There’s something magical about a cozy breakfast that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon and butter. This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe brings together two morning favorites—pillowy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolls—into one unforgettable dish that’s perfect for weekends, holidays, or whenever you need a little extra sweetness.
If you’ve ever wanted the flavor of a cinnamon roll without the wait, this recipe is your new best friend. It gives you all that brown sugar swirl goodness, melty cream cheese drizzle, and soft, fluffy texture—no yeast, no rising, just pure comfort on a plate.
This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe has become a weekend favorite in our house, and once you try it, I think it’ll be one in yours too.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
If the photos didn’t already convince you, here are a few reasons why this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is going to be a keeper:
- No yeast, no waiting. You get all the flavor of a homemade cinnamon roll without hours of prep. Just mix, swirl, flip, and drizzle.
- That swirl! The buttery brown sugar-cinnamon swirl caramelizes right into the pancake, adding a sweet, gooey ribbon in every bite.
- Cream cheese glaze heaven. Drizzle it on while the pancakes are still warm and watch it melt into deliciousness.
- Perfect for brunch or holidays. Whether it’s a birthday breakfast or a quiet Sunday, this feels special without being complicated.
- Freezer-friendly and family-approved. Double the batch and reheat for a midweek treat—these pancakes reheat beautifully and are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
This is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is actually so easy to make. Once you try it, it’ll be hard to go back to plain pancakes!
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Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe – Fluffy, Gooey & Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 pancakes 1x
Description
This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe brings together two breakfast favorites—fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolls—with buttery swirls and a creamy glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for weekends or holidays!
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter:
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 5½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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Sour the Milk: In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes to create a homemade buttermilk.
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Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk egg, melted butter, and vanilla into the milk mixture.
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Make the Batter: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Do not overmix.
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Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Transfer to a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Chill for 10 minutes.
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Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle: Microwave softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until pourable.
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Cook Pancakes: Heat a greased skillet over medium heat. Pour ⅔ cup batter, wait for bubbles, then swirl in cinnamon mix. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes.
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Serve: Stack pancakes and drizzle with warm cream cheese glaze. Enjoy!
Notes
- Let the cinnamon swirl cool slightly to thicken before piping—it gives you cleaner lines.
- Wipe the skillet between pancakes to avoid burnt sugar.
- Add chopped pecans to the swirl for crunch or swirl in pumpkin spice during fall.
- Make silver dollar versions for kids or brunch parties!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe, easy breakfast, no yeast pancakes, cream cheese glaze, cinnamon swirl pancakes, brunch recipe, sweet breakfast
Ingredients for This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
You don’t need anything fancy to bring this breakfast dream to life—just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is simple, sweet, and totally doable for any skill level.
For the Pancake Batter:
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar (this gives us homemade buttermilk)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 5½ tablespoons packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Drizzle:
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be swirling like a pro in no time. The best part? You’ll have hot, fluffy pancakes with gooey cinnamon centers in under 30 minutes.
1. Sour the Milk
In a small bowl, mix the milk and vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes while you prep everything else. This step adds the tangy lift that gives your pancakes that classic diner-style fluff.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
To your milk mixture, whisk in the egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir until just combined.
4. Make the Pancake Batter
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are totally okay and help keep the pancakes tender.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Combine brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag or piping bag and chill for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This swirl is the heart of what makes this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe so special!
6. Make the Cream Cheese Drizzle
In a microwave-safe bowl, stir the softened butter and cream cheese together. Microwave in 15–30 second bursts, stirring between, until smooth. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract and whisk until silky and pourable.
7. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray or butter. Scoop about ⅔ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet.
Once bubbles begin to appear, snip the corner off your swirl bag and gently pipe a cinnamon swirl over the batter—spiral outward from the center. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
Pro Tip: Wipe the pan clean between each pancake to avoid burned sugar from the swirl.
8. Drizzle & Serve
Stack your warm pancakes high and pour that luscious cream cheese glaze over the top. It melts into the cinnamon layers and makes this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe absolutely unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe Success
A few simple tips can take this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe from good to absolutely irresistible. Here’s how to get those swirls just right and your pancakes perfectly fluffy every time.
- Sour the milk properly. Give the milk and vinegar at least 5 minutes to sit. This quick homemade buttermilk creates that soft, tender texture we love in pancakes.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Stir until just combined—even a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your pancakes tough instead of fluffy.
- Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag. For a neat and controlled cinnamon swirl, skip the snipped plastic bag and opt for something with a spout if you have it.
- Add the swirl at the right moment. Wait until bubbles form on top of the pancake before swirling. This keeps the cinnamon mixture from sinking or burning.
- Wipe the pan between pancakes. A quick wipe with a damp paper towel removes leftover sugar that can scorch and affect the flavor of the next batch.
- Thin the icing if needed. If your cream cheese glaze is too thick to drizzle, microwave it for 10–15 seconds or stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
- Keep pancakes warm while you cook. Place finished pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you make the rest—they’ll stay soft and ready to serve.
