These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful breakfast treat that combines the best of both worlds! Fluffy pancakes swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and drizzled with a creamy cream cheese glaze. It’s like having a warm, gooey cinnamon roll in pancake form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Delicious: The combination of cinnamon, sugar, and cream cheese creates an irresistible flavor.
- Fun and Unique: A creative twist on classic pancakes.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Ideal for weekend brunches or holiday breakfasts.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
Cinnamon Filling:
- Unsalted butter: Melted, for richness.
- Packed light brown sugar: For sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: For that classic cinnamon roll taste.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Unsalted butter: For a smooth glaze.
- Cream cheese: At room temperature, for a creamy and tangy glaze.
- Powdered sugar: For sweetness and thickening.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
Pancakes:
- All-purpose flour: For a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Milk: Adds moisture and creaminess.
- Large egg: Lightly beaten, for binding and richness.
- Canola or vegetable oil: For moisture and preventing sticking.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
- Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl.
- Scoop the mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the melted butter to the cream cheese mixture and whisk until combined.
- Set aside and keep warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil. 3.1 Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot skillet.
- Wait until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake.
- Snip the corner of the cinnamon filling bag and create a swirl pattern in the center of the pancake. Be careful not to get too close to the edge.
- Flip the pancake with a wide metal spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, wiping out the pan between batches.
Step 5: Glaze and Serve
- Warm the cream cheese glaze if needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooked pancakes.
- Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in tough pancakes.
- Use Low Heat: Cooking the pancakes over medium-low heat will prevent them from burning and ensure even cooking.2
- Restir the Filling: Before using the cinnamon filling, restir it to ensure the butter is fully incorporated.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
How to Serve
- Breakfast: Serve these pancakes as a special breakfast treat.
- Brunch: Perfect for a weekend brunch with family and friends.
- Dessert: Enjoy them as a sweet dessert after a meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or toaster until warmed through.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pancakes. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat in the toaster or oven until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a box pancake mix?
Yes, you can use a box pancake mix. Just follow the package directions and then add the cinnamon filling and cream cheese glaze.
Can I use a different type of sugar for the filling?
You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it slightly before using.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the cinnamon filling.
PrintCinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (per batch)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 pancakes 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful twist on classic pancakes, featuring a sweet cinnamon swirl and a creamy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, they bring the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls to your pancake stack.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Filling:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
Cinnamon Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a zip-top bag and set aside.
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Pancakes:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and oil. 3. 1 Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour about ½ cup of batter onto the hot skillet.
- Once bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake, snip the corner of the zip-top bag containing the cinnamon filling. Create a swirl pattern in the center of the pancake, being careful not to get too close to the edge.
- Using a wide metal spatula, flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Wipe the skillet clean between batches and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Warm the cream cheese glaze if needed and drizzle over the cooked pancakes.
Notes
- Before using the cinnamon filling, re-stir it in the bag to ensure the butter is fully incorporated.
- For a fluffier pancake, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- If you prefer, you can use a boxed pancake mix instead of making the pancakes from scratch.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon filling to your taste.
- For a richer glaze, use full-fat cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg