light golden yellow with a smooth texture and have a shiny, amber-colored syrup swirled on the top in a spiral pattern. A silver fork rests beside the pancakes on the plate. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with whipped cream. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how straightforward the ingredients are for these pancakes. Each piece plays a crucial part — the melted butter keeps them moist, the brown sugar and cinnamon make the swirl sing, and the cream cheese glaze pulls it all together with a touch of indulgence. Here’s what you’ll need:

Flat lay of light brown sugar heaped in a small pile, sticks of unsalted butter both melted and solid, ground cinnamon sprinkled artfully, creamy dollops of smooth cream cheese, a mound of powdered sugar, fresh whole eggs with rich orange yolks visible through cracks, a neat stack of all-purpose flour, and a glass of whole milk partially filled, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light and warm tones, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted butter: Essential for both the cinnamon swirl and pancakes; melting it adds richness and moisture.
Light brown sugar: It melts into a gorgeous cinnamon-sugar swirl, giving that traditional cinnamon roll sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice—warm and fragrant, it’s what makes everything feel comforting.
Cream cheese: For the glaze, bringing a tangy creaminess that balances the sweet.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that isn’t cloying but perfectly luscious.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
All-purpose flour: The base of the pancake batter, supporting fluffiness without heaviness.
Baking powder: Key for lift and rise, keeping pancakes light and airy.
Granulated sugar: A touch for sweetness in the pancake batter itself.
Fine salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Whole milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
Eggs: Bind everything and contribute to tender texture.
Canola or vegetable oil: For greasing the pan—prevents sticking without flavor interference.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore this classic take on the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, I’ve found that little twists make it even more fun to cook and eat. You can absolutely make this your own, whether adding a surprise ingredient or dialing up the sweetness.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is swapping half the milk for buttermilk—it adds a lovely tang and makes the pancakes even fluffier.
Dietary swaps: Use a dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter if you need to make it plant-based; just watch your cooking time since batter thickness can vary.
Extra add-ins: I sometimes toss in chopped pecans or walnuts right before cooking for a satisfying crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Swirl

Start by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until silky and combined. I find using a pastry bag (or a zip-top bag with a tiny snip in the corner) makes piping the swirl onto pancakes so easy and mess-free. This swirl is what makes these pancakes feel like cinnamon rolls on your griddle!

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese until perfectly smooth — no lumps! Then gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until the glaze is creamy and luscious. If you’re prepping ahead, cover and chill it, then let it come to room temperature before using so it’s easy to drizzle.

Step 3: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter, milk, and eggs, stirring gently just until combined — don’t overmix or your pancakes might get tough. Let the batter rest a few minutes if you can; it helps with fluffiness.

Step 4: Cook and Swirl

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat, lightly greased with oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Quickly pipe a swirl of that cinnamon mixture onto each pancake. Here’s a trick: because the sugar can burn if the heat is too high, don’t flip these pancakes. Instead, turn the heat down to low, cover the pan with a lid, and cook them gently for 3 to 5 minutes until fully set and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Glaze

Stack your pancakes, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and dig in. I love when the glaze slowly melts all over the warm stack — that first bite is pure happiness!

Top Tip

After making this recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to amazing:

Low and slow cooking: Keeping the heat low and covering the pan ensures your pancakes cook through without burning the cinnamon swirl. It really makes a difference!
Batter consistency: If your batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon of milk at a time to loosen it up — you want it pourable but not runny.
Room temperature ingredients: Bring eggs and milk to room temp before mixing; this helps the batter come together smoothly and yields fluffier pancakes.
Don’t overmix: Stir batter just until combined to avoid dense pancakes.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep toppings simple so the pancakes shine: a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch, and a drizzle more of that cream cheese glaze. Sometimes fresh berries add a bright contrast — strawberries or blueberries work beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve these with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage, plus a side of fresh fruit salad. A hot cup of coffee or cinnamon-spiced tea completes the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special brunches, try stacking the pancakes and layering with whipped cream and sliced bananas in between. Or serve mini versions as individual bites with skewers for a fun twist. Decorating with edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon can make it extra festive, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the cinnamon swirl and glaze intact means they still taste fantastic reheated.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I separate pancakes with parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When I want pancakes, I thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them straight from frozen.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these pancakes is in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat to keep the texture tender. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes dry them out, so keep a close eye!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated in a sealed container. Just bring it to room temperature before piping onto the pancakes to make it easier to work with.

Why don’t I flip the pancakes with cinnamon swirl on top?

Because the cinnamon sugar mixture contains brown sugar and butter, it can burn quickly over direct heat. Cooking the pancakes on low heat covered allows them to cook through fully while keeping the cinnamon swirl golden and delicious.

Can I use a different glaze instead of cream cheese?

You can! While the cream cheese glaze complements the cinnamon flavor beautifully with a tangy richness, a simple vanilla glaze or maple syrup also pairs well if you prefer.

How do I prevent my pancakes from being dense?

Make sure not to overmix the batter – stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Also, use fresh baking powder for a good rise and let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe has become a special way I like to start the weekend — it’s tested, reliable, and always earns happy smiles around the table. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it brings a little extra warmth and sweetness to your breakfast routine. Give it a try and treat yourself to a cinnamon roll and pancake mashup that’s truly delightful.