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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Fluffy golden pancake with cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze.

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These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast mashup, capturing the gooey, spiced swirl of a cinnamon roll in a quick and fluffy pancake. Ready in just 20 minutes, they are a fun and impressive treat perfect for a special family breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients

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  • For the Pancake Batter:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Make the cinnamon filling first. In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup melted butter, brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, and cinnamon until a thick paste forms. Transfer to a zip-top bag or piping bag and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the pancake batter.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Let batter rest for 5 minutes.
  5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
  6. For each pancake, pour about 1/3 cup of batter onto the hot surface. Immediately snip a small corner from the bag of cinnamon filling. Pipe a tight spiral or swirl onto the wet pancake batter, starting at the center.
  7. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
  8. While pancakes cook, make the glaze. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until a thick but pourable consistency is reached.
  9. Serve pancakes warm, stacked and drizzled generously with the cream cheese glaze.

Notes

The key to defined swirls is a thick cinnamon filling. Let it sit a few minutes to thicken. Do not overmix the pancake batter; lumps are okay. For best results, cook on medium heat and wait for bubbles before flipping. Store leftovers without glaze; reheat in a toaster or oven.

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