If you love the warm, sweet flavors of cinnamon rolls but crave the fluffy texture of pancakes, cinnamon roll pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat for you. This delightful recipe combines the best of both worlds: soft, fluffy pancakes swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Ready to impress your family or treat yourself to a cozy morning? Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to make cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch.
What Are Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
Cinnamon roll pancakes are essentially pancakes with a cinnamon swirl baked right inside, mimicking the iconic cinnamon rolls. They’re then drizzled with a creamy icing, often made from cream cheese, to complete the experience. The result is a stack of pancakes bursting with cinnamon-sugar goodness and a sweet, tangy glaze that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pancakes:
– 1 to 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 to 2 teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 to 2 cups milk or buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
– 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– ⅓ to ½ cup packed brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
– ¾ to 1 cup powdered sugar
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and combined. Transfer this mixture into a small plastic bag or piping bag and set aside. This will be used to create the signature cinnamon swirl inside the pancakes.
2. Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy but well mixed—overmixing can make pancakes tough.
3. Cook the Pancakes with Cinnamon Swirls
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat and lightly grease it. Pour about ½ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet to form a circle. Quickly snip the corner of the cinnamon swirl bag and pipe a spiral or swirl onto the pancake batter before it sets. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook the other side until golden brown.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Glaze
While cooking pancakes, melt butter over low heat in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk to thin it out.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Stack the cinnamon roll pancakes on plates, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and if you like, sprinkle with a little powdered sugar for extra sweetness. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls in pancake form.
Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
– Don’t overmix the batter: A few lumps are okay and will keep your pancakes fluffy.
– Use medium-low heat: This ensures the pancakes cook through without burning the cinnamon swirl.
– Pipe the cinnamon swirl quickly: The batter sets fast, so add the swirl right after pouring the batter on the griddle.
– Warm the glaze: If your cream cheese glaze thickens too much, warm it slightly before drizzling.
– Customize your toppings: Add chopped nuts, raisins, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
– They combine two breakfast favorites into one mouthwatering dish.
– The cinnamon swirl adds a burst of warm spice in every bite.
– Cream cheese glaze adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the pancakes.
– They’re impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weekend treat.
Cinnamon roll pancakes are a delightful way to start your day or impress brunch guests. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a breakfast that tastes like a warm hug on a plate. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite for cinnamon lovers everywhere. Enjoy!