Easy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes on the griddle (Flat Top Grill Pancakes)
Easy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes on the griddle (Flat Top Grill Pancakes) is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by The Flat Top King on YouTube.
Prep: 16 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $6.26 total, $1.57 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 can Cinnamon Roll Dough (8 rolls, keep icing aside, unroll into rectangles)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 cup Milk (room temperature, any dairy or plant‑based milk)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
- 1/4 cup Chocolate Chips (optional add‑in for extra sweetness)
- 2 tbsp Clarified Butter (Ghee) (for greasing the flat top)
- 1/2 cup Cream Cheese Icing (the icing that comes with the cinnamon rolls, kept for topping)
- 1/4 cup Sugar‑Free Maple Syrup (warmed before mixing with icing)
Instructions
Make Pancake Batter
In a mixing bowl whisk together the flour, egg, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
Time: PT5M
Add Optional Mix‑Ins
Fold in chocolate chips or any other desired flavorings such as pumpkin spice.
Time: PT1M
Preheat the Flat Top
Turn on the flat‑top griddle and preheat on low (about 300‑325°F). Once heated, raise the temperature to 350°F for cooking.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Unroll the Cinnamon Rolls
Open the can, separate the rolls and gently unroll each one into a flat rectangle roughly 4×6 inches.
Time: PT5M
Fill the Dough with Batter
Spoon a generous amount of pancake batter onto the center of each unrolled roll, spreading it toward the edges while leaving a small border.
Time: PT5M
Cook First Side
Brush the preheated griddle with clarified butter. Place the filled rolls seam‑side down and cook for 2‑3 minutes until the bottom is golden and the edges set.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip each pancake and cook another 2‑3 minutes until fully cooked through and both sides are golden brown.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare the Cream Cheese Maple Glaze
In a microwave‑safe bowl combine the cream cheese icing and sugar‑free maple syrup. Microwave for 10‑15 seconds, then stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Drizzle
Transfer the cooked cinnamon roll pancakes to a serving plate, keep warm, and drizzle each with the warm cream cheese maple glaze.
Time: PT2M
Enjoy!
Serve the pancakes hot, optionally with extra maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 62 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cinnamon Roll Dough: Homemade cinnamon roll dough, Croissant dough
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour, Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Egg: Flax egg, Apple sauce
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean, Almond extract
- Instead of Chocolate Chips: Mini chocolate chunks, White chocolate chips
- Instead of Clarified Butter (Ghee): Regular butter, Vegetable oil
- Instead of Cream Cheese Icing: Cream cheese frosting, Powdered sugar glaze
- Instead of Sugar‑Free Maple Syrup: Regular maple syrup, Honey
Equipment Needed
- Flat Top Griddle
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Spatula
- Knife
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- Plate or Serving Platter
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Unrolling the cinnamon roll dough without tearing it.
- Maintaining the griddle temperature at 350°F.
- Flipping the pancakes without breaking the dough.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Brush the griddle with a thin layer of clarified butter for a crisp, non‑sticky surface.
- For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon onto the batter before cooking.
- Serve with fresh berries for a bright contrast to the sweet glaze.
Troubleshooting
Pancake batter spreads too thin and leaks out of the dough.
Use a slightly thicker batter or reduce the amount of batter per roll. Pat the edges of the dough gently to seal.
Pancakes are undercooked in the center.
Lower the heat slightly and increase cooking time by 1‑2 minutes per side, covering the griddle with a lid to trap heat.
Dough tears while unrolling.
Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before unrolling, or lightly flour the surface.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on the griddle or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped pancakes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy content.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pancake batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Unrolled dough can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for later use.
- The cream cheese maple glaze can be made ahead and gently reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes in American breakfast cuisine?
Cinnamon roll pancakes blend two beloved American breakfast staples: the soft, sweet cinnamon roll and the fluffy pancake. While cinnamon rolls originated from Scandinavian pastries, they became popular in the U.S. as a bakery treat. Combining them into a single dish reflects modern brunch creativity and the love for indulgent comfort foods.
What traditional regional variations of cinnamon roll pancakes exist in the United States?
In the Midwest, bakers often add a swirl of cream cheese frosting inside the pancake, while in the South, a drizzle of bourbon‑infused maple syrup is popular. Some West Coast versions incorporate pumpkin spice or matcha into the batter for seasonal twists.
How is a classic cinnamon roll traditionally served, and how does that differ from the pancake version?
Traditional cinnamon rolls are baked whole and served warm with a drizzle of icing on top. The pancake version is cooked on a griddle, cut into individual portions, and topped with a warm cream‑cheese maple glaze, giving a softer texture and a breakfast‑friendly presentation.
During which occasions or celebrations are cinnamon roll pancakes commonly enjoyed in American culture?
Cinnamon roll pancakes are a popular brunch item for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, as well as weekend family breakfasts and birthday brunches. Their sweet, festive flavor makes them a crowd‑pleaser for special gatherings.
What authentic ingredients are essential for authentic cinnamon roll pancakes versus acceptable substitutes?
The core ingredients are store‑bought cinnamon roll dough, a simple pancake batter (flour, egg, milk, vanilla), and cream‑cheese icing. Substitutes can include homemade cinnamon roll dough, plant‑based milk, or a dairy‑free frosting, but the flavor profile changes slightly.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with cinnamon roll pancakes?
Serve them alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit salad, or a side of Greek yogurt with honey. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of orange juice balances the sweetness nicely.
How has the concept of cinnamon roll pancakes evolved over time in American brunch culture?
Originally a novelty on food blogs, the idea gained traction on social media platforms where home cooks experimented with different batters and toppings. Today, many cafés feature them on their menus, often adding seasonal flavors like pumpkin or peppermint.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cinnamon roll pancakes?
Common errors include over‑filling the dough, cooking at too high a temperature which burns the outside before the inside sets, and not greasing the griddle enough, causing the pancakes to stick. Follow the critical steps for unrolling, temperature control, and gentle flipping.
Why does this recipe use clarified butter instead of regular butter on the flat top griddle?
Clarified butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter, preventing burning and providing a clean, nutty flavor. It also reduces moisture that can make the pancakes soggy, ensuring a crisp exterior.
What does the YouTube channel The Flat Top King specialize in?
The Flat Top King focuses on cooking techniques and recipes designed for flat‑top griddles and outdoor cooking surfaces. The channel showcases creative twists on classic dishes, detailed temperature control tips, and high‑energy, entertaining tutorials.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
