“`html
If you have a soft spot for cinnamon rolls but crave something quick and fluffy for breakfast, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe. These pancakes capture that magical swirl of cinnamon sugar with a tender, buttery pancake base, all topped off with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Every bite delivers the warm, comforting flavors you love about cinnamon rolls, but in a form that’s ready in minutes and perfect for a crowd. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your breakfast routine will never be the same!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a vital role — from the tangy buttermilk that keeps the pancakes tender, to the warm cinnamon-spiced filling that surprises your palate with every bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that gives the pancakes their soft and fluffy texture.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the cinnamon.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for perfect fluff.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the subtle flavors.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tang to keep pancakes tender.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Infuses buttery flavor into the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma that complements the cinnamon.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted for filling): Creates the luscious base for the cinnamon swirl.
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar: Gives the filling its rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that makes these pancakes irresistible.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Essential for that creamy, tangy glaze topping.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened for glaze): Adds smoothness and richness to the glaze.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese glaze beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Lifts the glaze with a warm vanilla note.
- 2-4 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze to your favorite consistency, pourable but creamy.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Starting off, mix the melted butter with brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl until everything is well combined and incredibly fragrant. This mixture is what transforms simple pancakes into a swirl of gooey, cinnamon-packed happiness that you’ll want in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients — buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined; don’t worry about a few lumps, they keep your pancakes tender and fluffy.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and give it a light greasing with butter or cooking spray. Pour about a quarter cup of batter for each pancake. Immediately spoon a circle of the cinnamon filling on top and use the back of the spoon to gently swirl it into the batter. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the pancakes cook, whip up the glaze by beating softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat again until fully combined. Gradually add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach a smooth, pourable glaze that will coat those pancakes like a dream.
Step 5: Serve Your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Stack your warm cinnamon roll pancakes high on a plate and lavish them with the cream cheese glaze. For a final touch, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or some chopped nuts if you like a bit of crunch. Get your fork ready because these pancakes are pure breakfast bliss.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
A perfect stack of these pancakes practically begs for some extra love on top. Fresh berries or sliced bananas can add a fruity brightness, while a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts offers a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft textures. Dusting a dash of cinnamon or a light drizzle of maple syrup can elevate the flavor even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your cinnamon roll pancakes with some crispy bacon or a side of savory breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. A fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also bring a refreshing lightness. If you want to keep it cozy, a hot cup of coffee or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice perfectly complements the cinnamon and cream cheese flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, try layering the pancakes with alternating cream cheese glaze between each pancake for that extra wow factor. You can also serve mini versions as fun bite-sized treats at brunch parties. Another idea is arranging the pancakes in a pretty spiral on a large platter with glaze drizzled artistically over the top – it will look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making busy mornings a little easier with a quick cinnamon roll pancake fix.
Freezing
To enjoy this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe later, freeze individual pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, stack and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. This way, you can pop out as many as you want without thawing the whole batch.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or frozen pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them on a skillet over low heat until heated through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw them for a few minutes first. Then, finish with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze to bring back that fresh-from-the-griddle deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk, but to mimic the tangy acidity of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will help the pancakes stay tender and fluffy.
What if I don’t have cream cheese for the glaze?
If cream cheese isn’t on hand, you can make a simple powdered sugar glaze with milk and vanilla, though it won’t have the same rich tang. For extra indulgence, softened mascarpone or Greek yogurt mixed with powdered sugar can be a good alternative.
Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cinnamon filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir and a gentle warm-up before swirling it into your batter.
How do I avoid the cinnamon swirl sinking to the bottom?
The trick is to pour the cinnamon filling right on top of the fresh pancake batter in the skillet and swirl it gently but quickly with a spoon. Pouring it straight into the batter bowl can cause it to sink. Cooking immediately after swirling keeps the flavors intermingled on the surface.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely! These pancakes are a fun and tasty way to introduce children to the yummy world of cinnamon flavors. You can make the glaze a bit thinner if preferred, and swap out nuts for colorful fruit toppings to make it kid-friendly and mess-free.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s an easy way to transform an ordinary morning into a special occasion full of warmth and comfort. So, grab those ingredients, gather your loved ones, and dive into a stack of these irresistible, cinnamon-swirled pancakes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
“`
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in these fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that combine the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the ease and fluffiness of classic pancakes. Swirled with a cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, these pancakes are a perfect indulgent breakfast treat that takes only 30 minutes to make and serves 8.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Filling
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–4 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until fully blended. Set this sweet cinnamon mixture aside for swirling into the pancakes.
- Make the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients: buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined; some lumps are perfectly fine to keep pancakes tender.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Immediately add about 1 tablespoon of the prepared cinnamon filling in a circular swirl on top of each pancake to mimic cinnamon roll layers. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and edges set, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Slowly add milk one tablespoon at a time, beating until the glaze reaches a pourable, smooth consistency.
- Serve: Stack the warm cinnamon roll pancakes on plates, and generously drizzle with cream cheese glaze. Optionally, sprinkle with a little extra cinnamon or chopped nuts to enhance flavor and texture before serving. Enjoy immediately for best taste and fluffiness.
Notes
- Use buttermilk or a buttermilk substitute for the best pancake texture.
- Adjust milk in the glaze to get the preferred thickness.
- Keep cooked pancakes warm in a low oven if making a large batch.
- For an extra indulgent touch, add chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle with medium heat ensures even cooking and beautiful pancake texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American