These small details make a big difference in the final stack—and turn this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe into a weekend favorite your family will request again and again.
Variations for Your Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
Want to switch things up? This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is super versatile and easy to customize with fun, seasonal, or dietary-friendly twists. Here are some of our favorite ways to get creative with it:
- Pumpkin Spice Swirl: Add ¼ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to your cinnamon swirl for a warm, autumn-inspired flavor. Perfect for fall mornings!
- Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: Swap out part of the powdered sugar for maple syrup in your icing for a richer, deeper sweetness.
- Nutty Cinnamon Crunch: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl or sprinkle on top for a little crunch and texture.
- Mini Pancake Stacks: Make silver-dollar sized pancakes for bite-sized cinnamon roll stacks—great for brunch spreads or little hands.
- Stuffed Version: Add a thin layer of cream cheese filling between two pancakes for a stuffed “cinnamon roll sandwich” style treat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or oat milk, plant-based butter, and vegan cream cheese. It still swirls, sizzles, and drizzles beautifully.
These ideas make it easy to tailor the recipe to your taste, your guests, or even the season. No matter how you serve them, the heart of this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe—that gooey cinnamon swirl and fluffy base—always shines through.
If you’re a fan of fun and cozy morning recipes, you’ll love our mini pancakes guide—packed with topping ideas and global twists!
Equipment You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is that you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few basics you likely already have.
- Mixing bowls: One for your dry ingredients, one for your wet, and another for the icing.
- Whisk & spatula: A whisk for combining ingredients and a spatula for flipping your pancakes cleanly.
- Nonstick skillet or griddle: A flat, nonstick surface gives the pancakes that golden finish and makes swirling easier.
- Squeeze bottle or piping bag: For the cinnamon swirl—you can use a resealable bag with the corner snipped, but a squeeze bottle gives more control.
- Microwave-safe bowl: To make the cream cheese glaze warm and drizzle-ready.
Optional but helpful:
- Ladle or measuring cup: To portion out consistent-sized pancakes.
- Cooling rack or baking sheet: If you want to keep pancakes warm in the oven while finishing the batch.
With just these tools and a few pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to the most delicious stack of cinnamon roll pancakes ever.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Made a big batch? These pancakes keep surprisingly well and are great for meal-prepping a sweet breakfast you can enjoy all week.
How to Store:
- Fridge: Let the pancakes cool completely, then store in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Stack with parchment paper between each pancake, then freeze in a resealable freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Tip: Store the cream cheese glaze separately in a small container in the fridge. It will firm up, but reheats well in the microwave.
How to Reheat:
- Microwave: Heat pancakes in 20–30 second intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Place on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 300°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Toaster: Great for single servings—just toast on low until heated.
Whether you’re serving them fresh off the skillet or from the freezer stash, this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe will deliver that same comforting swirl every time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
How do you turn cinnamon rolls into pancakes?
Great question! The trick is in the swirl. Instead of baking traditional cinnamon rolls, this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe uses a rich blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter piped right into pancake batter as it cooks. It gives you that same gooey, spiced flavor—but without the wait or the dough. Some people flatten store-bought cinnamon rolls and cook them like pancakes, but making your own batter creates a fluffier, more delicious result.
Can I put cinnamon in my pancake mix?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon is a simple way to add warmth and extra flavor. For this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe, the cinnamon shines in the swirl mixture, but you can also stir ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon right into the pancake batter itself for an extra boost of cozy flavor.
Why are restaurant pancakes so fluffy?
Fluffy pancakes come down to a few key secrets that restaurants rely on:
– They use buttermilk or soured milk, which reacts with leaveners like baking soda for extra rise.
– The batter is mixed just until combined to avoid tough pancakes.
– Some restaurants let the batter rest before cooking to give the bubbles time to form.
This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe includes similar techniques, like souring the milk and not overmixing, to help you get that same fluffy, diner-style result at home.
How do you make a 3-ingredient pancake?
Looking for a minimalist version? A classic 3-ingredient pancake recipe typically includes:
– 1 ripe banana
– 2 large eggs
– ¼ cup oats or flour (optional for texture)
Mash and mix, then cook on a hot skillet just like regular pancakes. They won’t be as thick or fluffy as the ones in this Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe, but they’re great for a quick, gluten-free, or naturally sweetened option.
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Final Thought
This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is more than just breakfast—it’s a little reminder that joy can come from the simplest things: warm cinnamon swirls, the sizzle of batter hitting a hot griddle, and the first bite of something made with love. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to slow down, gather around the table, and turn an ordinary morning into a memory.
At Harmony Meal, we believe food is connection—and what better way to connect than over a stack of pancakes that taste like a cinnamon roll dream?
So whether you’re a weekend pancake warrior or just dipping your toes into scratch-made breakfasts, I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home like it has in mine. You don’t need fancy ingredients or a special occasion. Just the desire to make something delicious—and maybe a little messy in the best way.
Thanks for being here. Thanks for cooking with me. And most of all, thanks for making food a little more joyful, one pancake at a time.
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