Why we love comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll pancake ?
Who doesn’t love the comforting flavors of a cinnamon roll or the fluffy delight of a perfectly cooked pancake? Now, imagine combining these two breakfast favorites into one irresistible dish—Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, offering a breakfast experience that’s as delightful to the palate as it is easy to prepare.
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a sweet twist on your traditional morning stack, perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat that will have your family eagerly gathering around the table. The warm, gooey cinnamon swirl within each pancake creates a mesmerizing pattern, while the drizzle of a sweet, velvety glaze takes it to another level of indulgence. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just someone looking to elevate your breakfast game, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
What makes these pancakes stand out? It’s the perfect harmony between the light, airy texture of a classic pancake and the rich, spiced sweetness of a cinnamon roll. They’re the kind of dish that feels both luxurious and nostalgic, evoking memories of lazy Sunday mornings and the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen.
Not only are these pancakes delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. They can be made ahead and even frozen for those busy mornings when you need something quick yet comforting. Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up, even if you’re not an experienced baker, making them an ideal choice for anyone who loves to cook with joy and create memorable moments around the table.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 Pancakes
- Calories: 210 per serving
Ingredients for cinnamon roll pancake
the Pancake Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the griddle)
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Start by making the cinnamon swirl, which is the heart of this recipe. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended and smooth, forming a thick paste. Transfer this mixture into a small piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with the corner snipped off. Set it aside while you prepare the pancake batter.
Pro Tip: Make sure the butter is softened but not melted. This ensures that the swirl stays intact when you pipe it into the pancake batter, preventing it from spreading too thinly or burning during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well combined. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are okay and will actually help make the pancakes fluffier.
Pro Tip: For an extra fluffy texture, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. This gives the baking powder time to activate, resulting in taller, lighter pancakes.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Now that your batter and cinnamon swirl are ready, it’s time to cook the pancakes. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Once the griddle is hot, pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the surface for each pancake.
Immediately after pouring the batter, take your prepared cinnamon swirl mixture and pipe a spiral pattern onto the top of each pancake. Start from the center and work your way outwards, just like you would with a traditional cinnamon roll. Be careful not to pipe too close to the edges, as the swirl will spread slightly as the pancake cooks.
Cook the pancakes until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges start to look set, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Pro Tip: Wipe the griddle clean between batches to prevent the cinnamon sugar from burning and sticking. If the griddle gets too hot, reduce the heat slightly to avoid burning the pancakes or the cinnamon swirl.
Step 4: Prepare the Glaze for cinnamon roll pancake
While the pancakes are cooking, you can quickly whip up the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick yet pourable; if it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Pro Tip: For a richer flavor, you can substitute the glaze with a cream cheese frosting. Simply blend softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestions For cinnamon roll pancake
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a show-stopping breakfast on their own, but you can elevate them even further with some delicious accompaniments:
- Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness by serving the pancakes with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The tartness of the berries complements the sweetness of the pancakes beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: For a savory contrast, serve with a side of crispy bacon. The saltiness of the bacon balances the sweetness of the pancakes, making each bite more enjoyable.
- Whipped Cream: For an indulgent touch, top your pancakes with a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Warm Beverages: Pair these pancakes with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or even a chai latte for the perfect morning treat.
Tips and Tricks
Crafting the perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes requires a few insider tips to ensure they turn out as delicious as possible. Here are some helpful tricks to make your pancakes truly outstanding:
- Let the Batter Rest: After mixing the pancake batter, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps the gluten relax and the baking powder to activate fully, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Temperature Control: Make sure your griddle or skillet is at the right temperature before cooking. Too hot, and the pancakes will burn before cooking through; too cool, and they’ll spread too much and become flat. Medium heat is typically ideal.
- Cinnamon Swirl Consistency: The cinnamon swirl mixture should be thick but still pipeable. If it’s too runny, it may spread too much during cooking and burn. If too thick, add a little more softened butter to reach the right consistency.
- Clean Between Batches: Wipe the griddle clean after each batch of pancakes to prevent any leftover cinnamon sugar from burning, which can add an unwanted bitter taste to subsequent pancakes.
- Adjusting the Glaze: If you find the glaze too sweet, you can add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. Here are some variations you can try to put a unique spin on your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes:
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Instead of the standard glaze, try topping your pancakes with a cream cheese frosting. Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds a tangy richness that pairs wonderfully with the cinnamon swirl.
