Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe for a Decadent Brunch Delight
There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of freshly cooked pancakes wafting through the air, especially when they evoke memories of lazy Sunday mornings spent snuggled under blankets. I remember a specific weekend in the heart of autumn, the soft golden light filtering through the window, where the kitchen transformed into a cozy haven adorned with the scent of cinnamon and sugar. This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes recipe is my homage to those enchanting mornings—a glorious fusion of tender pancakes swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon goodness, topped with a rich cream cheese drizzle. It’s an indulgent treat that whisks you away to a warm embrace of nostalgia.
Perfect for a cozy brunch or a sweet breakfast in bed, these pancakes are so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you ever opted for store-bought! This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Twist: These pancakes capture all the flavors of classic cinnamon rolls, making them a unique yet approachable brunch treat.
- Quick to Prepare: With minimal effort and time, enjoy fluffy pancakes drizzled with sweet, creamy goodness.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for weekend gatherings or a cheerful family breakfast, everyone will gather around the table for seconds.
- Versatile & Customizable: Use your preferred ingredients to make this a gluten-free delight or to add your favorite mix-ins.
- Comforting Flavors: The warm spice of cinnamon mingling with rich cream cheese creates a cozy sensation that feels like home.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 cup Flour (Can use gluten-free flour blend.)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (Ensure freshness for best rise.)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt (Sea salt can be used for flavor.)
- 1 cup Milk (Any non-dairy milk works well.)
- 1 large Egg (A flax egg can substitute for vegan.)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (Melted butter can be used for flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (Vegetable oil can be a substitute.)
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Light or dark brown sugar can be used.)
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon (Mix with nutmeg for extra warmth.)
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese (Mascarpone can be a delightful alternative.)
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust for preferred sweetness.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Using pure vanilla enhances flavor.)
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for the topping)
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe for a Decadent Brunch Delight
Let’s Make It Together:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Make sure those baking powder ingredients are fresh to get that perfect pancake rise!
In another bowl, mix in the milk, egg (or flax egg), vegetable oil, and melted butter until smooth. The warmth of the melted butter invites a rich flavor to your pancakes.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or your pancakes might lose their fluffy charm!
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This delightful mixture will create the perfect swirl for your pancakes.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with some butter or oil. For each pancake, pour about a 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet, allowing them to spread slightly.
Before flipping, dollop a spoonful of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture in the center of each pancake, and gently swirl it with a toothpick or the back of a spoon.
Cook until the edges start to bubble and the bottom is golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the other side is perfectly golden.
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, followed by the melted butter until creamy and dreamy.
Serve your pancakes warm, drizzled generously with the cream cheese glaze, and delight in every tender bite!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Zesty Lemon Drizzle: Add a touch of lemon zest to the cream cheese icing for a zesty burst of flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon: Stir diced apples into your pancake batter or top with warm apple compote for a delicious twist.
- Nutty Delight: Fold some chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a delightful crunch with each fluffy bite.
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap out some of the batter for mini chocolate chips for an indulgent upgrade!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge—just give it a good stir before cooking.
- Sweetness Control: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in your cream cheese drizzle to suit your sweet tooth.
- Fluffy Thick Pancakes: Don’t skip the baking powder. Fresh baking powder is key to achieving that light and fluffy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the toaster or microwave.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for an easy morning.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to switch to gluten-free flour or a dairy-free milk alternative depending on your dietary preferences.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How long does it last?
Enjoy your pancakes within a few days for the best flavor and texture; reheating them is a breeze!
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe for a Decadent Brunch Delight brings a cozy warmth to your table and fills your home with delightful aromas that evoke fond memories. Whether it’s for special occasions or simply to treat yourself, these pancakes will make any gathering feel extra special. Save this recipe to your brunch board, so it’s bubbling with sweetness whenever you’re in the mood for comfort! Enjoy each delicious bite!
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Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe for a Decadent Brunch Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in fluffy pancakes swirled with cinnamon and brown sugar, topped with a rich cream cheese drizzle, perfect for brunch or breakfast in bed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Flour (can use gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Milk (any non-dairy milk works well)
- 1 large Egg (flax egg can substitute for vegan)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil (melted butter can be used)
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix in the milk, egg (or flax egg), vegetable oil, and melted butter until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Dollop a spoonful of the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture in the center of each pancake and swirl it gently.
- Cook until edges bubble and bottom is golden, then flip and cook until the other side is also golden.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, gradually mixing in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract followed by the melted butter.
- Serve warm, drizzled with the cream cheese glaze.
Notes
You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Adjust sweetness in cream cheese drizzle to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cinnamon roll pancakes, brunch, breakfast, sweet pancakes, cream cheese drizzle