There’s no better way to start your morning than with a stack of luscious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, a glorious marriage of two beloved breakfast treats. Imagine all the cozy flavors of your favorite cinnamon rolls—swirled caramelized cinnamon, buttery warmth, and a hint of vanilla—infused right into fluffy, golden pancakes. This dish is as much a showstopper as it is pure comfort food, and with a straightforward approach, you can bring the cinnamon roll magic to any weekend brunch or lazy morning breakfast.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create unforgettable Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Each ingredient has an important role, from guaranteeing soft, pillowy cakes to ensuring that signature swirl is as gooey and sweet as possible.

All-purpose flour: The base of your pancakes, this flour gives them just the right texture—light but substantial.
Baking powder: This is your secret to pancakes that rise tall and fluffy with every bite.
Salt: Don’t skip it! A pinch brings out the sweetness and balances all those warm spices.
Granulated sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps your pancakes develop that tempting golden color.
Cinnamon: Absolutely essential for that cinnamon roll aroma and flavor throughout the batter and the swirl.
Milk: Gives the batter the perfect consistency for pancakes that are soft and tender.
Egg: Binds everything together, creating structure without making the pancakes dense.
Melted butter: Used both in the batter and in the swirl, it adds rich flavor and that unmistakable buttery note.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens and complements the cinnamon flavors.
Brown sugar: This gives the swirl its addictively gooey, caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Step 1: Preheat Your Griddle

Kick things off by preheating your griddle to 375 degrees F for about 10 minutes. That blast of heat ensures crispy edges and fluffy insides. After the griddle is hot, lower it to 365 degrees to keep the cinnamon sugar from scorching and to give your pancakes the golden finish they deserve.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a big mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Whisk those together for a few seconds, then create a little well in the center of your dry mix. Pour in the milk, egg, three tablespoons of melted butter, and vanilla. Gently stir until just combined—don’t overmix, since that’s the key to light and fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

Now for the signature swirl! In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, five tablespoons of melted butter, and a generous tablespoon of cinnamon until smooth. Scoop the mixture into a zip-top bag, snip off about 1/4 inch from a corner, and set the bag upright in a glass until you’re ready to swirl. This keeps the mixture from making a mess and ensures perfect, even swirls.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Once your griddle is ready, ladle about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. You should have room for 4–6 at a time if you move quickly. They’ll start spreading and set up just enough for the swirl.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Swirl

Grab your cinnamon swirl bag and, working quickly, pipe a spiral on top of each pancake—start near the outer edge and wind your way towards the center. This is where your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes really start to look irresistible!

Step 6: Wait for Bubbles

Let the pancakes cook undisturbed until bubbles break the surface and the bottoms turn that classic golden-brown, usually after about 2 minutes. You’ll see that cinnamon sugar melt into the pancakes and start to caramelize.

Step 7: Flip and Finish

With a broad spatula, gently flip each pancake and cook for about another minute. The swirl should be just gooey, not burnt. Stack them high and get ready for breakfast bliss!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Garnishes

For ultimate indulgence, finish your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup or cream cheese glaze, and maybe even a sprinkle of chopped pecans. The finishing touch brings out the cinnamon roll magic!

Side Dishes

Pair your stack with fresh fruit like berries or orange segments for a bright, tart contrast. For a hearty breakfast spread, crispy bacon or sausage links add a fantastic salty counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual pancakes layered with whipped cream for a decadent “pancake tower.” For brunch parties, create a build-your-own Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bar with topping options like chopped nuts, sliced bananas, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultra-special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stack with parchment paper between each so the swirls don’t stick together.

Freezing

For a longer-term treat, you can freeze these pancakes! Let them cool completely, then layer with parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, ready to pop out whenever a cinnamon craving strikes.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual pancakes in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds, or place them in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) until hot and fluffy. This will help restore their soft texture and keep the swirl gooey.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancake batter and cinnamon swirl a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge, and give each a quick stir before using. This makes busy mornings a breeze without sacrificing any flavor or texture.

What can I use instead of a griddle?

If you don’t have a griddle, a large nonstick skillet works just as well for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Just be sure to heat it thoroughly and watch the temperature for even browning.

Are these pancakes very sweet?

They’re sweet but not over the top—the brown sugar swirl adds the perfect cinnamon roll vibe, but you can always scale back the sugar or serve with plain yogurt to balance things out if you prefer!

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free pancake blend for delicious, celiac-friendly Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

What if I don’t have a zip-top bag for the swirl?

No worries! A piping bag works beautifully, or you can spoon the swirl mixture onto the pancakes in a circle. Even swirling with the tip of a spoon still gives you wonderful, gooey results.

Final Thoughts

If you love both pancakes and cinnamon rolls, this recipe is an absolute must-try! Whip up a batch of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for your next breakfast or brunch and watch everyone’s eyes light up at the first bite—and don’t forget to make extra for the freezer, because you’ll be dreaming of these all week long.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of cinnamon roll flavors and pancake goodness with these delectable Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. A delightful twist on a classic breakfast favorite!

Instructions

Preheat Griddle: Heat griddle to 375°F, then reduce to 365°F before adding batter.
Mix Pancake Batter: Combine dry ingredients, add wet ingredients, and mix.
Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: Mix brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a bag.
Cook Pancakes: Ladle batter onto griddle, swirl in cinnamon mixture, cook until golden.
Flip and Cook: Flip pancakes and cook for another minute.

Notes

For best results, ensure the griddle is properly preheated before cooking.
Store the cinnamon swirl mixture in a zip-top bag for easy swirling.
Adjust cinnamon to suit your preference for stronger or milder flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Griddling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 pancake
Calories: 180
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Pancake Recipe, Breakfast Recipe, Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes