Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe

Servings: 4 Total Time: 25 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Fluffy pancakes swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with creamy glaze
Cinnamon roll pancakes served with berries and glaze. pinit View Gallery 5 photos

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: The Ultimate Brunch Fusion Recipe

Introduction

Love cinnamon rolls? Love pancakes? Why not enjoy both—together? This Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe is your golden ticket to a dreamy breakfast mash-up: fluffy pancakes swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar, topped with a silky cream cheese glaze. Whether it’s a slow Sunday brunch or a midweek comfort craving, these indulgent treats are guaranteed to impress.

Looking to expand your brunch game? Check out our full American brunch guide for more inspiration.

History of the Recipe

The magic behind this hybrid recipe lies in America’s deep-rooted love for comforting, over-the-top breakfasts. Pancakes have graced U.S. diners since the early 1900s, while cinnamon rolls—known in Sweden as kanelbullar—bring the cozy charm of Northern Europe. Food bloggers started blending the two in the early 2010s, and the result became a viral brunch favorite.

Want more cinnamon-inspired creations? Try these Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls.

Ingredients

Ingredients for cinnamon roll pancakes neatly laid out.
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Pancake Batter

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2–3 tbsp milk

Optional Add-ins

  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Maple syrup or whipped cream for serving
  • Chopped pecans
  • Coconut sugar as a healthy substitute

Instructions

Pouring and swirling cinnamon pancake in skillet.
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  1. Prepare the Swirl:
    Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock.
  2. Make the Batter:
    Mix dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, whisk milk, egg, butter, and vanilla. Combine both until just smooth.
  3. Cook the Pancakes:
    Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle. Pour in 1/4 cup of batter. Quickly swirl in the cinnamon mixture. Cook until bubbles form, flip, and finish cooking. Repeat.
  4. Prepare the Glaze:
    Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until pourable.
  5. Serve:
    Stack your pancakes high, drizzle generously with the glaze, and enjoy warm!

Want a different pancake twist? Try this Perfect Pancake Recipe Guide for more ideas.

Cinnamon swirl pancake being flipped on griddle.
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Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Piping or ziplock bag
  • Spatula
  • Electric mixer (for glaze)

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour mix
  • Vegan: Use almond milk, flax egg, vegan butter and cream cheese
  • Protein-Boosted: Add a scoop of protein powder
  • Chocolate Swirl: Add mini chocolate chips

You might also love these Banana Protein Pancakes for a healthier take.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: In an airtight container for 3 days
  • Freeze: Layer with parchment paper and freeze up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Microwave in 20-sec intervals or warm on a skillet

Need something sweet post-breakfast? Try this After Breakfast Sweets Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe
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  • Fresh berries & whipped cream
  • Dusting of powdered sugar
  • Drizzle of maple syrup
  • Sliced bananas & walnuts

Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Pancakes)

  • Calories: 310
  • Protein: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g

FAQ

  1. Can I prep the batter ahead of time?
    Yes, just refrigerate overnight and stir before using.
  2. Can I skip the glaze?
    You can, but the cream cheese glaze adds an irresistible touch.
  3. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely! Just scale up all ingredients proportionally.
  4. Is a piping bag necessary?
    No, a ziplock bag with the corner cut works perfectly.
  5. How do I keep them warm?
    Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.
  6. Can I use pancake mix?
    Yes! Just prepare the swirl and glaze as directed.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep pancakes fluffy.
  • The swirl mixture should be thick enough to hold a spiral.
  • Pipe quickly for the best cinnamon effect.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are what breakfast dreams are made of—a gooey, fluffy, sweet sensation that marries two classics into one unforgettable meal. Whether it’s brunch with loved ones or a solo indulgence, this recipe promises comfort in every bite. Still hungry? Explore more sweet brunch recipes on FabilousTaste or find savory brunch balance with PowerRecipe’s savory delights.

Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins
Cooking Temp: 200  F Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 7 Calories: 310
Best Season: Year-round

Description

A mouthwatering breakfast fusion that combines the soft texture of pancakes with the sweet spiciness of cinnamon rolls.

Ingredients Recipe

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup milk

1 egg

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze

2 oz cream cheese, softened

3 tbsp powdered sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2–3 tbsp milk

Optional Ingredients

A pinch of nutmeg in the batter

Maple syrup or whipped cream for topping

Chopped pecans for crunch

Coconut sugar as a healthier alternative

Instructions

Prepare the swirl: In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer to a ziplock or piping bag.

Mix pancake batter: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl. In another, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine both until smooth.

Preheat & swirl: Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter and quickly swirl cinnamon mixture in a spiral on top.

Cook: Cook 2–3 minutes until bubbles form. Flip and cook another 2 minutes. Repeat.

Make the glaze: Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until pourable.

Serve: Stack pancakes, drizzle glaze, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g22%
Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 18g
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay and keep pancakes fluffy.

Make sure the cinnamon swirl mixture isn’t too runny or it won’t hold the spiral.

For best swirl results, pipe quickly after pouring the batter.

Keywords: cinnamon pancakes, cinnamon swirl, sweet breakfast, cream cheese glaze
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes! Store the batter in the fridge overnight. Stir well before using.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Absolutely, but it's worth it! You can use maple syrup instead.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, it scales perfectly. Just double all ingredients.

Do I need a piping bag?

Nope! A ziplock with a snipped corner works great.

How do I keep pancakes warm while making batches?

Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F).

Can I use store-bought pancake mix?

Yes! Just prep the cinnamon swirl and glaze separately.