Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Pancakes

Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast indulgence, combining fluffy pancakes with gooey cinnamon roll filling for a sweet, swirled surprise in every bite. With a rich cinnamon-sugar center and a luscious cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top, this recipe transforms an ordinary morning into something unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love pancakes and cinnamon rolls, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together. These pancakes are soft, buttery, and filled with a warm, gooey swirl that tastes just like the inside of a cinnamon roll. They’re perfect for brunch, holiday mornings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and special. Despite their impressive appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pancakes:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Sugar
• Milk (whole or buttermilk)
• Egg
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract

For the cinnamon filling:

• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Melted butter

For the cream cheese glaze:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
2. In a separate bowl, mix milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed (do not overmix).
3. In a small bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon to form a thick paste. Transfer to a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
4. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease.
5. Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. As it begins to cook, pipe a spiral of cinnamon filling onto the surface.
6. Once bubbles form on the edges and the underside is golden, carefully flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
7. For the glaze, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
8. Drizzle the glaze over warm pancakes and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings (makes about 8 pancakes)

Variations

• Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl for crunch.
• Spiced glaze: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese glaze for extra warmth.
• Chocolate version: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or use a chocolate glaze.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based milk, egg substitute, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Make it mini: Cook silver-dollar-sized pancakes for a fun brunch spread.

storage/reheating

Store leftover pancakes (without glaze) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, microwave in 20–30 second intervals or warm in a skillet over low heat. Reheat glaze separately or drizzle freshly made glaze before serving. You can also freeze the pancakes and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to make pancake batter fresh, but you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking.

Why does my cinnamon swirl leak?

Too much filling or placing it too close to the edge can cause leaks. Use a moderate amount and stay inside the center of the pancake.

Can I make these without a piping bag?

Yes, use a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in one corner to pipe the cinnamon filling.

How do I keep pancakes warm while cooking in batches?

Keep them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the rest.

What type of cream cheese is best for the glaze?

Full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but reduced-fat can also be used.

Can I skip the cream cheese glaze?

Yes, but it adds an authentic cinnamon roll flavor. Maple syrup or powdered sugar also work as toppings.

Are these pancakes very sweet?

They’re sweet and indulgent, especially with the glaze. You can reduce sugar in the batter if you prefer.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.

Can I use pancake mix?

Yes, use your favorite pancake mix and simply add the cinnamon swirl and glaze to make the process even quicker.

What’s the best pan for cooking these pancakes?

A non-stick skillet or griddle is ideal to ensure the swirl doesn’t stick and the pancakes cook evenly.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Roll Stuffed Pancakes are a decadent, dreamy breakfast that combines everything you love about cinnamon rolls with the ease of pancakes. With a gooey cinnamon filling and sweet cream cheese glaze, these pancakes turn any morning into something special. They’re easy enough for a weekend treat and impressive enough for guests—once you try them, they’ll become a favorite in your breakfast lineup.

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