Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of merging the gooey, comforting goodness of a cinnamon roll with the fluffy, breakfast-favorite delight of pancakes, then this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is about to become your new weekend obsession. Imagine waking up to pancakes swirled with cinnamon sugar, perfectly tender and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that sends every bite into pure bliss. This recipe is not just tasty; it’s a cozy hug on a plate, made with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, you only need a handful of basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Each plays a crucial role: the flour builds that fluffy base, the cinnamon and brown sugar bring the signature swirl flavor, and the glaze ties it all together with just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender, fluffy pancakes that hold the cinnamon swirl beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the batter itself, balancing the cinnamon swirl perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures your pancakes rise light and airy for that perfect texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite taste better.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the batter.
- 1 cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist, creating fluffy pancakes.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds a buttery flavor and tenderness to the pancakes.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for that iconic cinnamon swirl that melts in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that defines the cinnamon roll flavor.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (additional): Used in the cinnamon swirl to create a rich, gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: The base for the glaze, adding a smooth sweetness on top.
- 2 tablespoons milk (additional): Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with warm, inviting flavor that rounds out the whole recipe.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Start by combining the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. This luscious mixture is what gives these pancakes their iconic cinnamon roll flavor and gooey texture. Pour the mixture into a small plastic bag and snip off a tiny corner—this ingenious little trick lets you pipe the swirl perfectly onto each pancake, mimicking that classic cinnamon roll look.
Step 2: Mix the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then stir in the milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter to create your wet ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—little lumps are totally fine and will help create tender pancakes that aren’t heavy or dense.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Heat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat until nicely warmed. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Immediately pipe a swirl of your cinnamon mixture over the batter, going in a circular motion to form a spiral. This step is where the magic happens, creating that authentic cinnamon roll effect right on the pancake.
Step 4: Flip and Cook Through
Watch for bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes—this is your sign to flip them over gently. Cook until the other side is golden brown and the pancakes are cooked through. Repeat this process with the remainder of the batter and cinnamon swirls, filling your kitchen with that irresistible cinnamon aroma.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. This glaze brings a delicate sweetness and a creamy finish that perfectly complements the warm cinnamon swirls, just like drizzling icing on a traditional cinnamon roll.
Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece
Stack your cinnamon roll pancakes high, then generously drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top while the pancakes are still warm. This step ensures every bite is luscious, gooey, and packed with flavor. Your delicious Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch, or dust a little extra ground cinnamon to enhance that spicy aroma. Fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or banana rounds adds both color and a refreshing counterbalance to the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a savory contrast. A cup of rich coffee or warm chai tea pairs beautifully, making your breakfast feel both comforting and special. For a lighter touch, a dollop of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese can complement the sweetness while adding protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a whimsical brunch or special occasion, serve each stack nestled in a pretty linen napkin with a small bowl of extra glaze on the side for dunking. Or layer the pancakes with slices of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese in between for an ultra-luxe cinnamon roll pancake cake that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between stacks to prevent sticking and keep their soft texture intact.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. This method allows you to pull out just the amount you want and keep the rest fresh for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive your cinnamon roll pancakes, warm them gently in a toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but be careful not to overheat or they might become chewy. Drizzle with fresh glaze after reheating to bring back that fresh-from-the-kitchen magic.
FAQs
Can I make this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and swap butter for a vegan alternative. The cinnamon swirl and glaze also adapt well to vegan versions without losing that delicious flavor.
What kind of cinnamon should I use?
For the best flavor, use ground Ceylon cinnamon if you can find it—it’s sweeter and more delicate than the more common Cassia cinnamon. However, regular ground cinnamon works perfectly well and will deliver that familiar cinnamon roll taste.
Can I prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture in advance?
Yes! The cinnamon swirl mix can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using so it pipes smoothly onto the pancakes without clumping.
Is it okay if the batter is lumpy?
Yes, leaving some lumps is actually preferred to avoid overmixing, which can make pancakes tough. The lumps will disappear as the batter cooks, yielding tender pancakes with a light crumb.
How thick should the cinnamon swirl be on each pancake?
A thin to medium swirl is best—it should be visible and flavorful but not so thick that it makes flipping difficult or causes the pancake to cook unevenly. Think of piping a moderate spiral from the center outwards for that iconic look.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting experience of biting into cinnamon swirl pancakes that taste just like a cinnamon roll in pancake form. This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe is the perfect way to elevate any breakfast or brunch, offering a delightful twist that’s sure to enchant your family and friends. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making these heavenly pancakes your new weekend tradition!
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the perfect breakfast treat with these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Fluffy pancakes filled with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, mimicking the classic cinnamon roll flavor in an easy-to-make skillet recipe.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cinnamon Swirl
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Vanilla Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until combined. Transfer the mixture into a small plastic bag and snip off a tiny corner to create a piping bag. Set aside.
- Mix Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the surface for each pancake. Immediately pipe a swirl of the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the surface of each pancake to create the cinnamon roll effect.
- Flip and Cook: Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, then carefully flip each pancake. Cook the other side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Repeat with remaining batter and cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable.
- Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm cinnamon roll pancakes and serve immediately for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or a well-seasoned griddle for easy flipping and even cooking.
- Do not overmix the pancake batter to ensure light and fluffy pancakes.
- You can adjust the cinnamon swirl amount according to your sweetness preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
- These pancakes are best served fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
