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Hey there, fellow food lovers! It’s T, your resident foodie and home chef extraordinaire, back with a recipe that’s guaranteed to make your mornings extra special. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible world of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.
This recipe is a dream come true for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls but craves the simplicity of pancakes. Trust me, these fluffy delights are so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them sooner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nostalgic Flavors: Remember those Saturday mornings filled with the aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls? This recipe captures that same magic in a fun, pancake form.
- Surprisingly Easy: Don’t let the impressive swirls fool you, this recipe is incredibly beginner-friendly.
- Quick & Convenient: Skip the lengthy proofing times of traditional cinnamon rolls. These pancakes come together in a flash, perfect for busy mornings.
- Customizable: Feel free to get creative! Add a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the filling, drizzle on a simple glaze, or top with your favorite fresh fruit.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
Before we embark on this delicious journey, let’s gather our culinary weapons (aka ingredients!):
For the Pancakes:
- ¾ cup milk: Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but you can substitute with low-fat or plant-based milk alternatives.
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar: This reacts with the milk to create a buttermilk substitute, giving the pancakes a wonderfully tangy flavor and fluffy texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: You can also experiment with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- 2 tablespoons white sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder & ½ teaspoon baking soda: These are our leavening agents, responsible for those light and airy pancakes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 large egg: This binds the batter together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: For that irresistible buttery flavor and tenderness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds a warm, comforting note.
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 5 ½ tablespoons packed brown sugar: This provides the deep caramel-like sweetness that cinnamon rolls are known for.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Because everything is better with butter! It adds richness and helps create that luscious, gooey swirl.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
For the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened: For a smooth and creamy icing.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: This adds a delightful tanginess that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon sugar.
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar: For sweetness and that classic icing texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors beautifully.
You’ll also need:
- Cooking spray
- A large bowl for the pancake batter
- A separate bowl for the cinnamon swirl filling
- A small bowl for the cream cheese icing (if using)
- A whisk or fork
- A griddle or large skillet
- A spatula
- A piping bag or a resealable plastic bag (for the filling)
Let’s Get Cooking!
1. Prepare the Buttermilk Substitute: In a large bowl, combine the milk and vinegar. Set it aside for about 5 minutes to allow the milk to “sour.” This step is key to achieving that signature buttermilk pancake texture.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: Whisk the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the milk mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly okay.
5. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. For easier swirling, transfer the mixture to a piping bag or a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off.
6. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly greased griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
7. Add the Cinnamon Swirl: Once the edges of the pancakes start to set and bubbles appear on the surface (about 2-3 minutes), it’s time to add the cinnamon swirl. Pipe or drizzle the cinnamon sugar mixture onto each pancake in a spiral pattern, leaving a small border around the edges.
8. Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Make the Cream Cheese Icing (Optional): While the pancakes are cooking, combine the softened butter and cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until melted and smooth. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Stack those beauties high, drizzle generously with the cream cheese icing (if using), and prepare for a flavor explosion!
Tips for Pancake Perfection
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough pancakes.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat.
- Wipe the griddle or skillet clean between batches. This prevents the cinnamon sugar from burning and sticking to the pan.
- Get creative with toppings! These pancakes are delicious with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or your favorite fresh fruit.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 327
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Please note: This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
Beyond the Breakfast Table
These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes aren’t just for breakfast! They make a delightful dessert or a special treat any time of day. Serve them up for brunch, a cozy afternoon snack, or even as a fun dessert for a crowd.
Explore More Deliciousness
- For a healthier twist: Try these Whole Wheat Cinnamon Pancakes from Allrecipes.
- For a funfetti celebration: Indulge in these Funfetti® Pancakes with Vanilla Cream Sprinkle Sauce from Allrecipes.
- For a taste of the tropics: Whip up a batch of these Cinnamon-Peach Cottage Cheese Pancakes from Allrecipes.
There you have it, friends! A recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. I can’t wait to hear how your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes turn out. Don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs (and photos!) with me on social media. Happy cooking!
