A little swirl of love right on your griddle these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are taking over morning tables (and even trending on TikTok). Enjoy all the comfort of a gooey cinnamon roll with the speed and ease of an easy breakfast recipe. They take just 20 minutes to whip up, require no yeast, and deliver full-on cozy vibes.
Think golden, fluffy pancake batter layered with gooey cinnamon filling, finished with a drizzle of sweet vanilla cream cheese glaze made entirely with pantry basics. It’s weekday-friendly yet totally brunch-worthy. You likely have everything on hand now: flour, eggs, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. Full step-by-step details are just below!
I used to bake with Grandma every Saturday so yes, swirl control matters! Through lots of messy batches (and laughs), I perfected the cinnamon swirl that melts into the batter just right. This version is cozy, unfussy, and downright irresistible.
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
There’s something magical about combining two iconic breakfast staples – soft, fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolls. Here’s why you’ll crave them again and again:
- Quick & Simple: A no-fuss recipe perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekend brunches.
- Nostalgic and Cozy: Evokes that fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon roll warmth without long prep time.
- Versatile & Allergy-Friendly: Easily adapted to gluten-free and dairy-free diets without sacrificing taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Looks fancy enough for a brunch table, and comforting enough for a casual family breakfast-for-dinner night.
Key Ingredients & Pantry-Friendly Notes
You don’t need anything fancy to whip up these pancakes. Most ingredients are likely in your stocked pantry and fridge!

| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Milk (regular or plant-based) | Creates the desired pourable texture in the pancake batter. |
| Maple Syrup | Infuses natural sweetness and flavor complexity into the batter. |
| All-Purpose Flour (regular or gluten-free) | Serves as the main structure of the pancake batter. |
| Cinnamon, Butter & Brown Sugar | Blends into a spiced filling that caramelizes into gorgeous spirals. |
| Cream Cheese & Powdered Sugar | Whipped into a glaze for that classic cinnamon roll drizzle finish. |
Pro Tip: For gluten-free options, try King Arthur Measure for Measure flour. Avoid nut flours like almond or coconut they absorb too much moisture and can cause dense pancakes.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Step-by-Step
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and mess-minimizing perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Here’s what to do:
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Slowly add in flour and stir just until smooth do not overmix.
- Prepare the Swirl: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for swirling.
- Mix the Glaze: Soften the cream cheese, then blend in powdered sugar and melted butter. Stir until creamy and set aside. You can thin it with a teaspoon of milk if needed for drizzling.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low. Spoon on pancake batter, pipe a spiral of cinnamon filling on top, then add a thin second layer of batter to prevent burning. Flip carefully once bubbles form and edges look set.
- Drizzle and Serve: Rewarm the glaze gently if thickened. Drizzle over hot pancakes and top with optional extras like chopped pecans, fruit, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Pro Tip: Medium-low heat is essential. Too hot and the swirl may scorch before the batter cooks through. Patience = perfect pancakes.
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mixing Batter | 5 minutes |
| Making Swirl & Glaze | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Pancakes | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
Serving, Swaps, & Storage Tips
Here’s how to serve these beauties and keep them tasting great for later:
- Serving: Stack the pancakes and drizzle with cream cheese glaze for epic brunch vibes. Add fresh berries, a scoop of yogurt, or serve alongside crispy bacon for contrast.
- Swaps: No cream cheese? Whip together a simple glaze using powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract. It still tastes amazing!
- Storage: Let pancakes fully cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave for quick weekday enjoyment.
| Storage Method | Tips |
|---|---|
| Fridge | Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. |
| Freezer | Freeze with parchment between layers for up to 1 month to prevent sticking. |
| Reheating | Use a nonstick skillet on low heat or microwave single pancakes for 20–30 seconds. |
Pro Tip: Freeze extra glaze in a small container alongside the pancakes. Defrost both overnight in the fridge or warm gently when ready to serve.
Expert Insight: The Appeal of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Cinnamon roll pancakes masterfully blend two breakfast icons the spiced indulgence of cinnamon rolls and the fluffiness of pancakes. The visual swirl brings whimsy, while the flavor layers mimic a bakery-style treat with at-home convenience. That’s why they’ve captured hearts (and feeds) everywhere: they’re dreamy, delicious, and totally doable.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
The Journey to My Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
After many early-morning trialssome too dry, others that turned into swirl-blobsI finally found the method that delivers that signature cinnamon swirl and golden texture. Now, these pancakes are on repeat in our house, especially on chilly mornings when comfort food calls. My family loves them, and I can’t wait for yours to feel the same!

Conclusion
You’ll love how these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes come together in under 30 minutes soft, golden pancakes layered with a luscious cinnamon swirl and topped with a warm glaze. It’s everything you want in cozy comfort food, now simplified for weekday mornings or relaxed weekends.
Try folding in mini chocolate chips, toasted pecans, or diced apples for fun flavor twists. And don’t forget the leftovers are just as good! Store them and savor all over again with a quick reheat and re-drizzle.
Did these pancakes spark a cozy memory? I’d love to hear how you put your spin on them. Tag me with your pancake creations or share the recipe with someone who needs a little sweet comfort right now!

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Delicious Easy Recipe to Love
Ingredients
Method
- Mix the milk, maple syrup, baking powder, and vanilla together. Then, add the flour and mix until a pancake batter forms.
- In a smaller separate bowl, prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture by mixing the cinnamon, softened butter, and sugar together. Spoon the cinnamon swirl mixture into a pastry bag and set aside.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by mixing the powdered sugar, melted butter, and cream cheese together. Set aside or drizzle with maple syrup as alternative.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat with a sliver of butter. Once hot, spoon 2-3 tablespoons of pancake batter into the skillet.
- Carefully cut the tip of the cinnamon swirl pastry bag and hold it upright. Draw a spiral of the cinnamon sugar mixture in the center of each pancake.
- Pour an additional 1-2 tablespoons of pancake batter over the cinnamon filling to cover it.
- Cook pancakes until bubbles appear on top, then flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve warm drizzled with cream cheese icing or maple syrup. If icing is too thick, microwave for 15 seconds before drizzling.
Notes
- For gluten-free flour use King Arthur Measure for Measure gluten-free flour. Do not substitute almond or baking flour. The cream cheese icing can be warmed slightly if too thick. Alternatively, drizzle with maple syrup for a simpler topping.










