Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: A Decadent Brunch Delight

If you love the sweet, comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave the fluffy texture of pancakes, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are your dream brunch recipe. Each pancake features a soft, tender base swirled with rich cinnamon sugar, finished with a creamy, luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for weekend mornings, brunch gatherings, or a special treat, these pancakes are indulgent yet easy to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fluffy, tender pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl.
• Cream cheese glaze adds decadent sweetness and richness.
• Quick and simple to prepare, yet impressive for brunch.
• Customizable with gluten-free flour, non-dairy milk, or fresh berries.

Ingredients

For the Pancake Batter:

• Flour (1 cup) – Can use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF option.
• Baking powder (2 tsp) – Ensures fluffy pancakes.
• Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances flavor.
• Milk (1 cup) – Any non-dairy milk works.
• Egg (1 large) – Flax egg can be used for a vegan version.
• Vegetable oil (2 tbsp) – Melted butter can add extra flavor.

For the Cinnamon Filling:

• Melted butter (2 tbsp) – Provides richness to the cinnamon swirl.
• Brown sugar (¼ cup) – Light or dark brown sugar works.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp) – Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• Cream cheese (4 oz) – Mascarpone works as an alternative.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup) – Adjust sweetness to taste.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Pure vanilla adds depth.
• Melted butter (2 tbsp) – Adds richness and smooth texture.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Ziplock bag (for piping the cinnamon filling)
• Microwave-safe bowl

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Prepare the Cinnamon Filling

Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until combined. Transfer the mixture to a ziplock bag and let it thicken for 10–15 minutes while preparing the batter.

Make the Pancake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk, vegetable oil, and beaten egg, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep pancakes light and fluffy.

Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the cream cheese and melted butter until smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy. Set aside.

Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a skillet over low heat. Pour ½ cup of batter onto the skillet. Use the ziplock bag to pipe the cinnamon filling into a swirl over the batter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then carefully flip and cook until golden and cooked through.

Serve

Stack pancakes on a plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries or nuts for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use low heat to cook pancakes evenly without burning the cinnamon swirl.
• Pipe the cinnamon filling in a loose spiral for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Fresh berries or sliced bananas make a great addition for both flavor and presentation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use a GF flour blend for the batter.
• Vegan: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, egg with flax egg, and butter with plant-based alternative.
• Extra indulgent: Add chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle on top with glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pancakes with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or fresh juice. Add fruit, nuts, or whipped cream for a brunch-worthy presentation.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Make the batter and cinnamon filling in advance, then cook pancakes fresh when ready.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, stack cooled pancakes with parchment paper in between and freeze. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Can I use other spices?
Absolutely! Add nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice to the cinnamon swirl for seasonal variations.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk with non-dairy milk and use vegan butter for the cinnamon swirl and glaze.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a decadent and indulgent brunch treat that combine the best of pancakes and cinnamon rolls in one delightful bite. Perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or special occasions, these pancakes are sure to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.

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