Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (Printable)

Fluffy pancakes with a buttery cinnamon swirl and creamy glaze, perfect for a cozy brunch.

# What You 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

# Directions:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The cinnamon swirl stays gooey and warm inside while the pancakes puff up light and tender—it's crispy-edged cake with a sweet surprise.
  • That cream cheese glaze drips everywhere in the best way, adding a tanginess that keeps these from feeling overly sweet.
  • They're special enough for guests but easy enough that you can make them without thinking too hard before your first cup of coffee.
02 -
  • The cinnamon swirl will sink and spread into the batter—that's what you want, not something to fight against; resist the urge to pile on too much or it becomes heavy and greasy.
  • Don't flip too early; if you see steam but no bubbles yet, give it another 30 seconds or the pancake will tear and scatter cinnamon sugar across your pan.
  • Cream cheese glaze breaks if you add cold milk directly in—always have your milk at room temperature or let the glaze warm slightly before adding more.
03 -
  • If you want extra flavor depth, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg to the cinnamon swirl—it sounds strange but it completes the spice profile in a way that people taste but can't quite name.
  • Make the cinnamon mixture ahead and store it in the fridge in a zip-top bag; when you're ready to cook, let it sit out for 5 minutes to soften enough to pipe smoothly.
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