Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

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4.78 from 22 votes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are warm and cozy, making the perfect breakfast for a cold day. Sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon, these pancakes have all the flavor of cinnamon rolls without any of the mess.

If you are love pancakes, try these Snicker inspired pancakes and these healthy Whole Wheat Apple Cinnamon Pancakes.

A stack of cinnamon swirl pancakes, with an icing drizzle and a portion artfully cut out on a fork, rests invitingly on a white plate.

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Why this Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes Recipe is a Keeper

These homemade cinnamon swirl pancakes are topped with cream cheese frosting, and are decorated with a swirl of cinnamon and sugar. With gooey cinnamon and are super simple to make. If you love cinnamon rolls, here are a few reasons why you’ll love pancakes with a cinnamon sugar filling:

  • 20 Minute Meal: Have these cinnamon pancakes ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for this cinnamon pancakes recipe can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
  • Family Favorite: Everyone will love these cinnamon buns pancakes topped with a delicious cream cheese icing.

How Do I Make Fluffy Pancakes?

A stack of four cinnamon swirl pancakes topped with white icing sits invitingly on a plate, with a striped cloth and cinnamon sticks nestled in the background.

To make these cinnamon roll pancakes fluffier, make sure to whisk all of the lumps out of the dry ingredients. You’ll also want to make sure your pancake mix isn’t expired. If you’re making these absolutely delicious pancakes from scratch, check to see how fresh your baking powder and baking soda are.

Homemade Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe Ingredient Notes

Baking ingredients on a table include flour, eggs, milk, oil, sugar, baking powder, and salt—all set for crafting delicious cinnamon swirl pancakes. A whisk and a striped cloth are nearby.
  • Pancake Mix: Use a storebought pancake mix, or make your own.
  • Brown Sugar: Make the pancakes with brown sugar for a delicious warm, sweet flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Use 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon. Add the cinnamon to the filling mixture.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Cinnamon Roll Pancake Recipe Prep Ahead Suggestions

  • Pancake Batter: You can make cinnamon pancake batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Butter: Melt the butter ahead of time and lightly grease your griddle.
  • Cream Cheese Glaze: Combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Special Equipment Needed

  • Griddle: Make the cinnamon swirl pancakes on the griddle. You can also heat a large pan.

Pro Tip to Make Cinnamon Pancakes

Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix just until the lumps are mostly gone.

How to Make Delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Cinnamon swirl pancakes combine easy ingredients to make the perfect breakfast recipe. If you like your pancakes a little later in the day, you can make them ahead to have breakfast for dinner. Follow the steps below to learn how to make the best pancakes with cinnamon filling.

These are the basic steps for making easy cinnamon roll pancakes Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.

Three steps of making cinnamon swirl pancakes: Step 1 shows ingredients in bowls; Step 2 displays a mixed batter; Step 3 includes brown sugar, butter, spices, and cinnamon for a delightful swirl.

1. Make the Cinnamon Pancake Batter

Prepare pancake batter according to package directions. In a large microwave safe bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Set aside.

2. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture Mixture

Microwave the cinnamon sugar mixture in 10 second increments until soft. Transfer the batter to a pastry bag with a medium tip, then pour the pancake batter onto a hot griddle or large skillet.

Three-step process: 1. Chocolate batter in a piping bag. 2. Plain pancake batter dollops on a griddle. 3. Cinnamon swirls added to pancakes, creating delightful cinnamon swirl pancakes.

3. Cook the Pancakes

Pipe the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the batter in a swirl shape. When pancakes are lightly brown, flip with a spatula and cook on medium heat until done. Cook the pancakes until small bubbles form.

Three easy steps: 1) Gather ingredients in a bowl, 2) Mix the batter in a saucepan with a cinnamon swirl, 3) Stack the pancakes and drizzle with icing.

4. Make the Icing

Add powdered sugar, cream cheese, vanilla, and milk to a mixer; mix until smooth. If too thick, add more milk. Transfer to another pastry bag and squeeze onto the pancakes.

How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers

  • Storing: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These pancakes can also be frozen.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
  • Using Leftovers: The pancakes should stay good for 2-3 days after storing.

Variations and Substitutions for the Best Cinnamon Pancakes

  • Waffles: Use a waffle iron to make waffles with this recipe.
  • Squeeze Bottle: To make the batter with the best swirl of cinnamon, use a bottle to add a swirl and control the shape.
  • Pumpkin Pancakes: Add canned pumpkin to the wet ingredients, then add a swirl of the cinnamon mixture.
  • Buttermilk: Add buttermilk if you’re making these pancakes from scratch.
  • Low Calorie Mix: To cut back on calories, use a low calorie pancake mix or wheat pancake mix.

