If you love the cozy taste of cinnamon rolls, wait until you try these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! This delightful breakfast recipe mixes soft pancakes with a sweet, swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar. Topped with a creamy glaze, these pancakes are perfect for any morning. Whether you want a special weekend treat or a fun weekday breakfast, they check all the boxes. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cinnamon and creamy glaze create a delightful fusion that brings the comfort of cinnamon rolls to breakfast.
- Easy to Make: This recipe simplifies the process of making cinnamon rolls, allowing you to enjoy the same flavors in just a fraction of the time.
- Perfect for Sharing: With enough pancakes to serve a group, these are ideal for brunch gatherings or family breakfasts.
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add fruits, nuts, or extra glaze to make these pancakes your own!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon milk, plus more if needed
– 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh items ensure the best taste. Flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help pancakes rise. Salt enhances all the flavors. The buttermilk adds a nice tang and helps keep pancakes soft. Eggs bind everything together. Melted butter adds richness, and vanilla rounds out the flavor.
Cinnamon and brown sugar create a sweet swirl inside the pancakes. The cream cheese glaze gives that extra touch of indulgence. Adjust the milk in the glaze for your desired thickness. A little extra milk can make it pour easier. These ingredients come together to make a delightful breakfast that feels special. Enjoy cooking these delicious cinnamon roll pancakes!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cinnamon Filling
To start, take a small bowl. Combine 3 tablespoons of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix them well, so they blend nicely. Set this bowl aside. Letting the flavors meld makes the filling even better.
Making the Pancake Batter
Now, grab a large mixing bowl. In it, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Slowly pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently. It’s okay if the batter has some lumps. Do not overmix! This helps keep the pancakes fluffy.
Cooking the Pancakes
Next, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the griddle. Immediately sprinkle a thin line of the cinnamon sugar mixture in the center. Take a toothpick or skewer and swirl the cinnamon mix into the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Look for bubbles forming on the surface. Then, carefully flip the pancake. Cook for another 2 minutes, until it turns golden brown.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Fluffy Pancakes
To make fluffy pancakes, you should not overmix the batter. When you mix, stop when you see a few lumps. Overmixing makes the pancakes tough. Use the right temperature for cooking. A medium heat gives the best results. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes burn outside but stay raw inside.
Decorating Your Pancakes
Presentation is key. Stack your pancakes high for a great look. Dust them with powdered sugar for extra charm. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for flavor. You can also add a handful of nuts for crunch. A pat of butter on top melts beautifully and makes them extra tasty.
Making the Perfect Cream Cheese Glaze
To make the cream cheese glaze, mix softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk. Start with one tablespoon of milk. Stir until smooth. If it’s too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time. For fun flavors, try adding a splash of maple syrup or a touch of lemon zest. These little changes can make the glaze special.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
- Swirl with Care: When swirling the cinnamon mixture into the batter, be gentle to avoid overmixing. A few swirls create the perfect cinnamon roll effect.
- Adjusting the Glaze: If the cream cheese glaze is too thick, gradually add more milk until you reach your desired drizzling consistency.
- Perfect Pancake Size: Stick to 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake to ensure even cooking and perfect stacking.
Variations
Flavor Additions
To make your cinnamon roll pancakes even better, try adding some fun flavors. You can mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just fold them into the batter before cooking. Nuts, like pecans or walnuts, also add a nice crunch. You can sprinkle them on top or mix them in.
Another tasty option is to add fruit. Bananas or blueberries blend well with the cinnamon flavor. Slice bananas and place them in the batter. For blueberries, toss a handful into the mix before cooking. Both fruits will give your pancakes extra sweetness and make them super special.
Dietary Modifications
If you have dietary needs, you can still enjoy these pancakes. To make them gluten-free, swap out all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for a blend that works well for baking.
For a dairy-free option, use almond milk or oat milk instead of buttermilk. You can also replace the cream cheese in the glaze with a dairy-free cream cheese. This keeps the rich flavor while making it safe for everyone.
Serving Suggestions
Serving your cinnamon roll pancakes can be a fun experience. Drizzle maple syrup over the top for a classic taste. Fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, also make a great addition.
You can serve these pancakes alongside breakfast favorites, too. Crispy bacon or scrambled eggs go well with the sweet flavors. This combination makes for a balanced and delicious breakfast. Enjoy your cooking!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Pancakes
To keep your leftover pancakes fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Refrigerate them for up to three days. When you want to enjoy them again, reheat them in a microwave or on the stove. For the microwave, heat for 20-30 seconds per pancake. On the stove, warm them in a non-stick skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway through.
Preparing in Advance
You can make the batter ahead of time. Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine them just before cooking. This helps keep your pancakes fluffy. If you want to freeze pancakes, let them cool completely first. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Place the stack in a freezer bag for best results. They can last up to two months in the freezer.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your pancakes will last about three days. The cream cheese glaze should also be stored in the fridge. It will be good for about a week when kept in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using, like off smells or changes in texture. Enjoy your delicious pancakes while they are fresh!
FAQs
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can use regular milk, yogurt, or sour cream. To make a quick substitute, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will give you a similar tang and thickness as buttermilk.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When ready to cook, give the batter a gentle stir. If it thickens, add a bit of milk to reach your desired consistency.
How do I know when the pancakes are done cooking?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface. When they pop, the pancake is ready to flip. The underside should be golden brown. After flipping, cook for another 2 minutes. The pancake is done when both sides are golden and it springs back when touched.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour. This will make the pancakes denser and give them a nuttier flavor. You might want to add a bit more liquid, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Start by adding a bit of extra milk to the batter.
You now have all you need to make delicious cinnamon pancakes. We reviewed key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for perfect pancakes. You learned tips for fluffiness, decoration, and storage. Explore tasty variations and dietary options to make these pancakes your own. With this knowledge, enjoy cooking and sharing these treats with others. Perfecting these pancakes can be fun and rewardin