- Chopped Nuts: For added texture and flavor, stir some chopped pecans, walnuts, or even almonds into the cinnamon swirl mixture before piping it onto the pancakes. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch and complement the sweet cinnamon.
- Raisins or Dried Fruit: If you enjoy the combination of cinnamon and dried fruit, consider adding raisins, currants, or chopped dried apricots to the cinnamon swirl mixture. This adds a chewy texture and a burst of natural sweetness.
- Pumpkin Spice: For an autumnal twist, add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the pancake batter. This variation is perfect for cozy fall mornings when you crave something warm and spiced.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed decisions, especially if you’re mindful of your diet. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional information for these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes per serving:
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 4g
Note: The nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. If you substitute ingredients (such as using cream cheese frosting instead of glaze), remember to adjust the nutritional information accordingly.
Printable Recipe For Cinnamon Roll Pancake
For those who love having a physical copy of their favorite recipes, a printable version of the Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe is available. This convenient option allows you to keep a hard copy in your kitchen, so you can follow along without needing to look at a screen. Here’s how you can access it:
- Download the Printable Recipe: Simply click here to download and print the recipe.
- Save for Later: You can also save the recipe as a PDF on your device to refer back to it whenever you need.
- Share with Friends: Feel free to share the printable recipe with friends and family who might enjoy a sweet twist on their breakfast routine.
Having a printed recipe can be especially useful if you’re cooking in a kitchen where your hands might get messy, or if you’re sharing the cooking duties with someone else.
FAQs
The secret to fluffy restaurant-style pancakes lies in one key ingredient: buttermilk. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the leavening agents (like baking powder and baking soda) in the pancake batter, creating air bubbles that cause the pancakes to rise and become incredibly fluffy. Additionally, many restaurants allow their batter to rest for a few minutes before cooking, giving the leavening agents time to activate fully. This simple technique can make a significant difference in the texture of your pancakes at home.
While both cake mix and pancake mix can produce deliciously sweet results, they serve different purposes and have distinct differences. Pancake mix is generally less sweet and doesn’t contain as many flavorings as cake mix. Pancake mix is designed to create a lighter, fluffier texture suitable for breakfast pancakes, while cake mix is formulated to produce a denser, more structured batter that rises into a soft, moist cake. Also, cake mix often requires additional ingredients like eggs, oil, and water to transform it into cake batter, while pancake mix might only need milk or water to be ready to cook.
Pouring milk over cinnamon rolls before baking is a clever trick to achieve perfectly gooey and tender rolls. The milk adds moisture to the dough as it bakes, preventing the cinnamon rolls from drying out and helping them remain soft and luscious. This technique is especially useful when using store-bought dough or when you want to ensure your homemade rolls turn out extra rich and indulgent. Julie Clark, the blogger behind the website Tastes of Lizzy T, swears by this method, noting that it’s the key to her family’s favorite cinnamon rolls.
Cinnamon buns and cinnamon rolls may look similar, but they have a few key differences. Structurally, both share the same spiral shape, but cinnamon buns are often topped with a sticky glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and sometimes honey, which caramelizes during baking. Cinnamon rolls, on the other hand, are typically frosted with cream cheese icing or a simple glaze after baking. Another difference is that cinnamon buns often include nuts or raisins in the filling, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture, while cinnamon rolls usually stick to the classic cinnamon and sugar filling.
Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes is a fun and rewarding process. Start by preparing a simple pancake batter, then make a cinnamon swirl mixture with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. As you cook the pancakes on a griddle, pipe the cinnamon swirl onto the batter before flipping. Once cooked, drizzle with a sweet glaze or cream cheese frosting, and enjoy! The detailed instructions above in this article will guide you through each step to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly.
Yes, Cinnamon Roll Pancakes can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy mornings. You can prepare the pancakes as instructed, let them cool, and then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the pancakes to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, simply warm them in a toaster or microwave until heated through. The glaze or frosting can be made fresh and added just before serving.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful way to start your day, combining the best of two beloved breakfast treats into one mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring a smile to the faces of everyone at the table.
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different variations and flavors. Whether you stick with the classic glaze or opt for a rich cream cheese frosting, these pancakes are bound to become a new favorite in your breakfast repertoire.
Don’t forget to share your results or any creative variations you try in the comments below. I love hearing how you make these recipes your own, and your feedback helps me continue to bring you recipes that are both delicious and easy to follow.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your sweet twist on breakfast bliss!