Introduction

Warm, fluffy, and filled with sweet cinnamon aroma, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe turns an ordinary breakfast into a bakery-style experience. Each bite delivers soft pancake layers swirled with gooey cinnamon sugar and finished with a creamy drizzle that melts into every groove. It captures everything people love about cinnamon rolls without the long rise time. This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe works perfectly for relaxed weekends, special mornings, or anytime comfort food calls your name. You’ll learn how to create tender pancakes, nail the swirl, and finish them like a pro.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe brings together the best of two breakfast classics in one easy skillet-friendly dish. You get the pillowy softness of pancakes paired with the rich, buttery cinnamon swirl usually reserved for bakery treats. The contrast between fluffy batter and caramelized cinnamon ribbons creates a texture that feels indulgent but never heavy.

You’ll also love how approachable the method feels. No yeast, no waiting, and no complicated tools. Everything comes together with simple pantry ingredients and a few smart techniques. These cinnamon swirl pancakes cook evenly, hold their shape, and look impressive without extra effort. Whether you serve them for a family brunch or a cozy morning at home, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal stress. It also adapts easily for toppings, fillings, or dietary tweaks.

Ingredients

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe relies on simple ingredients that work together for maximum flavor and texture.

For the pancakes, you’ll need 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour for structure, 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar for light sweetness, 1 tablespoon baking powder for lift, and ¼ teaspoon salt to balance flavors. Add 1 ¼ cups (300 ml) milk for moisture, 1 large egg for richness, 3 tablespoons (45 g) melted unsalted butter for tenderness, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth.

For the cinnamon swirl, combine ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon, and 4 tablespoons (60 g) softened butter.

For the glaze, mix ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla.

Pro Tips

Perfecting this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe comes down to a few key techniques.

First, control the swirl consistency. The cinnamon mixture should feel thick but pipeable. If it runs too fast, it will spread and burn. If it feels stiff, warm it slightly so it flows smoothly.

Second, manage your heat carefully. Medium-low heat works best. Pancakes need time to cook through while the cinnamon sugar caramelizes without scorching. Rushing the heat ruins both texture and flavor.

Third, pipe the swirl after pouring the batter. Always add the cinnamon mixture once the pancake sets slightly. This step keeps the swirl visible and prevents it from sinking. These small adjustments elevate your breakfast cinnamon pancakes from good to unforgettable.

Instructions

Step 1

Start by preparing the cinnamon swirl mixture. In a small bowl, mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Set aside so it stays spreadable.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This step ensures consistent rise and balanced flavor in every pancake.

Step 3

In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Small lumps are fine and help keep the pancakes fluffy.

Step 4

Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.

Step 5

Let the pancake cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set. Pipe a spiral of cinnamon mixture onto the pancake, starting from the center and working outward.

Step 6

Carefully flip the pancake once the bottom turns golden. Cook the second side for 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 7

Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm pancakes before serving.

Variations

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe adapts beautifully to different preferences. For a cream cheese twist, replace the glaze with a quick cream cheese icing made from softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk.

For a lighter option, use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. The cinnamon flavor still shines through.

If you want a dairy-free version, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use plant-based butter. These adjustments keep the pancakes fluffy and flavorful. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the swirl for extra crunch.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover pancakes from this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to keep them soft.

For serving, stack pancakes high and drizzle extra glaze on top for a bakery-style presentation. Add fresh berries to balance the sweetness or serve with crispy bacon for a savory contrast. These pancakes also work well as a dessert-style breakfast with vanilla yogurt on the side.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stir gently before cooking.

Why did my cinnamon swirl burn?
High heat causes the sugar to scorch. Always cook pancakes over medium-low heat.

Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes, freeze cooked pancakes without glaze. Reheat and drizzle fresh glaze before serving.

Do I need a piping bag?
No, a zip-top bag works just as well for creating the swirl.

Can I use pancake mix?
Yes, but homemade batter gives better texture and flavor for this recipe.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is comfort food at its finest — fluffy pancakes wrapped in warm cinnamon sweetness and finished with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth glaze. It’s the kind of dish that turns slow mornings into something special and brings everyone to the table with anticipation.