Ingredients List
For the Pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Timing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Recipe for Perfect Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Step 1- Prepare the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—this is normal.
Step 2- Make the Cinnamon Swirl Filling: In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Transfer this mixture to a small zip-top bag or piping bag and set aside.
Step 3- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Quickly pipe a swirl of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it into the batter. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on the other side.
Step 4- Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk as needed to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
Step 5- Serve: Stack the pancakes on plates and drizzle with the cream cheese glaze. Serve warm and enjoy.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pancake Texture
1- Don’t Over mix: Over mixing the batter can make the pancakes tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
2- Use Medium Heat: Cooking on medium heat ensures that the pancakes cook evenly without burning the outside.
3- Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for a few minutes helps create fluffier pancakes.
How to Prepare a Cream Cheese Glaze for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the pancakes just before serving.
Healthy Variations: Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Gluten-Free or Vegan
1- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
2- Vegan: Use almond milk or any plant-based milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and the butter with vegan butter.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
These pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a side of bacon for a complete breakfast. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few nuts can add extra flair.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they might lose some crispiness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
1- Using Too Much Cinnamon Filling: Too much filling can cause the pancakes to become overly sweet or burn. Use a moderate amount and swirl gently.
2- Not Letting the Pan Heat Up: Ensure your pan or griddle is fully heated before adding the batter to get a nice golden-brown color.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (2 pancakes with glaze) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 6g
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful twist on classic pancakes, offering a blend of gooey cinnamon and fluffy pancake textures. Whether you’re looking for a special breakfast or a fun brunch idea, these pancakes are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious start to your day.