Imagine waking up to the sweet smell of cinnamon rolls and pancakes together. That’s the magic of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! In this article, I’ll share my favorite recipe that combines fluffy pancakes with a creamy glaze, putting a spin on your breakfast. You’ll learn step-by-step how to make these delicious treats, plus tips to customize them to your taste. Get ready to impress your family with this delightful breakfast!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of cinnamon sugar and cream cheese glaze makes every bite feel like a decadent treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings or special brunches.
- Fun Presentation: The swirl pattern creates a visually appealing stack of pancakes that impresses family and friends.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit or nuts, for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Cream Cheese Glaze Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives shape, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the pancakes rise. Salt balances the flavors. Buttermilk keeps them moist and fluffy. The egg binds everything together. Melted butter adds richness, and vanilla brings warmth.
For the cinnamon swirl, brown sugar offers a deep flavor, and cinnamon provides the classic taste. The butter helps create a smooth swirl.
The cream cheese glaze adds a rich and tangy finish. The cream cheese and powdered sugar blend for sweetness. Milk makes it pourable, and vanilla enhances the flavor.
Gather all these ingredients for a delightful treat. You will love how they come together to make your pancakes special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Batter
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
2. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3. Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be lumpy, and that’s okay!
Creating the Cinnamon Swirl
1. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2. Use a fork to mix until it forms a paste. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner snipped off.
Cooking the Pancakes
1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet. Quickly pipe a swirl of the cinnamon mix over the top of the batter.
3. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Then, carefully flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Repeat this with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning.
Making the Cream Cheese Glaze
1. In a bowl, beat together:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2. Mix until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
1. Stack the pancakes high on a plate. Drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top.
2. For a lovely touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top. You can also add fresh berries or banana slices for extra flavor and color. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Your Pancake Texture
To get fluffy pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until you see no dry flour. The lumps are okay. This keeps the pancakes light and airy.
The ideal cooking temperature is medium heat. Too hot can burn the outside while the inside stays raw. Adjust as needed for even cooking.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the batter in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This step saves time on busy mornings.
If you want to store the cinnamon swirl separately, mix it and keep it in a bag. This keeps it fresh and easy to use right before cooking.
Enhancing Flavor
For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. These add warmth and depth to your pancakes.
You can also customize the glaze with flavored extracts. Try almond or maple for a fun twist. This makes each pancake special and unique.
Pro Tips
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your buttermilk and egg are at room temperature for a smoother batter and fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust the Heat: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
- Perfect Cinnamon Swirl: Practice piping the cinnamon mixture in a circular motion for a beautiful swirl; it adds to the presentation!
- Glaze Variation: For a different flavor, try adding a touch of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg to the cream cheese glaze.
Variations
Flavor Add-ins
You can easily change up your cinnamon roll pancakes with fun flavors. For chocolate chip cinnamon roll pancakes, just add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter. This adds a sweet twist that kids love. For blueberry cinnamon roll pancakes, mix in fresh blueberries before cooking. The burst of berry flavor pairs well with cinnamon.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need gluten-free pancakes, use a gluten-free flour blend. Many brands work well for this recipe. Just follow the same amounts as all-purpose flour. The texture may change a bit, but they will still taste great!
Vegan Adjustments
To make these pancakes vegan, swap out the dairy. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk. For the melted butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You can also replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. To make a flaxseed egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps will keep your pancakes fluffy and tasty!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover pancakes, let them cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also use plastic wrap or foil. This will keep the pancakes fresh. In the fridge, pancakes last up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a good option.
Freezing Pancakes
To freeze pancakes, stack them with parchment paper between each one. This prevents sticking. Then, place the stack in a freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as you can. Frozen pancakes can last for about two months.
When you want to reheat them, take the pancakes out of the freezer. You can use a microwave or a skillet. For the microwave, heat on high for about 30 seconds. If you prefer the skillet, warm them on low heat for a few minutes. Enjoy your delicious pancakes just like fresh!
FAQs
How do I make cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch?
To make cinnamon roll pancakes from scratch, follow these steps:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir until just combined; the batter should be lumpy.
4. Make Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons of softened butter. Put this in a piping bag.
5. Cook Pancakes: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter and pipe the cinnamon swirl on top. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
6. Make Glaze: Beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla until smooth.
7. Serve: Stack pancakes, drizzle with glaze, and enjoy!
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk instead of buttermilk. To mimic buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will help create the same tangy flavor and acidity needed for the pancakes.
What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while cooking?
To keep pancakes warm, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). As you cook each pancake, place it on a baking sheet and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them warm and prevents them from drying out. You can also stack them in a warm, covered dish.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to use, reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove. If it's too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
In this post, we explored how to make delicious cinnamon roll pancakes. We reviewed the ingredients, from flour and buttermilk to brown sugar and cream cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the batter, making the swirl, and cooking the pancakes. You learned tips for perfect texture and ideas for variations, like adding chocolate chips.
With these easy steps, your breakfast will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy your tasty creations!
