Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes
If you’re like me and love indulging in pancakes on a Sunday morning, you’re in for a real treat with these Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes.
They bring together two of my favourite breakfast treats: soft, fluffy pancakes and warm cinnamon scrolls. You get to enjoy everything we love about a cinnamon scroll, including that delicious buttery cinnamon filling and creamy frosting, without having to knead dough or wait hours for it to rise.
Best of all, they’re ready in around 30 minutes, making them perfect for a lazy Sunday breakfast, a special brunch with friends or Christmas morning when you feel like making something a little extra special. Simply whisk, swirl and flip, then serve them warm with plenty of frosting drizzled over the top.
If you’re looking for another special brunch idea, you might also enjoy my Nutella Strawberry Croissants. They’re quick and easy to prepare, deliciously indulgent and perfect when you feel like making breakfast or brunch a little extra special.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in around 30 minutes.
Soft, light and fluffy.
Filled with a buttery cinnamon swirl.
No yeast, kneading or proving required.
Perfect for weekends, birthdays and Christmas morning.
The cinnamon filling and frosting can be prepared ahead of time.
A fun breakfast the whole family will love.
What Are Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes?
Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes combine two breakfast favourites in one delicious stack.
They begin with soft and fluffy homemade pancakes, but before they’re flipped, a buttery cinnamon and brown sugar mixture is piped into the batter. This creates the beautiful cinnamon swirl and gives the pancakes their classic cinnamon-scroll flavour.
Finish them with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting and you have all the best parts of a cinnamon scroll in a quick and easy pancake recipe.
Make Them Ahead
The cinnamon filling and cream cheese frosting can both be prepared the night before and stored separately in the refrigerator.
Allow the cinnamon filling to soften at room temperature before using it. Warm the frosting briefly in the microwave and stir well before drizzling it over the pancakes.
The pancake batter is best made shortly before cooking so the pancakes remain light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes warm with plenty of cream cheese frosting. They’re already quite rich, but you could also add:
Fresh strawberries or blueberries
Toasted pecans or walnuts
Fresh fruit on the side
For a special brunch, place the pancakes in the middle of the table with a bowl of warm frosting and let everyone help themselves.
Storage
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the cream cheese frosting in a separate covered container.
Reheat the pancakes in the microwave in short 10 second bursts until warmed through. You can also warm them gently in a frying pan over low heat.
Because the frosting contains cream cheese, it should always be stored in the refrigerator.
Can Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes Be Frozen?
Yes. Allow the cooked pancakes to cool completely, then place pieces of baking paper between them and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.
Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them from frozen in the microwave. For the best results, add the frosting after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my cinnamon filling leaking out?
The filling may be too soft, or it may have been piped too close to the edge. Make sure it has a thick, pipeable consistency and leave a border around the outside of each pancake.
Why is the cinnamon swirl burning?
Brown sugar can burn quickly if the pan is too hot. Reduce the heat slightly, cook the cinnamon side only briefly and wipe away any leftover cinnamon mixture between batches.
Can I make these without a piping bag?
Yes. Spoon the filling into a zip-lock bag and snip a very small piece from one corner. You could also drizzle it carefully from a spoon, although the swirl may not be quite as neat.
Can I use store-bought pancake mix?
You can, but this homemade pancake batter gives these pancakes their lovely soft and fluffy texture. If using a packet mix, prepare it according to the instructions before adding the cinnamon swirl.
Can I leave out the cream cheese?
Yes. You can make a simple vanilla icing using icing sugar, vanilla and a little milk. For an even easier option, serve the cinnamon swirl pancakes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream instead. However, the cream cheese frosting will give you that lovely, classic cinnamon-scroll flavour.
Cinnamon Scroll Pancakes
Ingredients
- 125g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150g brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon milk (if needed)
- 125g unsalted butter, room temperature
- 150g cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 cups icing mixture, sifted
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 ¼ cups SR Flour
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- ¼ cup caster sugar
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
- Extra butter for oiling the pan
Instructions
- Put all ingredients into a bowl and stir until well combined. Set aside whilst you prepare the cream cheese frosting.
- Put the butter and cream cheese into a small glass bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds. Your butter should be just melted and the cream cheese should be soft. Stir together. Add the vanilla and sifted icing mixture. Stir until smooth. Set aside whilst you prepare the pancakes.
- In a jug stir together the milk and vinegar. Stir and set aside.
- In a bowl, sift flour and bicarbonate of soda. Stir in the sugar and salt.
- To the milk in the jug, add eggs and vanilla. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with the melted butter. Gently whisk until mixed together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Heat your frypan over medium heat. Grease with a little butter.
- Spoon the cinnamon paste into a piping bag or snap lock bag and snip off the tip.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter into the frypan. Squeeze the cinnamon paste in a swirl and allow to cook for a few minutes or until golden underneath, before flipping over and cooking on the other side. Move the pancakes to a plate whilst you continue cooking the rest of the pancakes.
- When it is time to serve, spoon some cream cheese glaze in a swirl over the top of each pancake.
