If you love breakfast treats that feel like a warm hug, you are going to adore this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe. Picture fluffy, tender pancakes infused with a gooey cinnamon-sugar swirl inside each bite, then topped with a decadent vanilla glaze that mimics the magic of your favorite cinnamon roll, only in pancake form. It’s a perfect weekend indulgence or a special brunch idea that brings the comforting vibes of homemade cinnamon rolls together with the ease and fun of pancakes. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your breakfast repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward and come together to create layers of flavor and texture that make the pancakes truly shine. Each one plays an essential role, from the fluffy base to the rich cinnamon swirl and that smooth, sweet glaze on top.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for tender pancakes with just the right amount of structure.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the cinnamon flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Your secret to fluffy, light pancakes that rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor balance.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 cup milk: Brings moisture for a smooth batter and tender crumb.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and keeps pancakes perfectly moist.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Mixes with cinnamon for a deep, caramel-like swirl.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these pancakes their signature warm aroma.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for swirl): Helps create that luscious, molten cinnamon swirl.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Creates a smooth glaze perfect for drizzling.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the glaze.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Start by mixing the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter in a small bowl. This savory-sweet mixture will become the irresistible swirl inside your pancakes. Transfer it into a small plastic bag, snip off a tiny corner, and set it aside like a homemade piping bag. This little trick makes it easy to add the perfect swirl to each pancake.
Step 2: Mix Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – this dry mix ensures your pancakes are fluffy but perfectly structured. In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk and 2 tablespoons melted butter, which will add richness and moisture. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes, and we want these light and airy, just like a classic cinnamon roll.
Step 3: Cook Pancakes
Heat your non-stick skillet or griddle on medium. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake and immediately pipe a swirl of your cinnamon mixture on top. This technique makes sure every bite has that signature melty swirl that’s the hallmark of this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe.
Step 4: Flip and Cook
Keep an eye on those bubbles forming on the pancake surface – that’s your cue to flip them gently. Cook until the other side turns a lovely golden brown. Patience pays off here, as you want those pancakes cooked through but still soft and fluffy inside. Repeat until you’ve cooked all the batter and swirled cinnamon goodness.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
While pancakes are finishing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. This luscious glaze brings everything together, mimicking the icing on a cinnamon roll. It’s sweet but perfectly balanced, creating a delectable topping that keeps you reaching for forkful after forkful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle your homemade vanilla glaze generously over the warm pancakes, allowing it to soak in a little and add that silky finish. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy the full magic of this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe in its glory — warm, sweet, and utterly comforting.
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and extra flavor, sprinkle your pancakes with chopped pecans or walnuts. A few fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries can brighten the plate and add a natural fruity contrast to the sweet cinnamon swirl and glaze. A dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar can also make these pancakes look irresistible.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe shines as the centerpiece of your breakfast spread, but it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage, which offer a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt can also bring freshness and balance to your brunch table.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your pancakes high and drizzle glaze between each layer for a dramatic effect that impresses every guest. You can also serve the pancakes rolled up with the cinnamon swirl inside sealed like little breakfast burritos. For gatherings, turn them into individual servings on skewers by stacking small pancakes with fruit and glaze in between, perfect for a fun and interactive brunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the glaze separate to prevent the pancakes from becoming soggy overnight. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat and add fresh glaze.
Freezing
These pancakes freeze beautifully! Lay them flat between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent sticking, then freeze for up to 2 months. This way, you always have a delicious batch ready to go for busy mornings or spontaneous brunches.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your pancakes in the toaster or microwave until warm and fluffy again. Add your glaze fresh after reheating to maximize that perfect vanilla finish. Avoid overheating to keep them soft and tender – you want pancakes that feel freshly made every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the texture of these pancakes, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a heartier version. Just note that whole wheat may make the pancakes a bit denser, so consider adjusting the liquid slightly.
What if I do not have a piping bag?
No worries! Simply snip a very small corner off a plastic sandwich bag and use it as a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl. If that’s not an option, you can spoon little dollops of the cinnamon mixture onto the batter and swirl gently with a toothpick before cooking.
Can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap melted butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. The pancakes will still have that delightful taste and texture.
How thick should the cinnamon swirl be?
The swirl should be thin enough to cook through with the pancake but generous enough to give that gooey cinnamon goodness in every bite. About a tablespoon or so of the cinnamon mixture per pancake is just right. Too thick might make flipping tricky.
Can I double this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe?
Yes, doubling works great if you want to serve a crowd. Just keep the batter mixed gently and cook pancakes in batches to maintain the perfect texture and temperature. The cinnamon mixture and glaze should also be adjusted accordingly to ensure every pancake is deliciously coated.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the beloved flavors of cinnamon rolls to your breakfast table in pancake form is such a joyful way to start the day. Whether you’re feeding loved ones or just treating yourself, this Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe offers that perfect combination of cozy, sweet, and downright irresistible. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles and happy sighs that come with every bite.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these fluffy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, packed with a sweet cinnamon swirl and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, these pancakes combine the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls with the lightness of traditional pancakes.
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
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 well combined. Transfer the mixture into a small plastic bag and snip off a tiny corner to create a piping bag. Set aside for use during cooking.
- Mix Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. In another 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. Avoid overmixing to keep the pancakes fluffy.
- Cook Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour approximately 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Immediately pipe a swirl of the cinnamon mixture onto the surface of each pancake using the prepared piping bag.
- Flip and Cook: Cook the pancakes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, then carefully flip them over and cook the other side until golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and lump-free, adjusting consistency if needed with small amounts of milk.
- Serve: Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm cinnamon roll pancakes and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the pancake batter to maintain fluffiness.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to prevent sticking and ensure easy flipping.
- The cinnamon swirl can be customized by adding more or less cinnamon to suit your taste.
- If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk to reach desired consistency.
- Serve pancakes warm to enjoy the full flavor of the glaze and cinnamon swirl.
