Easy Breakfast Recipe: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon and sugar swirling through the kitchen—especially when it’s coming from a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes that taste just like a gooey cinnamon roll. If you love the comforting flavors of a classic cinnamon bun but crave the ease of pancakes, this recipe is your new breakfast obsession.
Perfect for lazy weekends, holiday mornings, or anytime you want to treat yourself, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring together the best of both worlds. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay; they’ll keep the pancakes tender.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Transfer to a piping bag or a small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off for easy drizzling.
3. Cook the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Immediately swirl the cinnamon mixture over the top in a spiral pattern (like a cinnamon roll!).
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes). Carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden. The cinnamon swirl will caramelize slightly—trust us, it’s the best part!
4. Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze
While the pancakes cook, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, mixing until you get a drizzle-able consistency. Add more milk if needed.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes high, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and dig in while they’re warm. Each bite is a heavenly mix of fluffy pancake, caramelized cinnamon sugar, and tangy-sweet frosting—just like your favorite bakery treat, but even better because you made it at home!
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Low and slow: Cooking these on medium-low heat ensures the cinnamon swirl doesn’t burn before the pancake cooks through.
- Fresh cinnamon: For the best flavor, use freshly ground cinnamon—it makes a huge difference!
- Customize it: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon swirl for extra crunch.
These pancakes are a game-changer for breakfast lovers. They’re indulgent enough to feel like dessert but simple enough to whip up any morning. Whether you’re surprising your family on a Sunday or treating yourself to a little self-care, these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are guaranteed to make the day sweeter.
Got leftovers? (Unlikely!) Store them in the fridge and reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven.
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