Ingredients
For Pancakes:
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 cup milk
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1 tablespoon canola oil
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1 large egg, lightly beaten
These basic pancake ingredients yield a soft and fluffy base that holds the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
For Cinnamon Filling:
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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3/4 cup packed brown sugar
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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:
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4 tablespoons butter
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2 ounces cream cheese
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1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
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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.
Instructions
Let’s walk through the recipe one stage at a time. Follow these steps closely for breakfast bliss.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Notes
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are rich and sweet on their own, but they pair beautifully with:
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Crispy bacon or sausage for a salty balance
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Fresh fruit like strawberries or sliced bananas
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Coffee or cold brew for a perfect wake-up pairing
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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.