Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a fun twist on traditional pancakes, bringing the warm flavors of a classic cinnamon roll into an easy-to-make breakfast. If you’ve ever debated between cinnamon rolls and pancakes for breakfast, this recipe combines the best of both worlds into a single recipe.

It’s perfect for any morning, but it’s especially fitting for Fat Tuesday – a day traditionally associated with indulging in rich, comforting foods before Lent begins.

For centuries, pancakes have been a staple on Fat Tuesday, also known as Shrove Tuesday. Historically, this was the day to use up perishable ingredients like milk, eggs, and butter before the fasting period of Lent.

And making pancakes was an easy and practical way to do this, and the tradition continues today in many cultures. By adding a cinnamon roll twist to pancakes is the ultimate start for a day devoted to indulgence.

However this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe not only takes the standard pancake to a whole new level, it includes a sweet glaze that mimics the frosting on a cinnamon roll. The result? A breakfast that feels indulgent and celebratory – perfect for Fat Tuesday or any special occasion.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

*Complete recipe instructions including specific measurements, cook temperatures and times are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to keep reading for helpful tips and tricks when making this recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Pancakes:

• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg*
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*To eliminate the egg from the recipe, use my Egg Free Pancake Recipe instead.

For the Glaze:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons milk (more if needed to thin the glaze)

INSTRUCTIONS: How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

This recipe is straightforward, but it’s the little details that make a big difference. Here’s how to create the perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. These ingredients provide the structure and flavor of your pancakes.

In a separate bowl, combine your wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.

Then, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. You’ll want a few small lumps in the batter, as overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.

Step 2: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Gently spread the batter into a 4-inch circle.

Cook the pancakes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to firm up, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 2 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Keep your pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the pancakes stay warm in the oven prepare the glaze. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until combined.

Stir in the vanilla extract and milk, adding more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not runny.

Assembling the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Once all the pancakes are cooked and your glaze is ready, it’s time to assemble. Stack a few pancakes on a plate and generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.

The glaze will seep into the warm pancakes and down the sides, creating that cinnamon roll effect. For flavor, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top and serve it with warm maple syrup.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Keeping the batter slightly lumpy ensures fluffy pancakes. Overmixing can result in tough, dense pancakes.
2. Keep the Heat Steady: Cooking pancakes over medium heat prevents burning while ensuring they cook through evenly.
3. Use Softened Cream Cheese for the Glaze: This makes it easier to mix and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
4. Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it’s pourable and if it is too thin, stir in a little more powdered sugar.

Variations to Try

• Add Pecans or Walnuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts on the batter before flipping the pancakes for added texture and flavor.
• Use Maple Syrup: Drizzle warm maple syrup along with the glaze for a classic breakfast combination.
• Make It Chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-cinnamon twist.

Serving Suggestions

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with:

• Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries for a hint of freshness.
• A side of crispy bacon or sausage to balance the sweetness.
• A steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate or even hot apple cider.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the pancakes and glaze separately. The pancakes can be stacked with parchment paper between them and kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The glaze should also be stored in the fridge in a covered container.

To reheat, warm the pancakes in a skillet or microwave until heated through. The glaze can be microwaved in 10-second intervals and stirred until smooth before drizzling over the pancakes.

While traditional pancakes are always a great choice, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes take breakfast to the next level. They’re a perfect way to celebrate Fat Tuesday, Easter morning, and now they have been our go-to breakfast recipe on Christmas morning.

Whether you’re serving them to your family or treating yourself, these pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit. Once you give them a try, I am sure that these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Enjoy!

Mary and Jim

Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.

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