Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (Printer-Friendly)

Fluffy pancakes with a buttery cinnamon swirl and rich cream cheese glaze for a cozy brunch indulgence.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pancake Batter

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/4 cups milk
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Cinnamon Swirl

09 - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

→ Cream Cheese Glaze

12 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
14 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
16 - 2 tablespoons milk

# Method:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
02 - In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour wet ingredients into dry and whisk until just combined. Let batter rest while preparing the cinnamon swirl and glaze.
03 - Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Transfer mixture to a piping or zip-top bag and snip a small corner for piping.
04 - Beat cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then milk, whisking to a pourable consistency.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake onto the skillet.
06 - Pipe a cinnamon swirl onto each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Serve pancakes warm, drizzled generously with the cream cheese glaze.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They taste like indulgent cinnamon rolls but come together in the time it takes to make regular pancakes.
  • The cream cheese glaze is so smooth and tangy it rivals any bakery version, minus the guilt.
  • Perfect for impressing people at brunch without needing to wake up at dawn to proof dough.
  • Even when they're not perfect, they taste like you tried really hard.
02 -
  • If your cinnamon swirl is too runny, it will spread and disappear into the batter—if it's too thick, it won't pipe smoothly and will break apart; practice makes perfect here.
  • Never skip letting the cream cheese and butter soften to room temperature or your glaze will have visible lumps that no amount of whisking will fix.
  • The batter needs to rest for a few minutes while you prepare the swirl and glaze—this helps the baking powder activate and makes fluffier pancakes.
03 -
  • A pinch of nutmeg in the cinnamon swirl adds a subtle warmth that makes people ask what secret ingredient you used.
  • If you want to make these ahead, prepare the batter and glaze the night before, then cook fresh in the morning for maximum fluffy texture.
  • Pair these with strong black coffee or a spiced chai latte to complement the cinnamon sweetness without overkilling the dessert vibe.
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