There’s something truly special about waking up on a lazy Sunday morning and being greeted by the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through the air, don’t you think? That’s exactly why I love making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes! They are the ultimate combination of two of my favorite brunch staples – fluffy pancakes and gooey cinnamon rolls. I still remember the first time I made these for a friend’s birthday breakfast. The delight on her face when she took her first bite was priceless!
These pancakes not only taste amazing, but they also have a fun, whimsical look thanks to the swirl of cinnamon and sugar. It feels like you’re indulging in a decadent dessert, but I promise, these beauties are surprisingly easy to whip up. Let me walk you through the magic of making Cinnamon Roll Pancakes — I know you’re going to love them just as much as I do!
What’s in Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what goes into these delicious pancakes.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main base for our pancakes. I usually opt for organic all-purpose flour because it tends to have better flavor and texture.
Granulated Sugar: Just a bit to sweeten up the pancake batter and balance the cinnamon swirl.
Baking Powder: This is what gives our pancakes that fluffy texture. Fresh baking powder is key!
Salt: A little bit enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
Milk: Whether you use whole milk or a non-dairy alternative, it adds moisture to the batter. I like almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Egg: This is the binding agent that gives structure to your pancakes.
Butter: Melted, unsalted butter adds richness and flavor. Always a must in my pancake recipes!
Cinnamon: The star of the show! A generous amount is used both in the batter and for that gooey swirl.
Brown Sugar: This adds a beautiful depth of flavor and caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Powdered Sugar: For the cream cheese glaze that takes these pancakes over the top. The sweetness is simply divine!
Cream Cheese: A key ingredient in the glaze! It adds that delightful richness that really celebrates the cinnamon roll essence.
Is Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits and considerations of these scrumptious pancakes!
While they might be a bit indulgent, there are a few ingredients that bring some nutritional value. For example, **whole grain flour** can increase fiber content, and **almond milk** can lower the calorie count if you want a lighter version.
The **cinnamon** does have health benefits, such as potential anti-inflammatory properties and blood sugar regulation. However, when it comes to the Pancake aspect, the combination of sugar and butter means moderation is key! Enjoying them for a special occasion is lovely, but it’s probably best not to make them a daily breakfast staple.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings of these heavenly pancakes:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 3 ½ tsp baking powder
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ tsp salt
– 1 ¼ cups milk
– 1 large egg
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tbsp ground cinnamon (1 tbsp for batter, 1 tbsp for swirling)
– ⅓ cup brown sugar
– For Cream Cheese Glaze:
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 2 tbsp milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes?
Let’s dive into the fun part – making these pancakes!
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t over-mix; small lumps are okay!
4. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.
5. Preheat your griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
6. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet. Using a spoon or squeeze bottle, swirl a line of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top of the batter.
7. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Gently flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
8. Prepare the cream cheese glaze by mixing the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
9. Serve your pancakes warm, drizzled with the cream cheese glaze and extra syrup if desired!
Delicious Tips and Tricks!
Here are a few of my favorite tips to make your Cinnamon Roll Pancakes even more fabulous:
– Try adding some chopped nuts or pecans to the cinnamon swirl if you’re feeling adventurous!
– For a twist, use pumpkin puree instead of the milk and add a bit of nutmeg to the batter.
– Serve these pancakes with fresh berries or bananas on the side for a fruity flair.
– If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze the cooked pancakes, layer them with parchment paper, and reheat them in the toaster.
I can’t tell you how much joy these Cinnamon Roll Pancakes bring into my mornings – or my brunches, for that matter! They are a fun way to treat yourself, and every time I make them, I remember that special day with my friend. So go ahead, give them a try, and I promise they will put a smile on your face. I’d love to hear your experiences, and don’t forget to share how they turned out! Happy cooking!
