Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Imagine biting into the fluffiest pancake, only to discover a luscious swirl of cinnamon sugar melting into every bite. These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine everything you love about traditional pancakes with the rich, gooey flavors of a cinnamon roll, all topped off with a creamy drizzle of tangy sweet cream cheese icing. They are the perfect balance of warm spice, soft texture, and indulgent sweetness.

Perfect for a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch, these pancakes are surprisingly easy to make. The cinnamon swirl caramelizes beautifully on the skillet, creating a stunning visual that makes them even more tempting. Whether served with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or simply as they are, these pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Icing:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2-3 tablespoons milk, as needed

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the swirl. Transfer to a piping bag or ziplock and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.

3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed (a few lumps are okay). Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.

5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix in milk until desired consistency is reached.

6. Heat a greased skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and pipe a thin cinnamon swirl onto each pancake.

7. Flip when bubbles form on the surface and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

8. Serve warm with a generous drizzle of cream cheese icing. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 654 kcal | Servings: 4

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence

Few things in life are as comforting as the aroma of warm cinnamon swirling through the kitchen in the morning. Whether it’s the scent of fresh cinnamon rolls baking in the oven or a fluffy stack of homemade pancakes sizzling on a skillet, these classic breakfast favorites have one thing in common pure, irresistible goodness. Now, imagine combining the best of both worlds into one ultimate dish: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

These pancakes offer the rich, gooey taste of a cinnamon roll with the light, airy texture of a perfectly cooked pancake. Each bite is a delightful mix of fluffy batter infused with a warm cinnamon sugar swirl, caramelized to perfection. Topped with a luscious cream cheese icing that melts into every crevice, these pancakes are nothing short of a decadent breakfast dream.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a breakfast experience. Here’s why you’ll love making and eating them:

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The warm spices from the cinnamon, the deep caramelized sugar, and the rich tanginess of the cream cheese icing create a well rounded and satisfying flavor profile.

• Light and Fluffy Texture: The pancakes are soft and airy, thanks to the addition of buttermilk and baking powder, making them rise beautifully on the skillet.

• Gorgeous Presentation: The mesmerizing cinnamon swirl creates a stunning visual, making these pancakes look as good as they taste.

• Easy to Customize: Whether you prefer extra icing, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit on top, these pancakes can be tailored to suit your cravings.

• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a birthday breakfast surprise, these pancakes are sure to impress.

The Secret to the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl

The key to achieving the signature swirl in these pancakes lies in the cinnamon filling. The perfect cinnamon swirl should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so dense that it sinks into the batter. The combination of softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a smooth yet spreadable consistency, making it easy to pipe onto each pancake.

To get the best swirl effect, transfer the cinnamon mixture to a piping bag or a small plastic bag with the tip snipped off. As the pancake cooks, gently pipe a spiral pattern over the batter, starting from the center and working outward. When the pancake is flipped, the swirl caramelizes slightly, forming a sweet, gooey filling that mimics the flavor of a cinnamon roll.

The Magic of Cream Cheese Icing

No cinnamon roll is complete without a rich, creamy icing and the same applies to Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. The icing is made by blending cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk into a smooth, pourable consistency. This drizzle adds the perfect touch of sweetness and brings all the flavors together.

If you prefer a thinner icing, simply add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. For an extra indulgent touch, warm the icing slightly before drizzling it over the pancakes so that it melts beautifully into every bite.

Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

To ensure your pancakes turn out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:

1. Use a Nonstick Skillet or Griddle – This prevents sticking and helps the pancakes cook evenly. A well-seasoned cast-iron skillet also works great.

2. Cook Over Medium-Low Heat – Cooking the pancakes on a lower heat allows the batter to cook through without burning the cinnamon swirl.

3. Let the Batter Rest – Allowing the pancake batter to sit for a few minutes before cooking helps create a fluffier texture.

4. Don’t Overmix the Batter – A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.

5. Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ingredients like eggs and buttermilk blend better when they are at room temperature, leading to a smoother batter.

Creative Ways to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

While these pancakes are already delicious on their own, here are some fun ways to elevate your breakfast:

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the pancakes for a crunchy contrast.

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with sliced bananas, strawberries, or blueberries to add a fresh, juicy element.

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds an extra creamy touch.

• Caramel or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of warm caramel sauce or classic maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.

• Chocolate Chips: Mix chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them over the finished pancakes for a chocolatey twist.

Are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Kid-Friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the sweet, swirly goodness of these pancakes. You can even let them help in the kitchen by piping the cinnamon swirl or drizzling the icing. If you’d like to reduce the sugar content, you can adjust the amount of brown sugar in the swirl or swap the cream cheese icing for a lighter yogurt-based drizzle.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they usually disappear fast!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the icing separate and drizzle it on when serving.

• Freeze: Place pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a ziplock bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm pancakes in the microwave for 30-40 seconds or heat them on a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a dream come true for breakfast lovers. They combine the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon roll with the fluffiness of homemade pancakes, creating a dish that is both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a special brunch, a holiday morning, or simply to treat yourself to a little extra sweetness, these pancakes are guaranteed to impress.

So next time you’re craving something warm, sweet, and utterly delicious, whip up a batch of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes and savor every bite. They might just become your new favorite breakfast tradition!