Get ready to enjoy a cozy breakfast with my easy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. These fluffy treats blend the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls into delicious pancakes. Perfect for any morning, they are fun to make and even better to eat! Just grab simple ingredients from your kitchen, and I'll guide you step-by-step. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely bring smiles to your table.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Twist: These pancakes combine the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy texture of pancakes, creating a truly indulgent breakfast treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weekend brunch or a special occasion without the stress.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add extras like nuts or chocolate chips to personalize your pancakes.
- Impressive Presentation: The beautiful cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting make these pancakes not only taste great but also look stunning on your table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Toppings
- Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
To make these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, you need a mix of dry and wet ingredients. The dry ingredients consist of flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These give the pancakes their structure and sweetness.
For the wet ingredients, use milk, an egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. These make the batter smooth and rich in flavor.
Next, for the cinnamon swirl filling, combine brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This mix adds that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Lastly, prepare cream cheese frosting for drizzling. This topping makes the pancakes feel special and adds creaminess.
Gather all these ingredients, and you are ready to create a delicious breakfast!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Start with a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to combine these ingredients well. This step helps ensure your pancakes rise and taste great.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, pour in 1 cup of milk. Crack in 1 large egg. Add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth. This mixture adds flavor and moisture to your pancakes.
Preparing the Batter
Now, take the bowl with dry ingredients and gently pour in the wet mixture. Stir slowly until just combined. It's okay if there are small lumps. Do not overmix; this keeps your pancakes fluffy.
Creating Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will be your cinnamon swirl filling. Set it aside; we will use it in the next step.
Cooking the Pancakes
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet. Take a spoon or piping bag filled with the cinnamon mixture and swirl it over the batter. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter. Drizzle cream cheese frosting on top before serving. Enjoy your delightful cinnamon roll pancakes!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Pancake Texture
To make the best cinnamon roll pancakes, you must not overmix the batter. When you mix, you want to combine the wet and dry ingredients just enough. If you mix too much, your pancakes will turn out tough. A few lumps in the batter are okay. They help keep the pancakes light and fluffy.
Cooking Techniques
For ideal pancakes, preheat your skillet to medium heat. This temperature allows for even cooking. Use butter or cooking spray to lightly grease the skillet. Too much grease can make the pancakes oily. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Watch for bubbles on the surface to know when to flip.
Frosting Application
Drizzling the cream cheese frosting adds a special touch. You can use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for this. Start from the center of the pancake and swirl outwards. This creates a beautiful pattern. You can also drizzle in zigzag lines for a fun look. Enjoy every bite of your cinnamon roll pancakes!
Pro Tips
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Fluffiness: Substitute regular milk with buttermilk to give your pancakes a richer flavor and a lighter, fluffier texture.
- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter sit for about 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender pancakes.
- Control the Heat: Cooking pancakes over medium-low heat gives you more control and prevents burning, ensuring they cook through evenly.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for a fun twist on the classic cinnamon roll flavor.
Variations
Add-Ins
You can make cinnamon roll pancakes even better by adding fun ingredients. Nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans add a great crunch. Just mix in about 1/4 cup of nuts into the batter. If you love chocolate, add chocolate chips. They melt into the pancakes and create a sweet surprise. Use about 1/2 cup of chips for a rich taste. Both options bring more flavor and texture to your breakfast.
Dietary Modifications
You might need to change the recipe for dietary needs. If you are gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well for pancakes. Just swap the all-purpose flour with the same amount of gluten-free flour. For those who avoid dairy, you can switch the milk for almond milk or oat milk. These alternatives keep your pancakes soft and tasty. You can also use coconut oil instead of butter to make it dairy-free.
Flavor Enhancements
Spice up your cinnamon roll pancakes with extra flavors. You can add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. It pairs well with cinnamon. If you want a twist, try using maple extract instead of vanilla. This change gives your pancakes a unique taste. Experimenting with these spices can make your pancakes exciting and new each time you cook them.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftover pancakes, let them cool first. Place them in a single layer on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap or foil. If you have many pancakes, use a container. You can stack them with parchment paper between each one. This keeps them from sticking. Store in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing pancakes is easy. First, cool them completely. Then, place pancakes on a baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch. Freeze for about one hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze them for up to two months. To reheat, pop them in the toaster or microwave until warm.
Best Practices for Keeping Pancakes Fresh
Use airtight containers for the best results. They keep moisture out and flavors in. If you use a plastic container, make sure it seals tightly. You can also wrap pancakes in plastic wrap for extra protection. This will help them stay soft and tasty. Avoid leaving pancakes out at room temperature for too long.
FAQs
How do I make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes from scratch?
To make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, follow these steps:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla.
3. Combine Both Mixtures: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Lumps are okay.
4. Make Cinnamon Filling: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
5. Cook Pancakes: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, grease it lightly, pour batter, and swirl the cinnamon mix on top. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and brown the other side.
This method gives you fluffy pancakes with a tasty cinnamon swirl.
What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?
If you want to skip cream cheese frosting, here are some tasty alternatives:
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice that pairs well with pancakes.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a nice touch.
- Peanut Butter: For a nutty twist, spread it on top.
- Chocolate Sauce: If you love chocolate, drizzle some over the pancakes.
These options can make your pancakes even more fun!
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter ahead! Here are some tips:
- Mix and Store: Prepare the batter and store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Use within 24 hours for best results.
- Stir Before Cooking: When you're ready to cook, give the batter a gentle stir. This helps mix any settled ingredients.
This way, you can save time on busy mornings!
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the skillet?
To keep pancakes from sticking, follow these greasing techniques:
- Use Non-Stick Spray: Spray a light coat before adding batter.
- Melted Butter: Brush the skillet with melted butter for flavor and a non-stick surface.
- Preheat Properly: Make sure the skillet is hot before pouring the batter. This helps create a good sear.
These tips will help you flip pancakes easily!
This blog post covered all you need for the best cinnamon roll pancakes. We discussed ingredients, mixing steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to create a sweet cinnamon swirl and apply cream cheese frosting. I shared variations and storage info to keep pancakes fresh. These pancakes are fun to make and tasty to eat. With these tips, you’ll impress your family or friends. Enjoy your delicious creations, and don’t forget to share the joy of cooking!