Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

I’ve got to tell you about this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe that totally changed my mornings. It’s like having your favorite gooey cinnamon rolls with melting cream cheese icing, but in fluffy, comforting pancake form. You’ll find that each bite brings the perfect swirl of cinnamon and a rich, sweet frosting that makes breakfast feel like a treat every single time.

Whether you’re whipping these up for a special weekend brunch or an easy holiday morning, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser. I love how simple it is to prepare, yet it delivers that bakery-quality flavor at home — you can impress without stress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: You only need simple ingredients and just a few steps to get those bakery vibes right at home.
  • Deliciously Balanced: The sweet cinnamon swirl and cream cheese frosting perfectly complement the fluffy pancakes without being overpowering.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or impressing guests with a creative twist on classic pancakes.
  • Family Favorite: My family literally goes crazy for these — a guaranteed hit that keeps everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe are pantry staples mixed with a few special touches to create that irresistible cinnamon roll flavor and texture. You’ll want to grab fresh cream cheese and real butter for the creamiest frosting.

  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cinnamon swirl filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Gives that classic caramelized sweetness to the cinnamon mixture.
  • Ground Cinnamon: The key spice for that warm cinnamon roll taste.
  • Cream Cheese (softened): Essential for that luscious, tangy frosting.
  • Butter (softened): Makes the frosting smooth and creamy.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aroma to both frosting and pancake batter.
  • Bisquick Pancake Mix: Creates fluffy, tender pancakes quickly and easily.
  • Whole Milk: Keeps the pancake batter smooth and rich.
  • Large Eggs: Bind everything together and improve pancake texture.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe can be — feel free to mix it up depending on what you have or the season. I often customize it with some extra add-ins or tweaks to fit our mood.

  • Nutty Upgrade: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl gives a delightful crunch that my family adores.
  • Blueberry Twist: Incorporate a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries right into the batter for a fruity surprise.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap out whole milk for almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Mini Pancake Bites: For kids’ parties, make smaller pancakes and pipe the cinnamon swirl and frosting for easy bite-sized treats.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Roll Filling

Start by mixing the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon together in a small bowl. This creates that gooey cinnamon swirl that really makes these pancakes special. Then, transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the tip cut to about the size of a pencil eraser—this helps you pipe a neat swirl later. I discovered this piping trick because trying to spoon the mixture was messy and uneven, so this step seriously makes a difference.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until silky smooth. Add the powdered sugar, then beat again until fluffy and light – this is key for that perfect frosting texture. Stir in vanilla extract for a subtle flavor boost. Just like the filling, put this into a separate piping bag; it makes drizzling over the pancakes so much easier and prettier!

Step 3: Prepare the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk the Bisquick pancake mix with whole milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until the batter is smooth. Avoid overmixing here — just mix enough so there are no lumps, but it should still be light and airy to get fluffy pancakes. I used to overwork batter and ended up with tough pancakes, so this is a handy tip to keep them tender.

Step 4: Cook and Layer the Pancakes

Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. Pour about ½ cup of the batter into the pan and let it spread naturally. After about 2 minutes, when bubbles start to form on the surface, pipe a spiral of the cinnamon roll filling right into the center of the pancake. Keep your swirl away from the edges, or the filling might cook too fast and get crunchy. Flip the pancake carefully and cook for about a minute more until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve It Up with Frosting and Enjoy!

Transfer your pancake to a plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese frosting. The moment you taste that warm cinnamon swirl with the cool, creamy frosting, you’ll see why this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is an all-time favorite around here. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, filling, and frosting until you have a stack worthy of any breakfast celebration.

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Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

  • Control the Swirl Placement: Keep the cinnamon filling swirl in the center of the pancake to avoid overcooked, crunchy edges.
  • Use Two Piping Bags: Having separate bags for filling and frosting saves time and keeps things tidy.
  • Medium Heat is Your Friend: Cook pancakes on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning the cinnamon swirl.
  • Don’t Overmix Pancake Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps pancakes fluffy and tender.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

A stack of six thick, fluffy pancakes sits on a white plate with a dark rim, placed on a white marbled surface. Each pancake layer is light golden brown with visible swirls of cinnamon filling creating a marbled effect throughout. The top pancake is decorated with thick, white icing drizzled in even horizontal lines. A slice of the stack is lifted with a fork, showing the soft, airy texture and the cinnamon layers inside. In the background, a white sauce pitcher filled with creamy sauce is slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top these pancakes with a little extra drizzle of cream cheese frosting and a light dusting of powdered sugar for that café feel. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for texture and a small handful of fresh berries for color and a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweet cinnamon. It really elevates the whole experience!

