Cinnamon Roll Pancakes combine the fluffy texture of classic pancakes with the sweet, spiced flavor of cinnamon rolls. The rich cinnamon swirl caramelizes as the pancakes cook, creating a delicious contrast of textures, while the smooth cream cheese glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. These pancakes are perfect for weekend breakfasts, holiday mornings, or whenever you want to indulge in a warm, comforting treat.
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred for a richer taste)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a small corner cut off. Set aside.
2. Make the Pancake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pancakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
- Immediately pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture onto the batter, starting from the center and working outward.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking:
- When bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to set, carefully flip with a spatula.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the bottom is golden brown and the pancake is cooked through.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl mixture.
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the glaze is smooth and pourable. If needed, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Drizzle the warm pancakes with the cream cheese glaze before serving.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Additional Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 8 pancakes)
Calories Per Serving: Approximately 320 kcal
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Use a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl – This ensures an even and precise swirl pattern, allowing the mixture to distribute properly in the pancake.
- Let the cinnamon mixture cool slightly before piping – If it is too warm, it may spread too much instead of creating a distinct swirl.
- Do not flip the pancakes too early – Wait until small bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to set. Flipping too soon can cause the swirl to smear.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning – The cinnamon sugar swirl can caramelize quickly, so keep an eye on the heat level.
- Make the cream cheese glaze in advance – This allows the flavors to meld together and makes morning prep easier.
- For extra indulgence, add toppings – Chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can enhance the flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Layer pancakes between parchment paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through. If frozen, let pancakes thaw slightly before reheating.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a fun and creative twist on a classic breakfast. The combination of soft, fluffy pancakes with gooey cinnamon filling and a creamy glaze makes every bite irresistible. Whether enjoyed as a weekend treat or served for a special occasion, these pancakes are sure to be a favorite.