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A stack of fluffy cinnamon roll pancakes topped with glaze

Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

These Irresistible Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the best of both breakfast worlds: fluffy pancakes with a sweet cinnamon swirl, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Perfect for a decadent brunch!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • whisk
  • small bowl
  • piping bag or ziploc bag
  • griddle or non-stick skillet

Ingredients
  

Pancakes

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk whole or 2%
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pancake Batter

  • Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, sugar) in a large bowl, and wet ingredients (egg, milk, melted butter, vanilla) in a separate bowl.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until no dry streaks remain; avoid overmixing and set aside.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

  • Cream together softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Gradually add milk to achieve a pipeable consistency, then transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a ziploc bag with a snipped corner.

Cook the Pancakes

  • Heat a greased griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  • Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface, then immediately pipe the cinnamon swirl in a spiral onto each pancake.
  • Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear and edges set, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; repeat for remaining batter.

Whip up the Glaze

  • While pancakes cook, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl.
  • Whisk until the glaze is smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Stack warm pancakes, generously drizzle with cream cheese glaze, and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best cinnamon swirl results, ensure the butter for the swirl is truly softened, but not melted. If your piping bag makes thin lines, you can snip the corner a bit wider. Adjust the amount of milk in both the swirl and the glaze to reach your desired consistency. These pancakes are best served right away!