Woke up craving something warm and a little sweet? Same. These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes hit just righthot off the griddle, swirled with cinnamon gooey-goodness, they’ve taken over Pinterest and TikTok for a reason. Super easy, ready fast, and beginner-friendly.
Think soft, fluffy pancakes hugged by a buttery cinnamon swirlclassic breakfast, but with a twist. Uses pantry staples like flour, cinnamon, and Greek yogurt. Comforting, fun, and fits everything we want in Healthy Breakfast Recipes and Easy Breakfast Ideas. Full details in the blog!
When I was little, Grandma used to roll dough at sunrisecinnamon and vanilla filling the air. These bring that memory back, without the wait or mess. I tested the swirl-to-batter ratio for days. There’s a secret that makes it foolproof. You’ll love it.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
If comfort food had a VIP member, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes would be it. They’re the perfect mix of fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon roll magicall without the dough rising drama. Here’s why they’ll become your go-to breakfast favorite:
Fast & Easy: No need for special skills or toolsthis recipe is quick enough for busy mornings yet indulgent enough for a weekend treat.
Family-Friendly: The kids love the spiral of cinnamon sugar (fun to look at, even better to eat), and the cream cheese icing is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Customizable: Whether you’re keeping it classic or going gluten-free or plant-based, simple swaps make them adaptable for every household.
Breakfast Bliss: Perfect for breakfast buffets, cozy brunches, or even a quick breakfast idea that feels fancy enough for guests.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes use simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and how you can tweak them:
Milk: Use regular milk, or plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best. For gluten-free, I recommend King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten-free flour for the fluffiest results.
Cinnamon Swirl: A mix of softened butter, cinnamon, and brown (or coconut) sugar creates the rich swirl. No substitutes recommended hereit’s what gives that cinnamon roll taste.
Cream Cheese Icing: Cream cheese (regular or plant-based), powdered sugar, and butter combine for the perfect drizzle. Maple syrup works as a lighter, simpler topping too.
Pro Tip: Always soften butter and cream cheese ahead of time for smoother mixing.
Ingredient
Substitutions
Milk
Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy)
Flour
King Arthur gluten-free flour (for GF option)
Brown Sugar
Coconut sugar
Cream Cheese
Dairy-free cream cheese
Step-by-Step: Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
This recipe keeps it simple. Here’s a quick run-through to give you delicious results every time:
Make the batter: Whisk milk, maple syrup, baking powder, and vanilla. Stir in flour until smoothno lumps allowed!
Prep the swirl: Mix softened butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Spoon into a pastry bag (or a freezer bag with the tip snipped).
Prepare the icing: Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and melted butter until silky. Set asideyou’ll drizzle this over at the end.
Cook pancakes: Heat a buttered skillet over medium-low heat. Pour pancake batter, then pipe on the cinnamon swirl. Cover with a bit more batter to avoid burning the swirl. Flip once bubbles form on top, cooking until golden.
Serve: Drizzle with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup while warm. Watch them disappear!
Step
Timing
Prepare batter
5 minutes
Make cinnamon swirl & icing
5 minutes
Cook pancakes
2 minutes per pancake
Total
30 minutes
Storage & Reheating Tips
If by some miracle you have leftovers (good luck with that), here’s how to store and reheat these pancakes:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Layer pancakes with parchment paper between each. Place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 30 seconds or pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes for that fresh-off-the-griddle feel.
Storage Method
How Long
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Serving Ideas & Breakfast Inspiration
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes shine solo but can also fit perfectly into a larger breakfast spread:
Savory Sides: Pair with a simple scramble or some crispy bacon for a sweet-and-savory brunch balance.
Breakfast Buffet: Lay out with fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, and maybe even a pot of coffee or tea for the ultimate morning treat.
Healthy twist: Serve with fresh berries or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to bring a lighter touch.
Pro Tip: Double the batch if you want extras for a quick breakfast idea throughout the week!
🧠 Expert Insight: The Appeal of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Cinnamon roll pancakes combine the tender fluffiness of pancakes with the warm, spiced swirl of cinnamon rolls, delivering a delightful texture and flavor contrast. This fusion makes CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES an ideal festive breakfast that satisfies sweet cravings without the complexity of traditional dough-based rolls.
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The Journey to Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
It took many attemptsand a few sticky fingersto get these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes just right. Early tries had too much cinnamon or soggy centers, but with each batch, I adjusted the balance. Today’s recipe is the result of patience and a little kitchen trial and error, delivering warm, fluffy pancakes with just the right swirl of cinnamon sweetness.
FAQs ( Cinnamon Roll Pancakes | perfect for Christmas morning ❤️🎄 Easy recipe! Everyone will love!! )
What makes cinnamon roll pancakes different from regular pancakes?
Cinnamon roll pancakes combine the fluffy texture of traditional pancakes with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. They feature a cinnamon swirl mixture that’s drizzled into the pancake batter while cooking, creating beautiful spirals. These easy breakfast ideas are topped with a cream cheese glaze that mimics the iconic cinnamon roll frosting. The result is a stack of pancakes that tastes like your favorite bakery treat but cooks much faster on a griddle.
Can I make cinnamon roll pancakes ahead of time for Christmas morning?
Yes, you can prep several components the night before to make Christmas morning easier! Mix the dry pancake ingredients and store them in a covered bowl, and prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture in advance. You can also make the cream cheese glaze and refrigerate it overnight. For the best texture, mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients fresh in the morning. This simple breakfast idea saves time while still delivering that fresh, homemade taste your family will love.
How do I create the perfect cinnamon swirl in my pancakes?
The key to beautiful cinnamon swirls is using a squeeze bottle or plastic bag with a corner cut off to drizzle the cinnamon mixture. Pour your pancake batter onto the griddle first, then immediately squeeze the cinnamon mixture in a spiral pattern from the center outward. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect – rustic swirls look just as delicious! Let the pancake cook for about 2 minutes before flipping to ensure the swirl sets properly and creates those gorgeous cinnamon ribbons throughout.
What toppings go best with cinnamon roll pancakes?
The classic cream cheese glaze is the star topping that makes these pancakes taste like authentic cinnamon rolls. You can also add a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra sweetness. For a breakfast buffet presentation, consider offering chopped pecans, fresh berries, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Keep it simple though – these pancakes are already packed with flavor and don’t need too many additional toppings to shine.
Can I make these cinnamon roll pancakes healthier?
Absolutely! For healthier breakfast recipes, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or oat flour. You can reduce the sugar in both the batter and cinnamon swirl, and use Greek yogurt in place of some butter for added protein. Consider using sugar-free maple syrup and making a lighter glaze with reduced-fat cream cheese. These modifications still deliver great flavor while making this indulgent breakfast a bit more nutritious for your family’s morning meal.
Conclusion
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes come together beautifully in about 30 minutes, delivering that soft, cinnamon-swirled comfort you crave without any fuss. You’ll love how the warm, gooey swirls marry perfectly with fluffy pancakessimple, satisfying, and surprisingly easy for a homemade breakfast treat.
Feel free to add chopped nuts or swap regular milk for plant-based to keep it light and flexibleboth work like a charm. Plus, these pancakes freeze well, making them a stellar choice for quick breakfast ideas or a colorful breakfast buffet. A little tip from the test kitchen: always soften your butter and cream cheese for smooth mixing and flawless icing.
Now it’s your turnsnap a pic, tweak the swirl, or share your twist with friends. Did cinnamon rolls or pancakes play a special role in your mornings growing up? Pass this along and let these pancakes bring a little warm nostalgia to your table. You’ll wanna make them again, promise.
Joe Rooney
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Delicious Easy Recipe to Love
Indulge in the best of both breakfast worlds with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! These fluffy pancakes are swirled with a gooey cinnamon-sugar filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, perfectly capturing the essence of a freshly baked cinnamon roll. Easy Breakfast Ideas and Healthy Breakfast Recipes come together in this irresistible dish that’s perfect for lazy weekend mornings or holiday brunches.
4 tablespoon softened butter regular or plant-based
½ cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoon melted butter regular or plant-based
2 oz cream cheese regular or plant-based
Method
Mix the milk, maple syrup, baking powder, and vanilla together. Then, add the flour and mix until a pancake batter forms.
In a smaller separate bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture by mixing the cinnamon, softened butter, and sugar together. Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture into a pastry bag and set aside.
Prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, melted butter, and cream cheese together. Set aside or drizzle with maple syrup as alternative.
Heat a skillet over medium-low heat with a sliver of butter. Once hot, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of pancake batter into the skillet.
Carefully cut the tip of the cinnamon swirl pastry bag and hold it upright. Draw a spiral of the cinnamon sugar mixture in the center of each pancake.
Pour an additional 1-2 tablespoons of pancake batter over the cinnamon filling to cover it.
Cook pancakes until bubbles appear on top, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve warm drizzled with cream cheese icing or maple syrup. If icing is too thick, microwave for 15 seconds before drizzling.
Notes
For gluten-free flour use King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten-free flour. Do not substitute almond or baking flour. The cream cheese icing can be warmed slightly if too thick. Alternatively, drizzle with maple syrup for a simpler topping.
