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Follow this simple cinnamon roll pancake recipe and the tips below to get that perfect swirl without burning the cinnamon.

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Cinnamon Bun Pancakes
These cinnamon bun pancakes have the soft and fluffy texture from my best pancake recipe, making the perfect base for that swirl of cinnamon sugar we all love.
Instead of mixing the cinnamon into the pancake batter, it’s cooked right into them, just like those Cinnabon buns from the mall. Here, I share my tips so you can achieve the perfect stack too!
What Makes Them Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
The perfect pancake is just the base for placing that irresistible cinnamon sugar swirl. And while you can serve these with syrup, if you want to go all out you can mix up a simple cream cheese glaze with cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
When making these, I like to prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture first and transfer it to a zip bag, so it’s ready when I start cooking. You’ll snip a tiny end of the bag and make a swirl on top of the batter, right after you pour it on the pan. Then, cook them for about 2 minutes per side, same as always.
The cream cheese glaze is prepared in about a minute by microwaving the cream cheese and butter and then adding the powdered sugar and vanilla. And when you’re ready, drizzle it over your stack.
Getting the Perfect Swirl
Cut just the tip of the bag, since a smaller line is better than too much pouring out over the batter. Worst case, transfer it to another bag and snip it smaller. When swirling it over the batter already on the pan, start in the middle and swirl out, making sure you don’t swirl over the edge.
TIP: Wipe down the griddle with a damp cloth or quickly rinse the pan between batches to remove any leftover cinnamon sugar. If you don’t, the residue will burn the next batch.
More Cinnamon Breakfast Ideas
If cinnamon is the spice that warms your heart, try these coffee cake muffins, this cinnamon apple bread, or this cinnamon French toast.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (So Fluffy!)

Ingredients
Pancake batter:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Cinnamon Filling:
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the cinnamon filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Transfer the cinnamon mixture into a zip bag and set aside.
Make the pancake batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the middle and add the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Use a fork to whisk the egg into the milk, then combine the other ingredients. Mix the batter from the outside of the bowl in, until it’s just combined.
Make the cream cheese glaze:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, place the cream cheese and butter. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt them, adding more time (if needed) in 15-second increments, mixing to combine each time. Once melted, add the powdered sugar and vanilla, and set aside.
Cook the pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, grease it and immediately pour ⅓ to ½ cup of batter per pancake, using the back of the scoop to spread it out.
- Snip the tip of the cinnamon filling bag (make a very small hole) and squeeze the cinnamon in a spiral swirl on top of the pancake. Cook the first side for 2 minutes, and when the edges are defined and some bubbles have formed, flip the pancakes over and cook the second side for 1 to 2 more minutes. Remove them from the pan onto a plate.
- Wipe down the griddle with a damp cloth or quickly rinse the pan between batches to remove any leftover cinnamon sugar. If you don’t, the residue will burn the next batch. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and cinnamon roll filling.
Serve:
- Stack a couple of pancakes and drizzle some warm cream cheese mixture over the tops.
Notes
- Nutrition information is calculated without the glaze.
- Use the right baking powder: Since pancake batter naturally has a mild, neutral flavor, it’s important to use aluminum-free baking powder. The metallic flavor will ruin the taste, especially in fluffy pancake recipes that call for 2 or more teaspoons. Trust me on this one.
Stacie k says
Love this so much. Easy to make for sure. And so tasty!
Karletta says
Love this recipe. Fab twist on cinnamon buns. Also turns a simple pancake breakfast into a 5 Star brunch for guests. Delicious and looks good too.
Angela says
This cinnabon pancake recipe turned out so delicious. The family loved it, I can’t wait to make it again!!
Mimi says
I absolutely enjoyed making this recipe! My family loves it very much!
Kristin says
This is AH-mazing! I have three kids, and you’d better believe their eyes popped out of their heads when I put this on the table!
Maria says
Dessert for breakfast has never been so good. I am seriously impressed with these. We loved them.
Leslie says
I am completely obsessed with this recipe..probably my favorite pancakes!!
Swathi says
I love cinnabon rolls this pancake is wonderful, my kids enjoyed it, i am going to make it again.
Cara says
My favorite bite of the cinnamon role is the middle and the texture of the pancakes makes it feel like you get that in every single bite! Needless to say, big fan
Jaleah Kendrick says
These cinnamon roll pancakes are so delicious! The perfect treat in the morning.
Bev says
These pancakes were a hit! Tasted just like a cinnamon roll!
amy liu dong says
I have never tried to put cinnamon on my pancakes, but this one looks delicious. I will try!
Nicole says
I’ll be rolling out of my chair after eating a big old stack of these! They look great.
Karen says
I made these cinnamon roll pancakes. They were incredible.
Beth says
Tasted just like cinnamon rolls but in a fluffy pancake!
Holly says
These cinnamon roll pancakes were sooo yummy!
Pam says
The drizzle made these taste like a cinnamon roll!
Rachel says
The instructions do not specify where/when to use the cream cheese.. About to go make these for breakfast for my boyfriends 30th birthday!!
Laura Fuentes says
In the recipe card you’ll see that the cream cheese is for the cinnabon frosting. I hope you both enjoyed these cinnamon roll pancakes!
Gea says
Made these twice. they’re a favorite. with and without the cream cheese icing
Cindy says
I made these cinnabon pancakes for a birthday party and it was a hit! My family and friends loved this amazing mix of pancakes + cinnamon roll. Thank you so much for the recipe!!
Alana Demayo says
Thanks so much for the awesome pancake recipes Laura! I substituted strawberry cream cheese for regular cream cheese (because I didn’t have regular) and wasn’t sure how it would taste. A bit rich, but it was molto delizioso!
Luvienska Furcal says
Can I use white sugar instead of the brown and coconut oil instead of butter?
Laura Fuentes says
Absolutely! just keep the proportions 1:1. Enjoy!
Luvienska Furcal says
I made it again today but I just reused the glaze from the first time I made it. My co-workers love it but I was just wondering. How long is the glaze good for?
Laura Fuentes says
The glaze lasts as long as the ingredients you added in there but usually about a week.
Emoen says
I loved these pancakes they were the bomb, and super easy to make
Brooke Organista says
Could you use an ap gf flour and if so would the measurement be the same?
Laura Fuentes says
You can use an all purpose baking mix that is designed for things like pancakes. I use Pamela’s baking mix and it works well 1:1.
Jaime says
I made these pancakes when my neice and nephew came to visit and they loved it. My nephew asked if he could mail a pancake back to his mother. lol!
Laura Fuentes says
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed them Jaime!
Kay says
These pancakes came out perfect.
Michele says
We had pancake night tonight and I did your cinnabon pancakes as a surprise. It was a hit! They were very tasty. My kids wondered why I was being extra particular about what they ate today but they figured it out once they saw dinner! Thanks for the fun recipe.
Laura Fuentes says
I’m so glad they liked them! These are one of those “on occasion” dinners…
Claire says
I LOVE these pancakes. So much easier than cinnamon rolls. I didn’t have the cream cheese but managed to make a still delicious syrup with rice milk, butter and powdered sugar. Thanks for this recipe!
Laura Fuentes says
Fabulous swap for the syrup!
Alana Demayo says
I didn’t have regular cream cheese so I used strawberry cream cheese instead wasn’t sure how strawberries would mix with the cinnamon, but it was delicious. Pancake recipe rocks! Thanks so much!