If you’re craving that warm, gooey, cinnamon-swirled goodness but want it in pancake form, you’re in the right spot. This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has become my weekend morning go-to because it’s like all the best parts of a cinnamon roll—soft, buttery, and sweet with that luscious cream cheese glaze—transformed into fluffy, stackable pancakes. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it perfectly, even if you’ve never tried swirling cinnamon on pancakes before.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deliciously Decadent: All the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls, but quicker and in pancake form.
Fun Technique: Swirling cinnamon sugar directly onto pancakes makes each bite beautifully ribboned.
Cream Cheese Glaze Magic: That glaze is the perfect finish—creamy, sweet, and not too overpowering.
Great for All Skill Levels: Recipes like this build confidence while delivering wow-worthy results every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic behind these pancakes comes from combining basic baking staples with the richness of cinnamon sugar swirls and a smooth cream cheese glaze. You’ll find each ingredient has its role, whether for fluffiness, flavor, or that indulgent finish.

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe - Ingredients

All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that creates tender pancakes without getting dense.
Baking powder: Your fluff factor—this makes the pancakes rise nice and light.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the cinnamon’s warmth.
Butter (unsalted, melted): Brings richness and moisture to the batter, plus a nutty flavor from the browned bits.
Milk (whole, room temperature): Keeps batter smooth and helps the pancakes stay tender.
Eggs (lightly beaten, room temperature): Binds everything and adds structure.
Cinnamon: The star of the swirl—warm, fragrant, and perfect with sugar.
Light brown sugar: For a caramel-y sweetness in the cinnamon mixture.
Cream cheese & butter (room temperature): Blend seamlessly into the glaze for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Powdered sugar & vanilla extract: Sweeten and flavor the glaze perfectly.
Canola or vegetable oil: To lightly grease your pan and keep pancakes from sticking without overpowering flavors.

Note:
Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things is to tweak the cinnamon swirl or the glaze just a little, depending on the season or who I’m serving. This recipe is super adaptable, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own.

Spice it up: Sometimes, I add a pinch of nutmeg or even pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon swirl for a cozy fall vibe—totally worth it!
Dairy-free twist: Use coconut cream cheese and vegan butter in the glaze for a lactose-free version that still tastes creamy and dreamy.
Berry boost: Fold fresh blueberries into the pancake batter for a fruity pop that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon sugar.
Less sweet glaze: If you prefer less sweetness, cut the powdered sugar in the glaze by a third and add a touch more vanilla—you’ll still get that lush finish without it being too sugary.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Cinnamon Swirl

First, melt your butter gently—don’t let it simmer or brown. Mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl until smooth and crumb-free. Now comes a little secret I learned: transferring this mixture into a pastry bag or even a zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped makes swirling on the pancakes so easy, and it gives you nice, consistent ribbons of cinnamon sugar.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

For the glaze, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt to balance sweetness. If you prepare it a day ahead, just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, let it soften at room temp for that perfect drizzle consistency. I promise, this glaze is what turns these pancakes from great to unforgettable.

Step 3: Mix the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt for your dry ingredients. In a separate jug, whisk together melted butter, whole milk, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined—you don’t want to overmix because that can make the pancakes tough. The batter should be somewhat thick but pourable.

Step 4: Cook and Swirl the Cinnamon Sugar

Heat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat—this is key because the cinnamon sugar can burn if it’s too hot. Lightly brush with canola or vegetable oil. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Immediately pipe a cinnamon swirl onto the wet batter. Instead of flipping right away, turn the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid—this traps the heat and cooks the pancake evenly without burning the sugar. It takes about 3 to 5 minutes per side; you’ll know it’s ready when bubbles form on top and the edges look set. No flipping needed since you’re cooking it through with the lid on.

Step 5: Serve Warm with Glaze

Stack your warm pancakes high, then drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. I sometimes add extra cinnamon sugar on top if I’m feeling extra indulgent. Serve immediately to enjoy that ooey-gooey contrast between warm pancake and cool luscious glaze.

Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Keep Ingredients at Room Temperature: This helps your batter come together smoothly and creates fluffier pancakes.
Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Stir just enough to combine; lumps are fine and prevent tough pancakes.
Go Low and Slow for Cooking: Cooking at lower heat with a lid prevents the cinnamon sugar from burning while perfectly cooking the pancake through.
Use a Pastry or Zip-Top Bag for the Swirl: It’s a game-changer for controlling your cinnamon sugar pattern and keeps your kitchen less messy.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for some crunch, and sometimes a light dusting of extra cinnamon powder. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or raspberries also brings a fresh contrast to all the sweetness and richness—plus, it’s pretty to look at!

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon or turkey sausage for a savory counterbalance. A simple side of Greek yogurt or a fruit smoothie works beautifully too if you want to keep things light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I’ve made mini-sized versions and arranged them like a cinnamon roll spiral on a large platter, with the cream cheese glaze drizzled from the center outward. It’s a total crowd-pleaser with a “wow” factor and makes serving easier.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pancakes store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing works great if you want to make a big batch. Just flash freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for 30–45 seconds until warm and soft. Then, I reheat or prepare fresh cream cheese glaze to drizzle on top because it tastes best freshly made or softened.

FAQs

Can I make the cinnamon swirl ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cinnamon swirl mixture stays fresh if you store it in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before piping it onto the pancakes.
What if I don’t have a pastry bag for swirling?

No worries at all! A small zip-top bag with a tiny corner snipped off works just as well for piping the cinnamon swirl onto your pancakes. It’s a simple hack I use all the time.
Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze?

You can swap the cream cheese glaze for a simple vanilla glaze or maple syrup, but the cream cheese adds a tangy sweetness that really makes the pancakes special. If you want something lighter, try mixing Greek yogurt with a touch of honey.
How do I avoid burning the cinnamon sugar swirl?

The key is to cook your pancakes on low heat and cover the pan with a lid. This traps the heat and cooks them gently without burning the sugar. Also, don’t flip the pancakes; let them cook through on one side.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the first time I made this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe, I was hooked. It’s one of those breakfast treats that feels special but isn’t intimidating at all. Once you try it, you’ll love how approachable it is to transform a simple pancake into a decadent morning indulgence. So grab your ingredients, swirl that cinnamon sugar with confidence, and enjoy pancakes that make your whole kitchen smell like a bakery. Trust me, you’ll be making this on repeat—your future self will thank you.