Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Imagine waking up to the aroma of cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, promising a breakfast that's both comforting and indulgent. You've heard of cinnamon rolls and pancakes, but have you ever considered combining the two into a single, decadent dish? Cinnamon roll pancakes offer the best of both worlds with their fluffy texture and rich, cinnamon-sugar swirl. But how do you achieve that perfect balance between the two iconic flavors? Uncover the secrets to mastering this recipe, and transform your morning routine with each delicious bite. There's more to explore in crafting this culinary delight.
Recipe
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful fusion of two beloved breakfast items—cinnamon rolls and pancakes. These pancakes offer a soft, fluffy texture typical of pancakes, combined with the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon rolls. Perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or brunch, these pancakes are visually stunning and incredibly tasty. With a swirl of cinnamon and brown sugar incorporated into the batter and topped with a creamy glaze, they're certain to become a favorite in your household.
To create these delicious pancakes, you'll start by preparing a basic pancake batter and a cinnamon swirl mixture. The pancake batter is made with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, milk, and eggs, while the cinnamon swirl mixture consists of brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. The magic happens when you pour the pancake batter onto a hot skillet and swirl in the cinnamon mixture, creating an eye-catching marbled effect. Once cooked to perfection, these pancakes are finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze, making them a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for cinnamon swirl)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons milk
Start by making the pancake batter. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
For the cinnamon swirl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Drizzle the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the pancake in a spiral shape. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
For the glaze, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm pancakes before serving.
For the best results, verify your skillet is well-preheated to prevent the pancakes from sticking. If the cinnamon swirl mixture becomes too thick, gently warm it to make drizzling easier. For an extra indulgent touch, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top of the glazed pancakes. Enjoy these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes fresh off the skillet for the ultimate breakfast treat!
Cooking Steps
Let's get cooking!
First, you'll mix all the dry ingredients in one bowl—think of it as a mini science experiment, only tastier.
In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients, then pour that magical batter onto a hot skillet, drizzle with cinnamon goodness, and cook until they're golden brown and begging to be eaten.
Step 1. Mix Dry Ingredients Together
To kick off your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, start by gathering all the dry ingredients. You'll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Once you've got everything, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and toss them in like you're starting a science experiment. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly—pretend you're a DJ mixing beats.
This step guarantees your pancakes are as fluffy as a cloud and evenly sweet. Don't worry if you make a small flour mess; it's all part of the fun!
Mixing dry ingredients well is essential, so take your time and enjoy the process. You're on your way to deliciousness!
Step 2. Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
While your dry ingredients are ready, it's time to tackle the wet ones. Grab a medium-sized bowl, and pour in 3/4 cup of milk. Crack one egg into the milk, and give it a good whisk until it's all mixed up.
Next, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it's smooth and well combined. You might feel like a mad scientist, but don't worry, it's all part of the fun!
If you're feeling adventurous, give the bowl a little twirl, just for kicks. Remember, the key to great pancakes is balance, so make sure your wet ingredients are ready to blend seamlessly with the dry ones later. Enjoy the process!
Step 3. Pour Batter Onto Skillet
With your wet and dry ingredients combined, it's time to cook your pancakes to perfection.
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat—don't rush this step, or you'll end up with pancakes that stick like glue! Lightly grease the skillet with a bit of butter for extra flavor.
Now, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Watch as the batter spreads, forming a lovely circle. Wait patiently for bubbles to appear on the surface—think of them as little signals saying, "Flip me, I'm ready!"
Once you see those bubbles and the edges look set, grab your spatula and flip the pancake gently. Cook for another couple of minutes until it's golden brown.
Repeat until all your batter is gone.
Step 4. Drizzle Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
As your pancake batter sizzles on the skillet, it's time to create that signature cinnamon swirl.
Grab your cinnamon swirl mixture and a spoon, and let's get swirling! Drizzle the mixture in a spiral pattern over the pancake, starting from the center and working your way out.
Feel like a pancake artist yet? Don't worry if it looks a bit wonky—imperfections add character! Make sure the cinnamon swirl is evenly spread, so every bite is full of that sweet, spicy goodness.
If the mixture is too thick, warm it slightly so it flows smoothly. Remember, you're not just making breakfast; you're crafting a masterpiece.
Step 5. Cook Until Golden Brown
Start by letting the pancakes cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface, which usually takes about two to three minutes. This is your signal that they're ready to flip.
Use a spatula to gently turn each pancake over, ensuring you don't disturb the lovely cinnamon swirl. Cook the other side for another two minutes until it's golden brown and beautifully cooked through.
Don't rush this part—patience is key to getting that perfect, fluffy texture. If you flip too early, you might end up with a gooey mess, and nobody wants that!
Keep an eye on the heat, adjusting as needed so the pancakes don't burn. It's like a pancake dance, but with a delicious ending that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Final Thoughts
Embrace the joy of combining your favorite breakfast flavors with these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
They're a delightful way to start your day, blending the fluffy goodness of pancakes with the irresistible charm of cinnamon rolls.
You'll find the marbled cinnamon swirl not only looks fantastic but tastes heavenly.
Don't stress if your first swirl isn't perfect—practice makes perfect, and the taste will still be spot on!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time and Refrigerate It?
You can make the batter ahead and refrigerate it, but remember to stir it before using. The cinnamon swirl might thicken, so gently reheat it for easy drizzling. Enjoy freshly cooked pancakes for the best taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
Store your leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, use a microwave or skillet. For best results, add a touch of glaze just before serving. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Flour for This Recipe?
You can definitely experiment with different types of flour. Try using whole wheat or almond flour for a healthier twist. Just remember, you'll need to adjust the liquid ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.
Is It Possible to Use a Dairy-Free Alternative for the Glaze?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives for the glaze. Substitute cream cheese with a vegan option and replace milk with almond, soy, or oat milk. Make certain it's smooth for easy drizzling over your delicious pancakes. Enjoy!
How Can I Make the Pancakes Gluten-Free?
To make the pancakes gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Confirm it contains xanthan gum for better texture. Follow the same process, and you'll enjoy delicious gluten-free cinnamon roll pancakes!
