Delicious Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes to Brighten Your Morning

There was this one Sunday morning that totally changed my brunch game forever. I was scrolling through recipes, half-dreaming of something sweet but easy, when I stumbled on Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. At first, I thought, how could pancakes taste like my favorite cinnamon rolls? But once I made them, oh friends, my kitchen was instantly filled with that warm, buttery cinnamon swirl magic I crave. It was like combining breakfast’s best friends: fluffy cinnamon pancakes and sweet cinnamon treat vibes all in one.

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe quickly became a staple because it brings me pure joy—the kind that comes from biting into pancakes that have that gooey cinnamon filling right inside. Every bite tastes like cozy mornings (and sometimes afternoon treats, because hey, no one’s judging). The best part? It’s super approachable; I don’t need a complicated recipe or fancy ingredients, and that’s a kitchen win in my book.

I’m always on the lookout for breakfast cinnamon rolls but without the fuss of actual rolls, and these Pancakes with cinnamon filling are just that. They’re comforting, sweet, and ridiculously fluffy—exactly the kind of cinnamon swirl pancakes I want to wake up to on slow weekends or whenever I feel like treating myself. If you’ve been searching for a sweet cinnamon pancake recipe that feels special but comes together effortlessly, you’re going to love trying this out.

So, fellow foodies, if you want a breakfast that makes your kitchen smell like your favorite bakery and tastes like a warm hug, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe is totally going to be your new go-to. I’m beyond excited for you to make these and savor every sticky, soft, cinnamon-y bite just like I do. Ready? Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need:

Ingredients for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes laid out on a table

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (You can swap for whole wheat flour for a nuttier twist, and you can find both at any regular grocery store.)
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (The magic that makes your fluffy cinnamon pancakes rise!)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar (If you prefer brown sugar’s deeper flavor, that works fabulously too.)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk (Dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk are easy and tasty swaps here.)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter (Butter really adds richness; melts from the grocery store bakery section are great for this.)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (Packed, for the cinnamon swirl)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (For the icing; you can grab this from the baking aisle.)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (You could try pumpkin pie spice for a fall twist!)
  • 3 tablespoons milk (for icing)

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is kind to your wallet because it mostly uses pantry staples you probably have on hand. I love that it’s budget-friendly and still feels like a treat.

Quick kitchen nugget: I always add a little extra cinnamon in both the batter and the swirl because, hey, can you ever have too much cinnamon? Also, if you end up with leftovers (and yes, you might), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. A quick reheat in the toaster or microwave, and you’re good to go.

Let’s Cook This Together:

Start to finish, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes comes together in about 30 to 40 minutes, making it perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch.

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: Whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This is the base for your fluffy cinnamon pancakes and sets the stage for great texture.
  2. Prepare the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, combine your brown sugar and cinnamon. This sweet cinnamon pancake recipe’s secret star filling is all about this simple mix that melts just right once it hits the heat.
  3. Make the batter: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Pour these wet ingredients into the dry mix, stirring until just combined. The batter should be thick but pourable—don’t overmix or your pancakes may get dense.
  4. Start cooking: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle to medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
  5. Form the pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet, then quickly spoon a heaping teaspoon of the cinnamon sugar in the center. Cover the cinnamon sugar with a little more batter (around 2 tablespoons) to seal it in. This technique is what creates the pancakes with cinnamon filling we all love.
  6. Cook carefully: When you see bubbles form and edges start to look set (around 2-3 minutes), flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes. If your pancakes ooze cinnamon sugar as they cook, that’s fine — it means they’re extra gooey and delicious.
  7. Make the icing: While your stack cooks, mix the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract (optional) in a small bowl until smooth and drizzle-able.
  8. Serve up: Stack your pancakes high, drizzle with the icing, and maybe add a pat of butter or a sprinkle of cinnamon to finish.

While your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is doing its thing, pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and let that buttery, cinnamon aroma fill the room—it’s kitchen bliss.

If your first batch looks a bit uneven or the cinnamon swirl isn’t perfectly round, no worries! That’s homemade charm, and honestly, it all tastes just as amazing.

I’ve tried shortcuts too, like doubling the cinnamon swirl mix and heating it up before spooning it on the batter for an even gooier filling.

How to Serve & Savor It:

Stack of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes served with icing and butter

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes truly shines when you serve it with classic breakfast friends.

I LOVE pairing it with crispy bacon or savory breakfast sausage—the salty meat balances the sweet cinnamon and buttery pancakes perfectly. If you want a fresh touch, add a simple fruit salad with berries or sliced apples.

Breakfast cinnamon rolls are perfect for weekend mornings where you can linger at the table. Serve your stack on a large plate, drizzle on the sweet cinnamon pancake recipe icing, and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for that bakery feel.

For leftover love, toast your pancakes and slather them with cream cheese or maple syrup the next day—such an easy and delicious remake.

Seasonal twists? I’ve had great luck swapping in pumpkin spice for the cinnamon swirl during fall, which makes it feel like a cozy pumpkin spice pancakes cousin. During spring, a fresh orange glaze on top adds a bright pop to an otherwise sweet and rich breakfast.

My friends always rave when I bring Cinnamon Roll Pancakes to brunch, calling it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s one of those recipes that makes people happy, and I’ve shared it over and over with family and friends because let’s be real—the best food is food you can share and spread joy with.

Your Questions, Answered:

Q: Can I prep parts of this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can mix your batter the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking. You can even prepare the cinnamon sugar swirl in advance. Cooking right after makes your pancakes fluffy and fresh, but this trick saves time on busy mornings.

Q: What’s a good swap for milk in this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
A: Any plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy works great here! I’ve made this with almond milk and loved the subtle nutty flavor—plus, it keeps this sweet cinnamon pancake recipe dairy-free if that’s your goal.

Q: How can I make this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for more or fewer people?
A: The recipe scales nicely. Just multiply or divide the ingredients as needed. For fewer people, halve it; for a brunch crowd, double or triple. Pro tip: Cook in batches and keep warm in a low oven.

Q: Can I freeze leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
A: Yes! Let them cool, then layer with parchment paper in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month. Toast or microwave straight from frozen for a quick, delicious breakfast.

Q: Can I add nuts or raisins?
A: Totally! Some chopped pecans or walnuts stirred into the batter or cinnamon filling add crunch and texture. Raisins also bring a nice sweetness. I’ve even tried mini chocolate chips and that was a hit with the kids.

Q: How do I keep my pancakes super fluffy?
A: Don’t overmix your batter—lumps are okay. Also, fresh baking powder is key for that fluff. Cooking on medium heat lets them cook through without burning the outside. Patience at flipping is a kitchen nugget I learned over time.

Q: What if my cinnamon swirl mixes out?
A: If it oozes too much, try using a little less cinnamon sugar or adding a small amount of flour to the swirl mix for better structure. But a little goo is part of the fun and taste!

Q: Are there shortcuts for the icing?
A: Yes, you can skip it or drizzle store-bought glaze or even maple syrup over your stack instead. For a quick twist, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar for a tangy spread.

If you’re looking for more cinnamon roll pancakes inspiration or variations, check out this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe for a different spin, or Cinnamon Roll Pancakes | Kitchen 335 for some frosting hacks. For those loving simple sweet cinnamon pancake recipes, Laurafuentes has a fluffy & simple version that’s totally worth a peek. And for dessert vibes, these remind me a little of the Cotton Candy Swiss Cake Roll, which is a tasty adventure all its own. If you need a warm crowd-pleaser with a seasonal twist, check out my pumpkin spice pancakes for fall vibes or for an anytime party favorite, cheeseburger sliders on Hawaiian rolls—a sweet and savory crowd-pleaser too!

Final Foodie Thoughts:

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes holds a special spot in my foodie heart because it combines everything I love about breakfast in one simple, comforting dish. It’s that perfect union of fluffy cinnamon pancakes with the indulgence of breakfast cinnamon rolls without the fuss. Plus, it’s a recipe I can whip up for lazy Sundays or fancy brunches that always gets rave reviews.

My Top Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Tips:
1. Don’t overmix your batter—keep it light for fluff!
2. Seal that cinnamon swirl well with batter so it stays gooey but contained.
3. Use fresh baking powder for the fluffiest pancakes every time.

Some favorite variations I adore include pumpkin spice cinnamon swirl for fall, adding chopped nuts for crunch, and even coconut sugar for a different sweetness level. The classic, though, with brown sugar and cinnamon swirl, is the version my friends request the most—and for good reason, it’s a make-again recipe every time.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Play with your favorite spices or toppings and share it with loved ones. I hope you fall in love with the easy, joyful magic of these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes as much as I do. Your mornings just got a whole lot better—grab your skillet, and let’s cook up some smiles with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes!

Print

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes swirled with warm cinnamon sugar and topped with a creamy glaze, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delicious twist on a classic breakfast favorite.

  • Author: Tayla Emerson
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and white sugar.
  2. Make a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
  3. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
  4. Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat.
  5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
  6. Quickly sprinkle a teaspoon of cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it through.
  7. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
  8. For the glaze, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  9. Serve pancakes warm drizzled with the cream cheese glaze.

Notes

For an extra indulgent touch, add chopped pecans to the cinnamon swirl before cooking or top with fresh fruit.

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