Introduction

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the fluffy texture of pancakes. This delicious breakfast treat features swirls of cinnamon sugar and a creamy cream cheese glaze that make every bite feel like a warm hug.

A stack of five golden-brown pancakes sits on a white plate, each pancake soft and fluffy with slightly crispy edges. The top pancake is drizzled with thick, creamy white sauce that cascades down the sides, pooling slightly on the plate. Small chunks of chopped pecans are scattered generously over the sauce, adding texture. The plate rests on a blue wooden surface with a white marbled texture underneath. In the background, part of a white tray filled with more pancakes drizzled with the same sauce is visible, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup Flour (Can use gluten-free flour blend)
2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for best rise)
1/4 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt can be used for flavor)
1 cup Milk (Any non-dairy milk works well)
1 large Egg (A flax egg can substitute for vegan)
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Melted butter can be used for flavor)
2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Vegetable oil can be a substitute)
1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar can be used)
1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (Mix with nutmeg for extra warmth)
4 ounces Cream Cheese (Mascarpone can be a delightful alternative)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust for preferred sweetness)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Using pure vanilla enhances flavor)
2 tablespoons Melted Butter

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cinnamon filling by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a ziplock bag and let it thicken for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg, stirring just until combined to form the pancake batter.
Step 3: Make the cream cheese glaze by heating cream cheese and melted butter in a microwave-safe bowl until warm. Whisk until smooth, then blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
Step 4: Preheat a skillet over low heat. Pour ½ cup of batter onto the skillet, then use the ziplock bag to pipe the cinnamon filling into a swirl on top of the batter.
Step 5: Cook until bubbles form on the pancake surface, then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Stack the pancakes and drizzle or spoon the cream cheese glaze over the top. Optionally, sprinkle with extra powdered sugar or nuts before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon filling mixture.
Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a richer, smoother glaze.
Choose a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Pipe the cinnamon filling gently to create even swirls without breaking the batter surface.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or microwave until warm. The cream cheese glaze is best added fresh, but you can store it separately in a sealed container for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of golden-brown pancakes with a visible spiral pattern on each. There are about six pancakes arranged in a slightly overlapping row on a white scalloped oval plate, topped with white icing drizzled in thin stripes and sprinkled with small pieces of chopped nuts. Next to it, a smaller round white plate holds a neat stack of about four pancakes covered similarly with white icing drizzle and nut pieces. A glass of pale yellow juice is placed near the smaller plate, and a silver fork and knife rest to the right. All items sit on a white embroidered cloth with colorful floral patterns on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil. Choose dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

How do I prevent the cinnamon filling from leaking?

Let the cinnamon filling thicken slightly before piping, and gently pipe swirls onto the batter to avoid piercing it. Cooking over low heat helps maintain the swirl shape.