If you are looking for a delightful twist on your regular breakfast, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine fluffy, tender pancakes swirled with a gooey cinnamon-butter filling that captures all the warmth and sweetness of a classic cinnamon roll, but in pancake form. Finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze, these pancakes turn any morning into a special occasion. Whether it’s a relaxed weekend brunch or a festive gathering, this recipe will warm hearts and satisfy cravings with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe are wonderfully simple yet essential in creating those rich flavors and textures we all crave. From the fluffy pancake base to the gooey cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze, each ingredient plays a key role in the magic.
- Pancake mix: Using a quality mix like Hungry Jack makes the batter reliably fluffy and light.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the cinnamon filling.
- 1/3 cup butter: Melts perfectly for the cinnamon swirl, delivering richness and golden color.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses warm, fragrant notes throughout.
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Creates the smooth, sweet base for the cream cheese glaze.
- 3 oz cream cheese: Brings tang and silkiness to the glaze, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Used to blend with cream cheese for that creamy topping, also in the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor depth and rounds out the glaze with a subtle floral hint.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
Start by mixing the pancake batter following the directions on your pancake mix package. For this recipe, I used the largest amount possible to get a generous stack of pancakes. Having a good batter foundation is key, as it needs to hold the cinnamon swirl without spreading too thin.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
In a medium bowl, gently heat 4 tablespoons of butter alongside 3 ounces of cream cheese. Heat in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, stirring until perfectly smooth. Next, whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you get a luscious, pourable glaze. Set this aside to come to room temperature while you finish the pancakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Filling
Melt 1/3 cup of butter in the microwave, then stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon to create a sticky, aromatic filling. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag. This step is what gives the pancakes their irresistible cinnamon roll essence and ensures even swirls within each pancake.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirls
Warm your pancake skillet over low heat, adding a touch of butter if it isn’t nonstick. Pour about ½ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet and then pipe the cinnamon mixture in a spiral right in the center, avoiding spreading it to the pancake edges. Once bubbles appear on the surface, carefully flip the pancake to cook through. This low and slow approach lets the cinnamon filling melt into the pancake without burning.
Step 5: Finish with Cream Cheese Glaze
When your stack is ready to serve, drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze over the pancakes generously. This final step transforms these pancakes into a decadent breakfast treat that melts in your mouth with creamy, cinnamon-sweet goodness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe feel even more special, consider adding a dusting of powdered sugar or a few chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch. Fresh berries or a small swirl of whipped cream can add a pop of freshness and color too.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair beautifully with crispy bacon or sausage links to balance all the sweetness. A side of fresh fruit salad or a light green salad can bring a fresh contrast, rounding out your breakfast or brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try stacking the pancakes tall, layering cream cheese glaze between each one like frosting. Another fun idea is to serve individual pancakes with mini ramekins of extra cinnamon filling and glaze for dipping. Presentation adds a playful element to this comforting recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before storing to avoid sogginess. This lets you enjoy the deliciousness even on busy mornings.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze very well. Layer them between sheets of wax paper and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cinnamon roll pancakes will keep for up to 2 months, making them perfect for quick breakfasts anytime.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster oven or microwave until warm. If microwaving, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Then, add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese glaze to revive that just-made flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I make the cinnamon swirl without a piping bag?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a piping bag, use a small plastic sandwich bag and snip off a tiny corner to pipe the cinnamon mixture. You can also carefully spoon it on in a spiral, though the piping bag provides the neatest swirls.
Can I use homemade pancake batter instead of mix?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade pancake batter. Just make sure it’s thick enough to support the cinnamon filling without spreading too much in the pan to keep those beautiful swirls.
Is the cream cheese glaze sweet or tangy?
The glaze strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The powdered sugar adds sweetness, while the cream cheese brings a mild tang, making each bite feel rich but not overly sweet.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and cream cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delightful.
What type of skillet is best for cooking these pancakes?
A nonstick skillet or griddle works best for these pancakes, as it helps cook them evenly and prevents the cinnamon swirl from sticking. If you don’t have nonstick, be sure to grease your pan well with butter before each pancake.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is such a joy to make and even more fun to eat. With the warm cinnamon centers and that creamy glaze, it’s like having breakfast and dessert all in one bite. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—your mornings will never be the same again!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.5 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these indulgent Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, combining the fluffy texture of classic pancakes with the luscious swirl of cinnamon sugar and a rich cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat, each bite delivers the familiar warmth of cinnamon roll flavors in a quick and easy pancake form.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- Pancake mix (quantity as per package to make largest amount, e.g., Hungry Jack pancake mix)
- Ingredients required by the pancake mix (usually eggs, milk, etc.)
Cinnamon Swirl Filling
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, mix the pancake batter following the directions on the pancake mix package. For this recipe, prepare the largest amount of batter suggested on the package. Set the batter aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 tablespoons butter and 3 ounces of cream cheese. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In another medium bowl, melt 1/3 cup butter in the microwave. Once melted, add 3/4 cup packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined. Transfer this cinnamon filling into a piping bag for controlled swirling.
- Cook Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirl: Heat a pancake skillet or nonstick pan over low heat. Lightly butter the skillet if it’s not nonstick. Pour about 1/2 cup pancake batter onto the skillet. Using the piping bag, pipe a cinnamon swirl onto the center of the batter, making sure the swirl stays away from the edges. When bubbles start appearing on the surface, carefully flip the pancake and cook until the other side is golden and fully cooked.
- Serve with Cream Cheese Glaze: Just before serving, drizzle the warm cream cheese glaze generously over the stack of cinnamon roll pancakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the tip cut off to create clean cinnamon swirls inside the pancakes.
- Cook pancakes on low heat to ensure the centers cook without burning the outside.
- The cream cheese glaze can be warmed gently if it thickens before serving.
- Try adding chopped nuts or raisins to the cinnamon filling for extra texture.
- If you prefer homemade pancakes, you can substitute the mix with your favorite pancake batter recipe.
