Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

If you love the sweet, comforting cinnamon roll flavor but want something a little quicker and easier to whip up in the morning, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how these pancakes capture all the cinnamon goodness and cream cheese frosting swirl, but in a fluffy, stackable pancake form. It’s become one of my favorite weekend treats when we want that special breakfast vibe without the labor-intensive rolling and baking of traditional cinnamon rolls.

You’ll find that this recipe works wonderfully for lazy weekend mornings, brunch with friends, or when you want to surprise your family with something a little extra. That cinnamon swirl in the batter adds just the right touch of sweetness and spice, and the cream cheese frosting drizzle elevates the whole experience to a little celebration on your plate. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, it might just become your go-to comfort breakfast!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together perfectly for that classic cinnamon roll vibe without the fuss. Using Bisquick for the pancake batter means you get fluffy pancakes every time, and the cinnamon-butter filling paired with a creamy frosting makes it feel indulgent yet easy.

• Melted butter: Adds richness to the cinnamon swirl; make sure it’s cooled slightly before mixing.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep molasses sweetness perfect for cinnamon rolls.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice; fresh ground cinnamon gives the best aroma and flavor.
• Cream cheese (softened): For that tangy frosting texture; room temp is key for smoothness.
• Butter (softened): Combined with cream cheese to create a luscious frosting.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
• Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to enhance the whole flavor profile.
• Bisquick pancake mix: The base of the batter; ensures pancakes stay fluffy and tender.
• Whole milk: For moist batter; you can swap with a milk alternative if needed.
• Large eggs: Helps bind everything and adds richness.

Variations

I love how adaptable this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is depending on what you have on hand or crave. Throughout the years, I’ve played around with it and found fun ways to switch things up to keep breakfast exciting.

• Brown Sugar Swap: I sometimes use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor with less sweetness.
• Frosting Flavors: Adding a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the cream cheese frosting gives it a cozy twist.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and almond milk — works surprisingly well and tastes great.
• Extra Add-Ins: Toss in chopped nuts or raisins into the batter for added texture and flavor.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Whip up the Cinnamon Swirl Filling

Start by mixing melted butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl until it becomes a smooth, sticky spreadable mixture. I like to place this into a piping bag—or a sturdy zip-top bag with the corner snipped off about ⅛ inch wide—to create those perfect swirls in the pancake without it spreading too thin. This little trick helps keep the filling where you want it while cooking.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Next, beat softened cream cheese with softened butter until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until fluffy and light. Finish by stirring in vanilla extract. Transfer this frosting to a separate piping bag. This frosting makes the pancakes taste just like a cinnamon roll — trust me, it’s the magic touch everyone raves about.

Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter

Whisk together the Bisquick pancake mix, whole milk, vanilla extract, and eggs until the batter is smooth with no lumps. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s pourable but thick enough to hold shape when ladled into the pan — perfect for holding the cinnamon swirl inside.

Step 4: Cook and Swirl Your Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and grease lightly with butter or spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter to form a round pancake. As soon as you start seeing bubbles on the surface (usually around 2 minutes), pipe a spiral of the cinnamon butter filling onto the pancake—keeping the swirl in the center and away from the edges to prevent burning. Then carefully flip and cook the other side for about 1 more minute until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Frost and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the pancake to a plate and drizzle liberally with the cream cheese frosting. I love how the warm pancakes melt the frosting just a bit for a dreamy, gooey finish. Repeat until all batter and fillings are used, then dive in!

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep the garnishes simple—extra drizzle of cream cheese frosting, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for some crunch. Fresh berries on the side add a nice fresh pop and contrast nicely with the richness.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness, plus a cup of fresh fruit salad. Coffee or chai tea pairs perfectly with these pancakes to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I stack the pancakes high and pipe extra frosting on top with a few berries for color. Another fun idea is serving the pancakes on individual plates with a small glass jar of extra frosting for dipping—kids think it’s a treat, and guests feel extra pampered.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers — which I admit is rare! — store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find the cinnamon flavor actually deepens after resting overnight.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then separate with parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. This is a lifesaver for easy breakfasts later in the week.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated pancakes in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to keep them fluffy, or microwave for 30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. Add your cream cheese frosting after reheating for the best experience.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe has truly become a weekend staple in my home because it combines simplicity with that cozy cinnamon roll flavor we all crave. I love how it makes mornings feel a little more special without any complicated prep. If you want to enjoy that warm, indulgent taste with less fuss, give these pancakes a try—you’ll be amazed how easy and delicious breakfast can be.

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