Cinnamon Pancakes Recipe FAQs

What Can I Serve with this Recipe?

Serve this recipe with these other recipes on my website: cinnamon roll ups, air fryer cinnamon rolls, or cinnamon toast crunch bars.

How Do I Prevent Pancakes from Sticking to the Pan?

Use a nonstick spray on the griddle before adding the batter.

What Can I Add to the Batter for Extra Flavor?

Try adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or vanilla extract.

A stack of four cinnamon swirl pancakes topped with white icing sits invitingly on a plate, with a striped cloth and cinnamon sticks nestled in the background.

Expert Tips for Making This Buttermilk Cinnamon Pancake Recipe

  • Batter: Make sure not to overwork your batter; there should be a few lumps. Let it rest 5 minutes before cooking.
  • Double: Double the recipe to make as many pancakes as you want. Store in freezer bags to save for later.
  • Griddle: Preheat your griddle ahead of time. Wait until bubbles form on the top of the pancakes to flip.
Cinnamon swirl pancakes on a white plate

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

4.78 from 22 votes
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are warm and cozy, making the perfect breakfast for a cold day. Sprinkled with brown sugar and cinnamon, these pancakes have all the flavor of cinnamon rolls without any of the mess.

Video

Prep Time : 10 minutes
Cook Time : 10 minutes
Total Time : 20 minutes
Servings: 12 pancakes
Course: Breakfast

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Ingredients
  

Pancakes

Cream Cheese Icing

  • 2 cups Powdered Sugar
  • 2 ounces Cream Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
  • 4 tablespoons Milk

Instructions
 

  • Prepare pancake batter according to direction.
  • In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar and cinnamon until smooth.
  • Microwave on high for 10 second increments until it is soft and can be squeezed through a pastry bag.
  • Transfer mixture into a pastry bag fitted with a medium tip. Or, you can use a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off.
  • Pour pancake batter onto hot griddle.
  • Pipe cinnamon mixture onto batter in a swirl shape.
  • When pancakes are lightly browned, flip and cook until done.

Cream Cheese Icing

  • Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer
  • Mix until smooth.
  • If icing is too thick add more milk until desired consistency is reached.
  • Transfer the icing into another pastry bag or Ziploc bag.
  • Squeeze it over the prepared pancakes.

Christina’s Notes

  • Batter: Make sure not to overwork your batter; there should be a few lumps. Let it rest 5 minutes before cooking.
  • Double: Double the recipe to make as many pancakes as you want. Store in freezer bags to save for later.
  • Griddle: Preheat your griddle ahead of time. Wait until bubbles form on the top of the pancakes to flip.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.

  • Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
  • Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
  • Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
  • Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.

For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 118mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 329IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 123mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
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95 thoughts on “Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes”

  1. Those sound devilishly good! We’re definitely going to have to try these…I LOVE cinnamon rolls and pancakes — so why not together 🙂

    Reply
  2. WOW! These look out of this world and I am booking mark this now!

    Thanks for stopping by THIS WEEK’S CRAVINGS! Each week we feature a different recipe and TODAY is “EGG ONLY” recipes! We would love for you to come back and link up a delicious “egg” recipe! Scrambled, Fried, Casserole or Quiche… any Egg Recipe will do! Please come back and link-up again!

    http://momscrazycooking.blogspot.com/2011/04/this-weeks-cravings-linky-party-24-egg.html

    Reply
  3. OH WOW! Last night we had chocolate-chocolate chip pancakes and they were DECADENT, to say the least. After the meal I mentioned that I wanted to try to find other ways to jazz up our favorite breakfast style dish. And then this morning… I found this blog … and I cannot wait to try this! Thanks 🙂

    Reply
  4. Ooooo… w/ cinnamon glazed peaches on the side… or dip in cinnamon applesauce (w/out the icing)… the possibilities are YUM-A-LICIOUS!!!

    Reply
  5. This looks so good! I will have to give it a try! I can say – everyone loves that banana bread recipe on here – I make it about once a week and give a loaf away each time – everyone loves it. My mom (who hates banana bread and doesn’t like anything I cook) even said how great it was!

    Reply
  6. I am a new follower and would love it if you could follow me back. Those pancakes look DELICIOUS!!! I will definitely be making those sometime soon!

    Hope

    Reply
4.78 from 22 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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