These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the perfect blend of fluffy pancakes and sweet cinnamon rolls, all in one delicious bite! With a swirl of cinnamon and a drizzle of icing, breakfast just got way more exciting!
Who can say no to gooey cinnamon goodness in pancake form? I love making these on lazy weekends; it feels like a treat, but it’s so easy to whip up! Serve with maple syrup and watch everyone smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is your best bet here for fluffy pancakes. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary a bit.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich flavor and fluffy texture, but you can switch to almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk based on your dietary needs. Just note that the flavor and texture might change slightly.
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute with white sugar and a teaspoon of molasses per cup to achieve a similar taste. Coconut sugar is a great alternative too!
Cream Cheese: The glaze requires cream cheese for that tangy flavor. If you’d prefer something lighter, use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese instead. Just mix with a bit of powdered sugar until smooth.
How Do I Create the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is a key feature of these pancakes. It adds both flavor and a beautiful presentation. Here’s how to nail it:
- For the cinnamon mixture, ensure you mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until it’s smooth. This will make it easier to pipe onto the pancakes.
- When pouring the pancake batter onto the skillet, do it carefully to ensure an even shape.
- Use a spoon or piping bag to create a swirl, starting from the center and moving out. Don’t be shy—get creative with the swirl!
- After swirling, gently draw through the batter with a toothpick to blend it slightly without losing the swirl pattern.
Taking your time with the swirl makes your pancakes look as good as they taste!
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (for cinnamon swirl)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tbsp milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Gather Your Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This will ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed for fluffy pancakes.
2. Combine Your Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until everything is well incorporated. This will help create a nice, smooth batter. Don’t rush this step!
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or spoon until just combined. It’s important to keep it a bit lumpy—overmixing can make your pancakes tough!
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix the packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth. This will create that yummy swirl we love in cinnamon rolls!
5. Heat Your Skillet:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil to ensure the pancakes don’t stick.
6. Pour the Batter:
For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. It’s best to do this quickly to keep the heat up!
7. Add the Cinnamon Swirl:
Spoon a bit of the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake batter in a spiral pattern. Don’t worry about it being perfect; this adds to the charm!
8. Swirl It in:
Using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the cinnamon mixture into the batter to create a classic cinnamon roll effect. Be gentle to maintain the shape!
9. Cook Your Pancakes:
Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Gently flip them over and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown.
10. Make the Glaze:
In a bowl, combine the powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add milk, stirring until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
11. Stack and Drizzle:
Place the pancakes on a plate, stack them high, and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze. If you like, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for extra sweetness!
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm, fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes with a side of maple syrup or extra glaze, if you desire. Enjoy this delightful breakfast treat!
Get ready to impress friends and family with these irresistible pancakes!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour will add a nutty flavor and a bit more fiber to your pancakes. However, the texture might be denser. For the best results, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken in the fridge. Keep in mind that the pancakes might not be as fluffy as fresh batter.
What Should I Do If My Pancakes Are Burning on the Outside but Raw Inside?
If that happens, your skillet might be too hot. Lower the heat and allow pancakes to cook more slowly. A medium or medium-low setting usually works best, allowing them to cook evenly without burning.
How Should I Store Leftover Pancakes?
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
