There are few things in the world as comforting as a warm cinnamon roll fresh from the oven—or a fluffy pancake hot off the griddle. But what happens when you combine the two? Pure breakfast magic! Introducing Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, the decadent morning treat that brings together the buttery swirls of a cinnamon roll and the light, airy texture of pancakes. Whether you’re planning a lazy Sunday brunch or looking to impress overnight guests, this recipe is bound to become your new go-to.

This indulgent creation captures everything we love about two classic favorites. Imagine a soft pancake infused with a cinnamon-sugar swirl, topped with a velvety cream cheese glaze. It’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying—but surprisingly easy to make at home. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

In this post, we’ll walk through the simple steps to create this breakfast showstopper and explore a few helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time.

🥞 Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes aren’t just delicious—they’re a feast for the eyes and soul. Here’s why they’re such a hit:

Perfect for special occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or weekend brunches.
Kid-approved: Sweet, swirled, and topped with creamy icing—what’s not to love?
Made from pantry staples: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.
Easier than baking cinnamon rolls: All the flavor without the long rise time.

Now, let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring these beauties to life.

📋 Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be making three components: the pancakes, the cinnamon filling, and the cream cheese glaze. Each part is quick and easy to prepare.

For Pancakes:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 large egg, lightly beaten

These basic pancake ingredients yield a soft and fluffy base that holds the cinnamon swirl perfectly.

For Cinnamon Filling:

1/2 cup butter, melted
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

This mix creates the signature swirl that mimics the filling of a cinnamon roll. When it cooks into the pancake, it creates a gooey, caramel-like layer.

For Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 tablespoons butter
2 ounces cream cheese
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

The final touch! This drizzle brings the whole experience together, delivering the sweet, tangy taste you love from a cinnamon roll’s icing.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the recipe one stage at a time. Follow these steps closely for breakfast bliss.

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Once it’s smooth and thick, scoop the mixture into a small zip-top baggie and set aside. This will be your “piping bag” for the swirl.

Pro Tip: Let the mixture sit while you prepare the pancakes—it thickens as it rests, which makes swirling easier.

2. Mix the Pancake Batter

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add in the milk, canola oil, and lightly beaten egg. Whisk until just moistened—don’t overmix or the pancakes may turn out tough.

Shortcut Option: You can also use a boxed pancake mix if you’re in a hurry. Just follow the package instructions and continue with the cinnamon swirl and glaze.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and cream cheese together. Once melted, whisk until completely smooth, then whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms a thick, pourable glaze. Set aside.

Make-Ahead Tip: This glaze stores well in the refrigerator for a few days. Just warm it gently before serving.

4. Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Scoop about 1/2 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Then snip a small corner from your cinnamon filling bag and carefully squeeze a spiral of the filling onto the pancake—just like a cinnamon roll!

Watch for Bubbles: When bubbles begin to form on the surface of the pancake, it’s time to flip. Use a spatula to turn it over gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the underside is golden brown.

Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.

5. Finish and Serve

Once all the pancakes are done, drizzle with warm cream cheese glaze just before serving. You can spoon it over or use a piping bag for a bakery-style finish.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are rich and sweet on their own, but they pair beautifully with:

Crispy bacon or sausage for a salty balance
Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas
Coffee or cold brew for a perfect wake-up pairing
Whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon for an extra treat

This dish also makes a fantastic breakfast-for-dinner option when you’re in the mood for something indulgent.

🔄 Variations & Tips

Gluten-Free? Use a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free? Substitute plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan cream cheese.
Add-ins? A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds crunch and flavor.
Extra filling? Double the cinnamon swirl mix for even more gooey goodness.

💬 Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary breakfast into a special occasion. With a dreamy swirl of cinnamon sugar and a luscious drizzle of cream cheese glaze, every bite feels like a celebration. And the best part? You don’t need to wake up early or spend hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re making them for a family brunch, a sleepover breakfast, or just treating yourself on a cozy morning, this recipe delivers every time. Keep this one in your back pocket—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

📌 Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!

Whether you’re building your brunch menu or saving ideas for a sweet weekend splurge, this one’s a keeper.

🧁✨ Let me know how it turns out! Tag me in your delicious recreations and don’t be shy with the glaze—life’s too short not to drizzle generously.