These Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful merge between traditional pancakes and the beloved cinnamon roll. They not only bring a warmth to your breakfast table but also capture the essence of fall in every bite. Perfect for cozy mornings, weekend brunches, or even holiday gatherings, these pancakes are easy to make and are sure to impress family and friends. With a creamy glaze drizzled on top, they are a delicious way to kickstart your day!
Why Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
There are many wonderful reasons to make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, especially during the chilly autumn months. The golden hues and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger offer a comforting embrace that fills your home with an inviting aroma. Pumpkin is not just delicious but also packed with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, making these pancakes a wholesome choice for breakfast.
Another great aspect of these pancakes is their versatility. You can enjoy them as they are or dress them up with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of maple syrup. Whether you’re serving them to family, friends, or just treating yourself, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Plus, with the combination of fluffy pancake batter and a rich cinnamon swirl reminiscent of a cinnamon roll, every bite feels like a treat. When the holiday season rolls around, showcasing a batch of these pancakes can become a beautiful festive tradition, creating warm memories around the breakfast table. So gather your ingredients and get ready for a delicious morning!
How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) until well combined. In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients (buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, vanilla) until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
Make the cinnamon swirl: Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a thick paste.
Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick griddle over medium heat and grease lightly. For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle, drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of swirl on top, and swirl with a toothpick. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until bubbles form and edges are set, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden.
Prepare the glaze: While the pancakes cook, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the warm pancakes and serve with maple syrup if desired.

Tips for Success
- Texture Tip: Don’t overmix the batter; it’s okay if there are small lumps. This helps keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Cooking Tip: Ensure your griddle is at the right temperature—too hot, and they will burn; too cold, and they will be rubbery.
- Storage Tip: If you have leftover pancakes, stack them with parchment paper in between and store them in the fridge or freeze them for later.
Serving and Storage Ideas
Best Ways to Serve
Serve these Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes warm with a generous drizzle of cream cheese glaze. You can also top them with chopped pecans, walnuts, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch. They pair incredibly well with crispy bacon or sausage, making it a balanced breakfast. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weekends, these pancakes are sure to be a hit.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover pancakes, allow them to cool before storing them. Place them between layers of parchment paper in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can also freeze them by laying them flat on a baking sheet, freezing for an hour, and then transferring them to a freezer bag. To reheat, just pop them in the toaster or microwave until warm.
Variations of Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Simple Variations
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these pancakes gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. To make them dairy-free, substitute buttermilk with a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg for a vegan option.
Creative Twists
Get creative by adding chocolate chips to the batter for an extra sweet touch or incorporating different spices like allspice or cardamom for unique flavor profiles. You can also experiment with toppings like caramel sauce or fresh fruit coulis to elevate your pancake experience.
PrintPumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
A delightful merge between traditional pancakes and cinnamon rolls, perfect for cozy mornings and holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (for glaze)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients (buttermilk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, vanilla) until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until combined.
- Mix melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon into a thick paste for the cinnamon swirl.
- Heat a non-stick griddle over medium heat and grease lightly.
- For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle, drizzle 1-2 teaspoons of swirl on top, and swirl with a toothpick.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until bubbles form and edges are set, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until golden.
- While the pancakes cook, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over the warm pancakes and serve with maple syrup if desired.
Notes
Don’t overmix the batter to keep the pancakes fluffy. Ensure your griddle is at the right temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
FAQs
Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.
How do I know when the pancakes are done?
They are done when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip them once for a golden finish.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
While it’s possible, it will change the flavor and sweetness of the pancakes, as pumpkin pie filling contains spices and sugar already.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
You can make homemade buttermilk by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Are these pancakes suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just freeze them individually and store them in a zip-top bag.
Final Thoughts
Making Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With their warm spices and creamy glaze, they transform a simple breakfast into a mouthwatering experience. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these pancakes will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll be inspired to whip up a batch every autumn morning!