Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If you’re craving the warm, gooey goodness of cinnamon rolls but want something a little quicker and more breakfast-friendly, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I first made these on a lazy Sunday morning, and let me tell you, the melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon filling swirled right inside fluffy pancakes had my whole family asking for seconds. Whether you’re making a special weekend brunch or just want to shake up your breakfast game, you’re going to love how easy and delicious these pancakes are.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here works together to create that classic cinnamon roll flavor but in pancake form. Using Bisquick keeps the batter light and fluffy, and the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture makes up that irresistible filling.

• Butter (melted and softened): Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level—melted butter goes in the filling, softened for frosting.
• Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds that deep molasses flavor that makes the filling sing.
• Ground cinnamon: Freshly ground cinnamon is best for maximum warmth and spice.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese keeps the frosting creamy and smooth without lumps.
• Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting with that delicate, dust-like sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle vanilla note both in the batter and the frosting—don’t skip it!
• Bisquick pancake mix: The base for the batter, making the pancakes tender and easy to cook.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and help pancakes rise properly.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Feel free to get creative! You’ll find that little changes make it feel brand new each time.

• Gluten-Free Version: I swapped the Bisquick for a gluten-free pancake mix once and it worked beautifully without losing fluffiness.
• Vegan Swap: You can try plant-based milk and a vegan cream cheese to make it vegan-friendly—just expect a slightly different texture on the frosting.
• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon filling for a cozy twist during fall mornings.
• Fruit Addition: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped apples or raisins right onto the pancake before adding the cinnamon swirl for a nice surprise.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Roll Filling

The magic starts here. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and well combined. Then, scoop this mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top bag. I find cutting the corner to about ⅛ inch works perfectly—it’s just the right size to create those beautiful spirals inside the pancake without the filling oozing out too fast.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until really smooth—that’s key to avoid lumps. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until fluffy. Pop this frosting into another piping bag or plastic bag and set it aside for drizzling later. This frosting is the showstopper, trust me.

Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter

Whisk together the Bisquick, milk, vanilla, and eggs until the batter is smooth. No lumps here—just smooth, pourable batter ready for cooking. It’s quick to mix and sets the stage for fluffy pancakes with that perfect texture.

Step 4: Cook and Fill the Pancakes

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter into the pan, and once it spreads out and you see bubbles forming on the top (usually about 2 minutes), pipe the cinnamon filling in a spiral starting from the center. Make sure to keep the cinnamon swirl away from the edges so it doesn’t burn or get too crunchy.

Flip the pancake gently and cook for about 1 more minute until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese frosting—you can warm the frosting slightly if you like it extra melty.

Step 5: Repeat and Enjoy

Keep cooking pancakes until you use all your batter and fillings. This makes roughly 10 pancakes, enough for a good-sized brunch! I love that the cinnamon roll flavor is there in every bite but with the fluffiness of pancakes, it feels so much lighter.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

I like to add a light dusting of powdered sugar over the stack or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh berries add a bright pop of color and freshness that pairs nicely with the sweetness.

Side Dishes

Some crispy bacon or sausage links make a salty contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly. On the lighter side, a fresh fruit salad or yogurt also pairs really well if you want to keep it simple.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I stacked the pancakes high and drizzled extra cream cheese frosting between each layer for mini cinnamon roll pancake towers. Add a few edible flowers or a sprig of mint on top and you have a stunning brunch centerpiece that looks impressive but is totally doable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. They taste great cold, but I prefer reheating them to enjoy that soft texture and creamy frosting.

Freezing

If I have extra batches, I freeze the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready, just pop them in the toaster or microwave—freezing doesn’t diminish the cinnamon roll goodness at all.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes; it crisps the edges slightly while keeping the center soft. If you’re in a rush, microwave for 20 seconds then drizzle on extra frosting for that freshly-made feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast repertoire—it’s the perfect way to bring the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls to your morning without the wait or fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, these pancakes are always a hit in my kitchen, and I know you’ll love them just as much. Give them a try next weekend and see how quickly they become the new favorite breakfast tradition.

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