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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe | Fluffy Swirled Breakfast Favorite

Fluffy cinnamon roll pancakes swirled with buttery cinnamon sugar and finished with a cream cheese glaze. All the cinnamon roll flavor without the oven, made quickly on the griddle.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 8 pancakes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (plus 1–2 tablespoons more if needed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (cooled slightly), plus more for the griddle
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and a pinch of salt until smooth, then transfer to a squeeze bottle or zip-top bag and chill 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  • Beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, a pinch of salt, and enough milk to make a pourable glaze; set aside.
  • Whisk the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
  • In a separate bowl whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla, then pour into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, leaving small lumps.
  • Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and brush with butter.
  • Pour about 1/4 cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form and the edges look set, about 2 minutes.
  • Pipe the cinnamon swirl in a tight spiral from the center outward, avoiding the edges.
  • Flip gently and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden and cooked through, adjusting heat and wiping the pan if sugar residue builds up.
  • Plate pancakes swirl-side up, drizzle with cream cheese glaze, and serve warm.

Notes

Chill the cinnamon swirl to toothpaste consistency so it stays defined, and cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon of milk; for make-ahead, prep the swirl and glaze in advance and combine wet and dry batter components just before cooking.