If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen on a lazy weekend morning, torn between the comfort of cinnamon rolls and the fluffiness of pancakes—why choose? With Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, you get the best of both worlds in one irresistible stack.
This delicious breakfast mash-up takes everything you love about gooey cinnamon rolls—swirls of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sweet icing—and tucks it into the soft, buttery embrace of homemade pancakes. The result? A brunch-worthy, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a celebration every time you make it.
Whether you’re planning a cozy Sunday morning, a family brunch, or just want to treat yourself on a weekday, these pancakes turn an ordinary breakfast into something unforgettable.
💡 Why Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Are So Popular
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes have taken off in U.S. kitchens because they hit all the right notes:
- Sweet & satisfying: The cinnamon-sugar swirl melts into the pancake, creating a warm, gooey center in every bite.
- Perfect for brunch: Fancy enough to impress, easy enough to make at home.
- Kid-approved: Like having dessert for breakfast (and parents love them too!).
- Customizable: Make them gluten-free, dairy-free, or even mini-sized for a pancake party platter.
🧈 What You’ll Need
These ingredients are pantry staples in most American homes, which makes this recipe both convenient and crave-worthy.
🥞 For the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍥 For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
🍯 For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed—don’t overmix! - Mix the Cinnamon Swirl
Stir melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Pour into a plastic sandwich bag or piping bag and snip the corner. - Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease lightly. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Once bubbles form on the surface, swirl the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake in a spiral pattern. Cook until golden, then carefully flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. - Make the Icing
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until it’s pourable. - Drizzle and Serve
Stack pancakes high, drizzle with icing, and enjoy the swirl of joy in every bite!
✨ Tips for Success
- Use a squeeze bottle or piping bag for a clean cinnamon swirl.
- Let the icing sit at room temp so it pours smoothly over the pancakes.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cinnamon swirl and icing the night before.
- Feeding a crowd? Keep pancakes warm in the oven at 200°F while you finish cooking.
🍽️ Perfect for Holidays, Brunches, or Lazy Sundays
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a hit any time of year, but they really shine during:
- Holiday mornings (think Christmas or Easter brunch)
- Birthday breakfasts for kids and grown-ups alike
- Mother’s Day or Father’s Day made extra sweet
- Weekend brunch with friends, paired with mimosas or fresh coffee
They’re the kind of breakfast that feels like a treat but doesn’t take all morning to make.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Pancake Goals Achieved
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are more than just a creative breakfast idea—they’re a way to bring a little extra joy to your table. With their soft, fluffy base, sweet cinnamon filling, and creamy icing drizzle, they’re the kind of dish that turns an ordinary morning into a cozy, sweet memory.