Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes deliver all the flavor of classic cinnamon rolls in a fraction of the time—perfect for a quick, indulgent breakfast treat!

• Less Work, More Flavor: Enjoy the deliciousness of cinnamon rolls without the hassle.
• Decadent Toppings: Cream cheese glaze and cinnamon swirls make every bite heavenly.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for special breakfasts or weekend brunches.
• Easy Tips Included: Pro chef tips ensure foolproof, fluffy pancakes every time.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I first created it 15 years ago when I was running a breakfast catering business in San Francisco, and it was an instant hit. Recently, I revisited it and remembered why it’s so beloved. Since then, I’ve created over 1,500 recipes and 900 baking videos, so I’ve learned a lot along the way. I’ve updated this recipe with tips for making thick, fluffy pancakes, along with the addition of melted butter and vanilla to enhance the flavor and texture. If you’re new to pancake-making, be sure to check out my step-by-step photos to guide you on your baking journey.

Find more delicious pancake recipes just like my cinnamon pancakes below.

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“These are absolutely amazing, and my whole family LOVES them… even my granddaughter who doesn’t normally care for pancakes!!!” — Mini

“Hello, I just tried this recipe and it was wonderful, Im not from Europe and Ive never tried cinnamon rolls but I wanted to eat some for breakfast. Since I didnt want to wait for the dough to raise and all that, I choose this recipe instead and wow the pancake batter is amazingly soft and moist, I just love it, Im going to make that more often. Thank you for sharing this recipe with us.” — David

“Yummy! Best pancakes I have ever tasted. My mother said, “It tastes like a cake!” Thank you for sharing this recipe.” — Michele

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 1/23/2025, to include a NEW tutorial video, NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, better flavor and texture (using butter), make-ahead and storage instructions, topping variations, and Pro Chef Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
• Tools You Need
• Key Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Cinnamon Bun Pancakes
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• Variations and Toppings
• More Pancake Recipes

What are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?

Cinnamon roll siwrl pancakes combine the fluffy texture of pancakes with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls, topped with a creamy glaze for a delicious twist.

• Texture: Fluffy pancakes with a smooth, cinnamon swirl filling.
• Flavor: Sweet and spiced, similar to classic cinnamon rolls.
• Topping: Creamy cream cheese glaze that mimics cinnamon roll frosting.
• Quickness: A faster, easier alternative to making traditional cinnamon rolls.
• Garnish: Often topped with toasted nuts like pecans for added crunch.

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Whisk
• Frying pan or griddle

Ingredients and Substitutes

Cinnamon Filling

• Dark brown sugar

  • Adds sweetness and a rich molasses flavor to the cinnamon filling.
  • Substitute: Light brown sugar or coconut sugar for a milder flavor.

• Butter, melted

  • Adds moisture and richness to the cinnamon filling.
  • Substitute: Coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

• Ground cinnamon

  • Provides the signature spicy, warm flavor of cinnamon rolls.
  • Substitute: Pumpkin pie spice or mixed spice for a different flavor.

Cream Cheese Glaze

• Cream cheese

  • Adds a tangy and creamy element to the glaze.
  • Substitute: Greek yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese for a lighter or dairy-free option.

• Butter, melted

  • Provides richness and smoothness to the glaze.
  • Substitute: Coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

• Powdered sugar

  • Sweetens and thickens the glaze for a drizzle consistency.
  • Substitute: Coconut powdered sugar for a more natural sweetener.

• Vanilla extract

  • Enhances the sweetness and flavor of the glaze.
  • Substitute: Vanilla bean paste will work well.

Pancake Batter

• All-purpose flour

  • Forms the base of the pancake batter and provides structure.
  • Substitute: Whole wheat flour for a denser texture or gluten-free flour or Almond Flour Baking Mix for a gluten-free option.

• Baking powder

  • Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.

• Salt

  • Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Substitute: Sea salt or omit for a less salty taste.

• Whole milk

  • Provides moisture and helps create a smooth pancake batter.
  • Substitute: Use dairy-free milk such as coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. You can also use yogurt or buttermilk for a softer texture.

• Egg

  • Binds the pancake batter and adds structure.
  • Substitute: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) or chia egg for a vegan option.

• Vanilla extract

  • Adds depth of flavor to the batter.
  • Substitute: Almond extract for a different flavor or skip if you prefer a more neutral taste.

