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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes will be the star of any breakfast and bring the fun of a bakery treat right to your own kitchen table The swirls of buttery cinnamon sugar melt into pillowy pancakes finished with a generous drizzle of creamy glaze for the ultimate indulgence These were a game-changer for my sleepy Saturday mornings and now they are my go-to whenever I want to impress overnight guests or just treat myself
My first batch disappeared before I could even sit down at the table That warm cinnamon filling had my whole house smelling like a bakery and now my family requests these for birthdays and special weekends
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: adds heartiness and structure look for flour without clumps and store sealed to keep fresh
- Baking powder: gives the pancakes lift make sure yours is fresh for the fluffiest results
- Salt: brings out the subtle flavors choose fine grain for easier mixing
- Milk: keeps the batter tender and adds moisture use whole milk for richness but any milk will work
- Vegetable oil: helps create a soft crumb neutral flavor means it does not overpower the cinnamon
- Egg: binds the batter and creates fluffy texture use large eggs for best results
- Pancake mix: if you want a shortcut Bisquick consistently delivers good pancakes
- Butter: for the cinnamon swirl and glaze pick a high-quality unsalted butter for best flavor
- Light brown sugar: gives deep caramel notes to the swirl pack it tightly to measure accurately
- Ground cinnamon: is the real star use fresh ground or a good brand for the most fragrance
- Cream cheese: goes into the glaze tangy and rich look for blocks instead of tubs for better texture
- Powdered sugar: makes the glaze perfectly smooth sift if there are any lumps
- Vanilla extract: rounds out the glaze and adds warmth try pure rather than imitation if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Filling:
- Mix melted butter light brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl until fully combined The mixture should be thick but still pipeable Transfer it to a small zip bag and let it rest for ten to fifteen minutes so the filling firms slightly and does not run out while swirling
- Make the Pancake Batter:
- In a medium mixing bowl whisk together flour baking powder and salt until evenly distributed Pour in the milk oil and beaten egg then quickly whisk until just moistened It is fine if there are a few small lumps as this prevents overmixing which can make pancakes tough If you use a boxed mix follow the instructions on the package
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a microwave or heatproof bowl melt the butter and cream cheese until fully softened about thirty seconds Whisk these together until completely smooth Add powdered sugar and vanilla then whisk again until the glaze is silky with no lumps Set aside nearby so it is ready to spoon over hot pancakes
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over low heat and lightly spray with nonstick spray Pour half a cup of batter onto the surface for each pancake Snip the tip off a corner of your cinnamon filling bag and squeeze a spiral directly onto the batter while it cooks Wait for bubbles to form on the surface this takes two to three minutes Then gently flip the pancake and cook for another one to two minutes until golden brown beneath Keep the pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a low oven as you finish the rest
- Finish with Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Just before serving rewarm the glaze if needed Stir and spoon generously over each warm pancake The glaze will melt into the hot pancakes for that classic cinnamon roll experience
Pin
These pancakes feel special but do not take all morning to make Cinnamon is my personal favorite spice so swirling it dramatically right onto the fluffy batter is always my best moment And I will never forget the first time my nieces raced to the kitchen because the smell was so impossible to resist
Storage Tips
Leftover pancakes can be cooled to room temperature then stacked with parchment paper in between before sealing in an airtight container Store for up to two days in the refrigerator and reheat in a toaster oven or microwave to revive that just-cooked taste The cream cheese glaze can be refrigerated separately and spooned over warm pancakes
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want dairy-free pancakes use your favorite plant milk and vegan butter blocks for the filling and glaze Gluten-free flour blends that measure cup for cup can swap for regular flour If you run out of brown sugar you can mix granulated sugar with a spoonful of molasses for the swirl
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are rich enough to be dessert or they can be paired with fresh strawberries or sliced bananas for balance I sometimes serve them as a weekend breakfast treat with crispy bacon or sausage on the side The glaze recipe also makes a great dip for warm apple slices
Cinnamon Rolls in Breakfast History
Turning classic cinnamon rolls into pancakes is a fun update rooted in American brunch culture The iconic cinnamon roll is believed to have originated in Sweden as kanelbulle but has found a second life in North American diners and bake shops Pancake houses often put their own spin on this hybrid treat and now it is an internet favorite for home cooks seeking comfort and nostalgia in one bite
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the cinnamon swirl from sinking?
Let the cinnamon mixture rest until slightly thick. Pipe it onto the raw batter just after pouring pancakes on the skillet so it swirls without sinking.
- → Can I use a boxed pancake mix?
Yes, prepare the mix as directed and continue as normal with the cinnamon filling and glaze for quick results.
- → What is the best way to achieve a perfect swirl?
Snip a small corner off a zip bag of cinnamon filling and gently squeeze in spirals over each pancake before flipping.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. Warm gently before serving, adding glaze just before eating.
- → Can the glaze be made ahead?
Yes, store cream cheese glaze in the refrigerator. Warm briefly and stir well before spooning over pancakes.