If you love the cozy aroma of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven but don’t always have the time (or patience) to wait for dough to rise, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are about to become your new favorite breakfast. They combine everything people crave about classic cinnamon rolls warm spice, buttery sweetness, and that irresistible swirl with the fluffy, comforting texture of pancakes. Every bite feels indulgent, soft in the center, lightly crisp at the edges, and packed with cinnamon sugar flavor.

This recipe is perfect for slow weekend mornings, special breakfasts, or anytime you want something that feels like a treat without being overly complicated. They’re easier than they look, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you drizzle them with cream cheese glaze or keep things simple with syrup, these pancakes turn an ordinary morning into something memorable.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! Dessert for Breakfast

What Are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are exactly what they sound like A mashup of two beloved breakfast classics. Instead of yeast dough, you start with a simple pancake batter. A buttery cinnamon sugar mixture is swirled directly into the pancakes as they cook, creating that signature spiral and caramelized flavor similar to a cinnamon roll filling.

The result is a stack of fluffy pancakes with gooey cinnamon ribbons running through them. They deliver the same warm, comforting flavor as cinnamon rolls but in a fraction of the time. No kneading, no rising, no waiting just pure cinnamon roll satisfaction straight from the skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cinnamon roll flavor without the wait – All the cozy sweetness in pancake form.
Perfect for special mornings – Ideal for weekends, holidays, or brunch at home.
Simple pantry ingredients – Nothing fancy or hard to find.
Customizable – Add glazes, nuts, or fruit to make them your own.
Family-friendly – Kids and adults love the swirled cinnamon center.

How This Recipe Works

Pancake batter provides structure – Light, fluffy batter keeps the pancakes tender.
Cinnamon swirl melts as it cooks – Butter and sugar caramelize inside the pancake.
Low, steady heat prevents burning – Ensures the swirl cooks without scorching.
Optional glaze adds balance – Creamy sweetness contrasts the warm spice perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Pancakes

1 ½ cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions & Notes:

Whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier texture (expect slightly denser pancakes).
Dairy-free milk works well; just ensure it’s unsweetened.

For the Cinnamon Swirl

½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Optional Cream Cheese Glaze

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or zip-top bag with a small corner snipped off. Set aside.

2. Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable.

3. Heat the Pan

Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

4. Cook the Pancakes

Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Once bubbles form on the surface, pipe a spiral of cinnamon swirl starting from the center and working outward.

5. Flip Carefully

Cook until the edges look set and the bottom is golden, then gently flip. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until cooked through. Keep heat low to prevent the sugar swirl from burning.

6. Make the Glaze (Optional)

Whisk cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm pancakes.

Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations

Keep heat low – Cinnamon sugar burns quickly if the pan is too hot.
Use a squeeze bottle – Makes swirling easier and more controlled.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts – For a cinnamon roll crunch.
Pumpkin spice version – Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice mix.
Apple cinnamon twist – Add finely diced sautéed apples to the batter.

Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions

Make Ahead:
You can prepare the pancake batter and cinnamon swirl the night before and store separately in the refrigerator.

Storage:
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat in the toaster or microwave until warm.

cinnamon roll pancakes served with syrup — Serve warm with extra glaze or maple syrup for the win

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cream cheese glaze or maple syrup.
Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet savory balance.
Add fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas on the side.
Turn them into a brunch spread with scrambled eggs and hash browns.
For dessert style pancakes, add a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.

Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 420–460
Protein: 8–10g
Fat: 22–25g
Carbohydrates: 50–55g
Sugar: 22–26g

Values vary based on toppings and glaze usage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking on high heat – Leads to burnt cinnamon and raw centers.
Overmixing batter – Results in dense, tough pancakes.
Too much cinnamon swirl – Can leak and burn in the pan.
Flipping too early – Wait until the pancake is mostly set.
Skipping grease – Cinnamon sugar sticks easily without it.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Can I make these without buttermilk?
Yes. Use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Why is my cinnamon swirl burning?
Your heat is too high. Lower it and cook more slowly.

Can I make them gluten free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for pancakes.

Do I need the glaze?
No, but it adds a classic cinnamon roll touch.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Great for feeding a crowd.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence, bringing all the warmth of a bakery style breakfast right into your home. They’re easy enough for casual mornings but special enough to feel like a treat, with fluffy pancakes and rich cinnamon swirls in every bite.

If you love easy Breakfast like Best French Toast Recipe or Cherry Ricotta Pancakes, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.

Fluffy pancakes + gooey cinnamon swirls = the breakfast everyone will ask for again save this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe for your next cozy morning!

Easy & Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are fluffy, indulgent, and swirled with warm cinnamon sugar in every bite. Soft pancakes cook up golden and get finished with a sweet, buttery glaze that tastes just like a classic cinnamon roll. It’s a cozy, brunch-worthy breakfast that feels extra special but is surprisingly easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 8 Pancakes

Calories 520 kcal