Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of cinnamon wafting through your home, mingling with the scent of freshly made pancakes. This dream can be a reality with our Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, a mouthwatering fusion of two breakfast favorites: the classic pancake and the beloved cinnamon roll. These pancakes are perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, brunch with friends, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special.

𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:

Pancakes:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ¼ cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Swirl:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons milk

𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a small resealable plastic bag, and snip off a small corner to create a makeshift piping bag. Set aside.
Make the Pancake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Once the pancake begins to set but is still uncooked on top, pipe a spiral of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the batter. Continue cooking until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon swirl.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and enough milk to achieve a pourable consistency.
Serve: Stack the pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬:

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Calorie Count per serving: 450 kcal
Serving Size: 4 servings

𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬:

Serving Tips

Accompaniments: Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are delicious on their own, but for an extra special touch, serve them with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can turn this breakfast into a decadent dessert.
Garnishing: Add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a sweet finish, or sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Portioning: Depending on the size of your pancakes, you can serve them as a stack of three or four. For a more indulgent experience, you can even create a pancake tower by alternating layers of pancakes and cream cheese glaze.
Temperature: These pancakes are best enjoyed warm, straight off the griddle. If you’re serving a large group, keep them warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Refrigeration: Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The glaze can also be stored separately in a small container.
Freezing: Pancakes freeze well, making them a great make-ahead option. Lay the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat the pancakes in a toaster, microwave, or oven. To prevent them from drying out, cover them with a damp paper towel when microwaving. If reheating from frozen, you can pop them directly into the toaster or oven.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook, especially when using a microwave. This can make the pancakes rubbery.

𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:

Chocolate Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Additions: Mix ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the pancake batter. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the cinnamon swirl.
- Glaze Option: For a chocolatey twist, replace the cream cheese glaze with a simple chocolate ganache made from melted chocolate and cream.
- Serving Suggestion: Top with whipped cream and extra chocolate chips.
Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Additions: Add ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree to the pancake batter and replace the vanilla with 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
- Glaze Option: Enhance the cream cheese glaze with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and toasted pecans.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
- Additions: Fold in ½ cup of finely diced, peeled apples into the batter. The apples add a natural sweetness and a delightful texture.
- Glaze Option: Use caramel sauce instead of the cream cheese glaze for a decadent treat.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of warm, sautéed apples and a drizzle of caramel.

𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 (𝐅𝐀𝐐𝐬):

Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Just be sure to reheat them gently to maintain their fluffy texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for the glaze?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or lighter option, you can use a simple icing made from powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a bit of water or milk. Alternatively, a yogurt-based glaze can also work well.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be slightly denser. You may also need to add a bit more milk to achieve the right batter consistency.

How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
To make these pancakes gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Make sure all other ingredients, especially the baking powder, are also gluten-free.

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes for a breakfast experience like no other. Whether you enjoy the classic version or explore one of the delicious variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With their sweet cinnamon swirls and creamy glaze, these pancakes are a delightful way to start your day.