If you love the warm, sweet smell of cinnamon rolls but want a quicker breakfast, you’re in luck! Cinnamon roll pancakes combine the best of both worlds—fluffy pancakes with a gooey cinnamon swirl. In this easy and delicious recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a breakfast that everyone will crave. Get ready for a treat that’s simple to make and impossible to resist!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet cinnamon and creamy frosting create a perfect balance that makes every bite irresistible.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it perfect for a delightful breakfast or brunch without too much fuss.
- Fun Presentation: Stacking the pancakes and drizzling cream cheese frosting transforms a simple meal into a visually appealing treat.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings like fresh berries or nuts, making this recipe versatile for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl and Frosting Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk (for frosting)
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect cinnamon roll pancakes. You need basic items from your kitchen. Start with all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These will form the base of your pancake batter.
Next, you will need milk, a large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The milk adds moisture while the egg binds everything together. The melted butter gives richness, and vanilla adds a lovely flavor.
For the cinnamon swirl, mix brown sugar with ground cinnamon. This mixture will create that sweet, spicy swirl in your pancakes.
Lastly, to make the cream cheese frosting, you need softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little milk. This frosting will top your pancakes and make them even more delicious.
With these ingredients, you can make fluffy, sweet pancakes that taste like a cinnamon roll. Enjoy the process of cooking and savor the final dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
- Mixing dry ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until they mix well.
- Combining wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Stir until they are blended.
- Merging dry and wet mixtures: Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. You want a few lumps to stay in the batter.
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
- Mixing brown sugar and cinnamon: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This will be your sweet cinnamon swirl.
Cooking the Pancakes
- Heating the skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pouring and swirling the batter: Pour 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Drizzle about a teaspoon of your cinnamon mix over the batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cinnamon into the batter.
- Cooking times and tips: Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Repeat this process with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture for more pancakes.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Pancake Texture
To get the best texture, you must avoid over-mixing. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. A few lumps are fine. Over-mixing makes your pancakes tough.
Next, focus on cooking temperatures. Heat your skillet to medium. If it's too hot, the pancakes burn outside but stay raw inside. If it's too cool, they won’t rise well.
Making Fluffy Pancakes
For fluffy pancakes, aeration is key. When you whisk your egg, do it well. This adds air and helps the pancakes rise. Use fresh ingredients too. Fresh baking powder gives better results.
Presentation Tips
Serving these pancakes looks fun! Stack them high on a plate. Drizzle with cream cheese frosting, then sprinkle with extra cinnamon. You can add fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for color and flavor. These touches make your dish look lovely and tasty!
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your egg and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter until just combined to ensure fluffy pancakes. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Perfect Swirls: Use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful cinnamon swirls in the batter without overmixing.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a warm oven (200°F) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Variations
Flavor Combinations
You can make cinnamon roll pancakes even better by adding your favorite treats.
- Adding chocolate chips: Mix in a handful of chocolate chips. This gives the pancakes a sweet surprise. The chocolate melts and creates a rich flavor.
- Incorporating fruits like bananas or apples: You can slice bananas or dice apples. Fold them into the batter for extra taste and texture.
These additions bring new life to a classic recipe.
Dietary Alternatives
Need to adjust for dietary needs? Try these easy swaps.
- Gluten-free options: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. This keeps the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Vegan substitutions: Replace the egg with a flax egg. Use plant-based milk and vegan butter. These swaps keep the pancakes tasty without animal products.
You can enjoy your pancakes without worry.
Seasonal Variations
Make your pancakes feel festive with these seasonal ideas.
- Pumpkin spice cinnamon roll pancakes: Mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. This adds a cozy flavor perfect for fall.
- Holiday-themed toppings: For winter, top with crushed candy canes or festive sprinkles. These toppings make your pancakes fun and festive.
These variations keep your breakfast exciting all year round!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your pancakes fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the pancakes in an airtight container. You can also stack them with parchment paper between each one. This method prevents sticking. They will stay good for about three days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheating pancakes is simple and quick. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. For the microwave, put one or two pancakes on a plate. Heat for 20 to 30 seconds. If you prefer the stovetop, warm a skillet over low heat. Place the pancakes in the skillet for about one minute on each side.
Freezing Tips
Freezing pancakes is a great way to save them for later. Allow the pancakes to cool completely. Then, stack them with parchment paper in between. Wrap the stack in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. To eat, just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
FAQs
How do you make cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch?
To make cinnamon roll pancakes, start by mixing the dry and wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently, leaving some lumps.
Next, make the cinnamon swirl by mixing 1/4 cup of brown sugar with 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter on the skillet and drizzle in the cinnamon mix. Use a toothpick to swirl it in. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip, and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Serve with cream cheese frosting made from 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon of milk.
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep these pancakes in advance. Make the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, stir gently and pour onto the skillet. You can also cook the pancakes ahead. Let them cool and stack them with parchment paper in between. Store the stack in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
What can I serve with cinnamon roll pancakes?
Cinnamon roll pancakes pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with fresh berries, like strawberries or blueberries. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. For a fun twist, drizzle maple syrup over the pancakes. You can also serve them with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty meal. Enjoy!
You've learned how to make delicious cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch. We covered the must-have ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember, fresh ingredients lead to better taste, and avoiding over-mixing gives the fluffiness you want. You can also explore fun variations and easy storage methods. Enjoy these pancakes for breakfast or as a treat, and impress everyone with your skills. Now, go ahead and make a stack of joy that will delight your taste buds!