Side Dishes

To turn these pancakes into a satisfying brunch, I love serving them with crispy bacon or sausage links. Fresh fruit like orange slices or a berry salad adds brightness to the plate, and a warm cup of coffee or chai latte perfectly rounds out the meal. Your guests will feel like you went the extra mile.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special mornings, I’ve created pancake stacks shaped like hearts using a stencil and topped them with extra frosting flowers piped on top. Another fun trick is layering pancakes like a cinnamon roll cake and serving it with warm maple syrup poured over the whole stack — delicious and pretty!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), stack them with parchment paper in between and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay okay for up to 2 days and keep their flavor surprisingly well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these pancakes before and it works great — just flash freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for about 1 month, so you can enjoy cinnamon roll goodness anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the frozen pancakes in the toaster or microwave. I prefer the toaster because it keeps the edges crisp without ruining the swirl’s texture. Just add a fresh drizzle of cream cheese frosting afterward, and nobody will guess they were day-old pancakes!

FAQs

  1. Can I make the cinnamon swirl filling in advance?

    Yes, absolutely! You can mix the cinnamon swirl filling ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before piping so it flows smoothly.

  2. Is it okay to substitute Bisquick with homemade pancake mix?

    Definitely! If you have your own favorite pancake recipe, feel free to use it — just keep the batter on the thicker side so the swirl and frosting hold up nicely.

  3. How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from burning?

    Cooking the pancakes on medium heat helps a lot. Also, make sure to keep the cinnamon swirl towards the center of the pancake, away from the edges where it’s more exposed to heat and can get too crispy or burnt.

  4. Can I use low-fat or skim milk instead of whole milk?

    You can, but whole milk really adds richness that makes the pancakes tender and flavorful. Using low-fat milk might change the texture slightly, but the recipe will still work just fine.

  5. How long does it take to make this recipe from start to finish?

    The whole process typically takes about 19 minutes, including prep and cooking time, so it’s perfect for a delicious, not-too-lengthy breakfast.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe holds a special spot in my heart because it brings homemade comfort to the breakfast table without the fuss of baking cinnamon rolls from scratch. I love sharing it with friends and family, and every time I make it, it sparks that cozy smile of satisfaction. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the sweet swirls and creamy frosting as much as I do, and your mornings will never be the same!

Print
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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

5 from 76 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 4 min
  • Total Time: 19 min
  • Yield: 10 pancakes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes that combine the fluffy texture of pancakes with the rich flavors of cinnamon roll filling and cream cheese frosting. This easy-to-make recipe features a buttery cinnamon swirl cooked right inside each pancake and a luscious cream cheese drizzle, perfect to elevate your breakfast or brunch experience.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cinnamon Roll Filling

  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 Tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 4 Tablespoons butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pancakes

  • 2 cups Bisquick
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Prepare cinnamon roll filling: In a bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Transfer this mixture into a piping bag or zippered plastic bag and snip off a tip about ⅛ inch wide. Set aside.
  2. Make cream cheese frosting: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract. Scoop the frosting into a separate piping or plastic bag and set aside.
  3. Mix pancake batter: Whisk together Bisquick, whole milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until you achieve a smooth pancake batter with no lumps.
  4. Heat skillet: Place a medium skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and grease it well with non-stick cooking spray or a little butter.
  5. Cook pancakes with cinnamon swirl: Pour about ½ cup of pancake batter into the hot skillet. When bubbles start to form on the surface and the batter spreads (around 2 minutes), pipe a spiral of the cinnamon butter filling onto the center of the pancake, being careful to keep it away from the edges to avoid burning the filling.
  6. Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the pancake and cook the other side for about 1 minute until golden and cooked through.
  7. Serve with frosting: Remove the pancake from the skillet, place it on a plate, and drizzle cream cheese frosting over the top. Enjoy immediately.
  8. Repeat: Continue cooking the remaining batter, filling, and frosting following the same steps until all ingredients are used.

Notes

  • Shake up your weekend breakfast routine with a stack of fluffy cinnamon roll pancakes!
  • Use a piping bag to create an even cinnamon swirl inside the pancake for the best texture and flavor.
  • Keep the cinnamon swirl inside the center to prevent it from cooking too fast and becoming crunchy.
  • Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and creaminess.
  • You can substitute Bisquick with your favorite pancake mix if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pancake
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 422 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 66 mg