Imagine the delightful fusion of two breakfast favorites: the comforting warmth of cinnamon rolls and the fluffy goodness of pancakes. This recipe brings them together in a symphony of flavors that will make your mornings unforgettable. Perfect for a weekend brunch or a special treat, these cinnamon roll pancakes are sure to impress.
While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, there are a few you might need to pick up from the supermarket. Buttermilk is essential for achieving the perfect pancake texture, and cream cheese is needed for the glaze. Make sure to grab these if you don't already have them at home.

Ingredients For Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Flour: The base of the pancake batter, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the pancakes.
Baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create a light and airy texture.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps with the pancake's rise.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Butter: Adds flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
Brown sugar: Used in the cinnamon swirl for a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Cinnamon: Provides the signature warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon rolls.
Cream cheese: The base for the glaze, adding a creamy, tangy element.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and helps achieve the right consistency.
Milk: Thins out the glaze to make it pourable.
Vanilla extract: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the glaze.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making the cinnamon swirl mixture, ensure the butter is fully melted and the brown sugar is well incorporated to avoid clumps. Use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with a small corner cut off to create precise swirls on the pancakes. This will help achieve a beautiful, even distribution of the cinnamon mixture and enhance the visual appeal of your cinnamon roll pancakes.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the pancakes denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and adds a bit of moisture to the batter.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to mimic the leavening effect.
baking soda - Substitute with additional baking powder: Use 2 teaspoon baking powder to replace the leavening effect of both baking soda and baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.
large egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoon water to replace one egg, suitable for a vegan option.
melted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and adds a slight coconut flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a similar sweetness and a lower glycemic index.
cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices like nutmeg and cloves for a more complex flavor.
softened cream cheese - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture with added protein.
powdered sugar - Substitute with blended granulated sugar: Blend granulated sugar in a blender until it reaches a powdery consistency.
milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that works well in most recipes.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a different but complementary sweetness and flavor.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze These Pancakes
Allow the pancakes to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
Place a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent them from sticking together. Stack them neatly in an airtight container.
Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the pancakes within 2-3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for a quick reheat.
For longer storage, place the parchment-separated pancakes in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When freezing, ensure the pancakes are laid flat initially. Once frozen solid, you can stack them to save space.
Reheat refrigerated pancakes by microwaving for 20-30 seconds or warming in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
For frozen pancakes, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the microwave defrost setting. Then, reheat as you would refrigerated pancakes.
To maintain the delightful texture, avoid reheating pancakes directly from the freezer in the microwave, as this can make them rubbery.
If you have leftover cinnamon swirl mixture, store it in a small airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated gently and used for another batch of pancakes or as a topping for toast or waffles.
The cream cheese glaze can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Stir well before using to restore its smooth consistency.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Microwave Method:
- Place the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
- Heat on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, or until warmed through.
- Drizzle with the cream cheese glaze before serving.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Arrange the pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the pancakes are heated through.
- Add the cream cheese glaze after reheating.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
- Place the pancakes in the skillet and cover with a lid.
- Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
- Drizzle with the cream cheese glaze before serving.
Toaster Method:
- If the pancakes are not too thick, you can use a toaster.
- Set the toaster to a low setting to avoid burning.
- Toast for 1-2 cycles, checking frequently to ensure they don't overcook.
- Apply the cream cheese glaze after toasting.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: Use this to combine your dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk: Essential for whisking together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
Griddle: Ideal for cooking your pancakes evenly over medium heat.
Spatula: Necessary for flipping the pancakes once bubbles form on the surface.
Electric mixer: Handy for mixing the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla into a smooth glaze.
Measuring cups: Use these to measure out your flour, buttermilk, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Perfect for measuring smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
Ladle: Useful for pouring the pancake batter onto the griddle in consistent portions.
Squeeze bottle: Great for swirling the cinnamon mixture onto the pancakes with precision.
Serving plate: For presenting your beautifully glazed cinnamon roll pancakes.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
Use a squeeze bottle: Pour the cinnamon swirl mixture into a squeeze bottle for easy and precise application on the pancakes.
Preheat the griddle: Ensure the griddle or skillet is preheated so you can start cooking immediately.
Make the glaze ahead: Prepare the cream cheese glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before drizzling over the pancakes.
Batch cooking: Cook multiple pancakes at once on a large griddle to save time.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 large Egg
- 2 tablespoon Melted butter
Cinnamon Swirl
- ¼ cup Melted butter
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 2 oz Cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup Powdered sugar
- ¼ cup Milk
- ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Heat griddle or skillet over medium heat. Pour batter to form pancakes.
- Swirl cinnamon mixture onto pancakes. Cook until bubbles form, then flip.
- For the glaze, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over pancakes and serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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