Why Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Will Become Your New Favorite Breakfast

Cinnamon roll pancakes are a breakfast revelation that brings the best of both worlds—pancakes and cinnamon rolls—together in one indulgent dish. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy pancake and experiencing the sweet cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze, just like a traditional cinnamon roll. It’s the perfect combination of soft, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes with that irresistible cinnamon flavor that we all love.

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These pancakes are not only incredibly delicious, but they also bring a fun twist to your morning routine. Whether you’re treating yourself on the weekend or serving them for a special occasion, these cinnamon roll pancakes are bound to impress. Read on to learn how to make this mouthwatering breakfast delight!

What You’ll Need to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Before you get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need to make these decadent pancakes. Check your pantry for the following ingredients:

Pantry Staples:

• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cinnamon Roll Filling:

• 3 tablespoons (45g) melted butter
• 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: Step by Step

Let’s break down the process of making these cinnamon roll pancakes. Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying warm, gooey pancakes in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix them together until smooth and well-combined. This sweet cinnamon filling will create the signature swirl in your pancakes. Set it aside for now.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat an egg and then add the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Your pancake batter should be thick yet pourable.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. For each pancake, spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Let the pancake cook for 2-3 minutes or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Roll Swirl

Once the pancakes are cooked, it’s time to add the cinnamon roll swirl. While the pancakes are still on the griddle, drizzle the cinnamon filling over the pancakes in a swirl pattern. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the filling into the batter, being careful not to deflate the pancake.

Step 5: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze

Finally, drizzle your homemade cream cheese glaze over the cooked pancakes. You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk if you prefer it thinner. The glaze will melt into the warm pancakes, adding a sweet, tangy finish that takes the dish to the next level.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

• Use a Nonstick Skillet: This will prevent the pancakes from sticking and make flipping much easier.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir the pancake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
• Let the Filling Set: Let the cinnamon filling thicken for a few minutes before using it. This will keep it from running all over the pancakes.

Best Toppings for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

While the cinnamon swirl and cream cheese glaze are already amazing, adding a few extra toppings can take these pancakes to the next level.

Extra Cream Cheese Glaze

If you love glaze (who doesn’t?), feel free to drizzle more over your pancakes for an extra sweet touch.

Chopped Nuts

For added texture and flavor, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top. The crunch will contrast nicely with the soft pancakes.

Fresh Berries

For a burst of freshness, add some strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries perfectly balances the richness of the cinnamon roll pancakes.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Leftover pancakes are rare when making these, but if you happen to have any, here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Store your leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply microwave the pancakes for 20-30 seconds per pancake. Alternatively, you can warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

Fun Variations of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These cinnamon roll pancakes are versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Add Chocolate Chips

For an extra treat, add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the pancake batter. Chocolate and cinnamon are a perfect match!

Make Them Vegan

If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can easily make these pancakes vegan. Replace the milk with almond or oat milk, swap the egg for a flax egg, and use coconut oil in place of butter.

Try a Maple Syrup Infusion

Add a splash of maple syrup to the pancake batter for a subtle, syrupy flavor that’s baked right in.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon: A Healthy Bonus

Cinnamon is more than just a delicious spice—it also offers several health benefits. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may help regulate blood sugar levels. So, you can enjoy these cinnamon roll pancakes with the added benefit of cinnamon’s health-boosting properties!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon roll pancakes are the perfect combination of warm, fluffy pancakes and the irresistible flavors of cinnamon rolls. With their cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze, these pancakes will quickly become a favorite for breakfast or brunch. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a weekend treat, cinnamon roll pancakes will impress everyone at the table.

FAQs About Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Q1: Can I make cinnamon roll pancakes without the glaze?
Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the glaze. However, it adds a rich sweetness that complements the pancakes perfectly.

Q2: Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking.

Q3: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but using whole wheat flour may make the pancakes a little denser. For a lighter pancake, you can mix half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour.

Q4: Can I freeze cinnamon roll pancakes?
Absolutely! Allow the pancakes to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, store them in an airtight container. Reheat them in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to enjoy them.

Q5: How can I make my pancakes fluffier?
To make fluffier pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. Let it rest for a few minutes before cooking, and make sure your skillet is at the right temperature to cook them evenly.

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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

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Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons 25g granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Cinnamon Roll Filling:
• 3 tablespoons 45g melted butter
• 1/3 cup 65g brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• Cream Cheese Glaze:
• 4 oz 115g cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 tablespoons milk adjust for desired consistency

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Roll Filling
• In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Mix them together until smooth and well-combined. This sweet cinnamon filling will create the signature swirl in your pancakes. Set it aside for now.
• Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat an egg and then add the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is just mixed. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Your pancake batter should be thick yet pourable.
• Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
• Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. For each pancake, spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet. Let the pancake cook for 2-3 minutes or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cooked through.
• Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Roll Swirl
• Once the pancakes are cooked, it’s time to add the cinnamon roll swirl. While the pancakes are still on the griddle, drizzle the cinnamon filling over the pancakes in a swirl pattern. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the filling into the batter, being careful not to deflate the pancake.
• Step 5: Drizzle with Cream Cheese Glaze
• Finally, drizzle your homemade cream cheese glaze over the cooked pancakes. You can adjust the consistency of the glaze by adding more milk if you prefer it thinner. The glaze will melt into the warm pancakes, adding a sweet, tangy finish that takes the dish to the next level.