• Butter, melted

  • Adds moisture and richness to the pancake batter.
  • Substitute: Coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.

Garnish

• Chopped pecans, toasted

  • Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the pancakes.
  • Substitute: Walnuts, almonds, or omit for a nut-free version.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancake Recipe

Make the Cinnamon Filling

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the brown sugar, butter and cinnamon making sure there are no lumps and emulsified. Scoop the filling into a piping bag fitted with a small round tip or into a squeeze bottle. Set aside.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

2. In a small bowl cream cheese first, then stir in the butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract together until smooth. If this mix stiffens too much to drizzle then add a splash of milk to thin it out. Set aside.

Make the Pancakes

3. Place a large, nonstick pan or skillet over medium-low heat.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.
5. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate jug, combine the milk, egg and vanilla extract together.

6. Pour into the dry ingredients until the batter is mostly incorporated but still has a few small lumps remaining. I spell out P.A.N.CA.K.E.S A.S when stirring, then stop. Lastly, stir in the melted butter until just combined.

7. Scoop ⅓ cup (2 ½ oz/71 g) of batter onto the pre-heated pan.
8. When the batter begins to bubble (after 1-2 minutes), pipe on the cinnamon filling in a swirl pattern, starting at the center and moving outwards. Continue cooking the pancake for 1-2 minutes, or until the bubbles begin popping on top of the pancake and it’s golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes, until golden.

9. Transfer the pancake to a plate, cinnamon swirl side up. Cover with a clean tea towel to keep warm while you continue cooking the remaining pancakes.
   10. You can also use my Homemade Pancake Mix. These light and fluffy buttermilk pancakes are chef-tested and approved for baking any time.

FULL (PRINTABLE) RECIPE BELOW!

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

• If you don’t have a piping bag for the cinnamon filling, you can also use a squeeze bottle or a ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off.
• When mixing the batter, take care not to over mix which will toughen the pancakes. The batter should have a few small lumps remaining.
• Take care not to over mixi the cinnamon filling as it can separate easily when mixed too much.
• When cooking the pancakes, keep the heat on low to medium-low or the outside of the pancakes can burn before the inside is set.
• This recipe does not need to be served with syrup because the filling and glaze add plenty of sweetness. If you would rather serve these with syrup, just leave off the glaze.
• For more festive pancake ideas, try our Pumpkin Pancakes or our Chocolate Pancakes!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Making Ahead:

  • Cinnamon Filling: Prepare the cinnamon filling and store it in a piping bag or squeeze bottle. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-7 days. Bring it to room temperature before using for easier piping.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: Make the glaze ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Thin it out with a splash of milk if it stiffens before serving.
  • Pancake Batter: Prepare the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Combine before using.

• Storing Leftovers:

  • Store cooked pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Layer parchment paper between pancakes to prevent sticking.
  • The cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating:

  • Microwave: Warm pancakes in the microwave for 15-20 seconds each.
  • Stovetop: Heat pancakes in a non-stick pan over low heat for about 1-2 minutes per side.
  • Oven: Arrange pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

• Freezing Instructions:

  • Pancakes: Freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating from Frozen: Reheat frozen pancakes in the toaster, microwave, or oven as outlined above.

Topping Variations

Caramel:

• Vegan Caramel Sauce, Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce, Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce, Spiced Rum Caramel Sauce, Chocolate Caramel Sauce, Butter Rum Sauce

Caramelized Fruit

• Caramelized Bananas, Grilled Pineapple,

Whipped Cream

• Coconut Whipped Cream, Chocolate Whipped Cream, Whipped Cream Without Heavy Cream, Strawberry Whipped Cream,

Ice Cream

• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream, Dairy-Free Coconut Homemade Ice Cream, or other Ice Cream that you like!

Jam

• Sweet and Boozy Peach Whiskey Jam, 4-Ingredient Classic Strawberry Jam, Raspberry Jam or Blackberry Jam.

Candied Nuts

• Sugar-Free CandiedSpiced Nuts.

More Pancake Recipes

• Best Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe
• No-Fuss Flourless Oat Pancakes
• Paleo Pancakes
• Easy Soufflé Pancakes
• Homemade Blueberry Pancakes

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 1/23/2025, to include a NEW tutorial video, NEW STEP-BY-STEP photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, better flavor and texture (using butter), make-ahead and storage instructions, topping variations, and Pro Chef Tips. 

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