Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Breakfast Favorite

There’s something incredibly comforting about a stack of warm pancakes, especially when they’re drizzled with a rich, sweet glaze. I first tried cinnamon roll pancakes during a lazy Sunday morning, craving the sweetness of cinnamon rolls but not wanting to put in the effort to make them from scratch. These pancakes turned out to be the perfect solution—a combination of fluffy pancakes with the swirls of cinnamon filling you love in a classic cinnamon roll, topped with a decadent cream cheese glaze. This simple recipe has quickly become a weekend staple in my household, and it’s one I’m excited to share with you.

These cinnamon roll pancakes are perfect for any breakfast or brunch occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and the swirls of cinnamon sugar and cream cheese glaze take pancakes to the next level. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick and simple, so even beginner cooks can enjoy them without stress. Whether you’re making them for your family on a busy morning or for a special holiday breakfast, these pancakes will undoubtedly be a hit.

Why This Recipe is Special

What makes these pancakes truly special is their irresistible cinnamon swirl filling, which transforms regular pancakes into a decadent breakfast treat. With a swirl of cinnamon sugar baked right into the pancakes and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, each bite is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The pancakes are soft and fluffy, while the cinnamon filling gives you that perfect sweet, spiced kick. The glaze adds the final touch, making each pancake feel indulgent but not overly heavy.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can make the cinnamon filling ahead of time, and if you prefer, you can even use a pancake mix (such as Bisquick) to save time. The pancakes are quick to cook and even quicker to disappear—making them perfect for busy mornings or when you have company over. They’re also easy to customize—try adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit to make them your own.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s explore the ingredients and their role in this delicious recipe:

• All-purpose flour: The base for the pancake batter, providing structure and fluffiness. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
• Baking powder: This helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy. Be sure to use fresh baking powder for the best results.
• Salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
• Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, making it pourable and ensuring the pancakes cook evenly. You can use any milk you prefer, including almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Vegetable oil: This ensures the pancakes are soft and tender while also helping to prevent them from sticking to the pan.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the pancake batter.
• Cinnamon filling: This mixture of melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon creates the signature swirl inside the pancakes, giving them that classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Cream cheese glaze: Made with butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla, this glaze is the perfect topping for the pancakes, adding sweetness and creaminess.

For variations, you can switch out the cinnamon filling for other flavors, such as Nutella or fruit preserves, and try different glazes, like chocolate or maple syrup.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Start by preparing the cinnamon filling. In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon together until smooth. Pour the mixture into a small ziplock bag, seal it, and set it aside to thicken slightly (about 10-15 minutes).

Step 2: For the pancake batter, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Add in the milk, vegetable oil, and egg, and mix until just combined. Don’t worry if the batter is a little lumpy—that’s perfectly fine.

Step 3: Prepare the cream cheese glaze by heating the butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl until melted. Whisk them together until smooth, then stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Set the glaze aside.

Step 4: Heat a skillet or griddle over low heat and lightly coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about 1/2 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet, spreading it into a round shape.

Step 5: Snip the corner of the cinnamon filling bag and squeeze a spiral of the filling onto the top of the pancake. Use a light hand to avoid overloading the pancakes with filling.

Step 6: Cook the pancake until bubbles appear on the surface, then carefully flip it with a spatula. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until lightly browned on the underside. Transfer the pancake to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven while you cook the rest.

Step 7: When ready to serve, spoon the cream cheese glaze over the warm pancakes. Enjoy your delicious cinnamon roll pancakes!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Don’t overmix the batter: It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the pancake batter. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, so mix just until combined.
• Control the heat: Cook the pancakes over low heat to avoid burning the cinnamon filling. If you cook them too quickly on high heat, the cinnamon can burn and create an unpleasant taste.
• Make sure the cinnamon mixture isn’t too runny: If the filling is too liquidy, let it sit for a few minutes before using it. This will allow it to thicken up and make it easier to swirl into the pancakes.
• Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag: For a more precise swirl of the cinnamon filling, use a squeeze bottle or a piping bag. This helps prevent the filling from spilling over and burning.
• Don’t flip too soon: Allow the pancake to cook long enough on the first side so that it sets before flipping. If you flip too early, the cinnamon filling can spill out.

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon roll pancakes are a perfect breakfast on their own, but you can make the meal even more special with a few side dishes. Fresh fruit, such as berries or sliced bananas, balances out the richness of the pancakes. You could also serve a side of crispy bacon or sausage to add some savory flavor. For a fun twist, drizzle some maple syrup or add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the glaze.

If you have leftovers, store the pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or place them in a warm oven until heated through. You can also freeze the pancakes for longer storage—just make sure to layer them with parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

Cinnamon roll pancakes are a fun and indulgent twist on traditional pancakes, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion. The cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze make each bite a sweet delight, while the easy prep and cooking steps make this recipe perfect for beginners. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just treating yourself, these pancakes are sure to become a new favorite!

FAQ About Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

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