Hey there, Pancake Lovers! Let’s Make Soft Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
Hi! If you’re anything like me, pancakes are a weekend treat that make mornings feel special. But what if I told you there’s a way to turn ordinary pancakes into soft, gooey cinnamon roll pancakes? Yep! This recipe is one of my favorites because it’s like having a cinnamon roll for breakfast but way easier to make. Plus, it’s packed with warm cinnamon goodness and topped with a sweet icing drizzle that I just can’t resist. I’m excited to share this with you!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes
One of the best things about these pancakes is their soft, fluffy texture paired with that cinnamon-butter swirl that melts into every bite. The baking powder makes the pancakes super light, while the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture adds a sweet, comforting flavor similar to your favorite cinnamon roll. And topping it all off with a quick glaze? Absolute heaven.
Nutritional Benefits
Even though these pancakes feel like a treat, there’s a little good stuff packed in too. They’re made with all-purpose flour, which gives you a good amount of energy to start your day. Using milk adds calcium and protein, both important for your bones and muscles. If you swap milk for buttermilk (which I often do), it adds an extra tang and helps make the pancakes even softer. The cinnamon is a little powerhouse on its own—it can help with blood sugar regulation and even has some antioxidant properties. Just remember, treats are best enjoyed in moderation!
Soft Cinnamon Roll Pancakes Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for extra softness)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for swirl and greasing pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but I love it!)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons softened butter (for cinnamon swirl)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream cheese (for icing)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
How to Make Them Step-by-Step
- Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mix.
- In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Gently stir with a spoon or spatula until you barely see it combined. Don’t worry if there are still some lumps! That’s what keeps the pancakes fluffy.
- Now, in a small bowl, mix the softened butter with brown sugar and cinnamon until it forms a smooth, spreadable paste. This is the magical cinnamon swirl sauce.
- Heat your non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil.
- Pour about ¼ cup of your pancake batter onto the hot griddle and form a nice circle.
- Quickly use a spoon or a piping bag to swirl spirals or zig-zags of your cinnamon-butter mixture over the top of the batter.
- Now comes the fun part—carefully drizzle a thin layer of pancake batter over the cinnamon swirl to seal it in. Try not to ruin the swirl pattern!
- Cook the pancake until bubbles start to appear on top and the edges look set, usually about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until it’s golden brown, roughly 2 more minutes.
- Repeat until all your batter and cinnamon swirl mixture are gone.
- Stack them on a plate. For extra gooey fun, spread a little cinnamon swirl between layers.
- To make the icing, whisk powdered sugar with a couple of tablespoons of milk or cream cheese until you get a smooth drizzle-able consistency.
- Drizzle the icing generously over your pancake stack. If you want, dust a little powdered sugar on top for a beautiful finish.
- Serve warm and enjoy that delicious soft cinnamon roll pancake feeling!
My Top Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- Don’t overmix the batter: The lumps are fine! Mixing too much can make the pancakes tough.
- Keep your griddle at medium heat: Too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks through. Too low and the pancakes won’t brown nicely.
- Use softened butter for the cinnamon swirl: It spreads easier and blends well with the sugar and cinnamon.
- Seal the swirl well: The thin layer of batter over the cinnamon mixture helps keep it in place and prevent burning.
- Stack and spread some swirl between pancakes: It’s my favorite trick for extra flavor and gooey yumminess between layers.
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or toaster oven for that fresh taste.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (at least two – one for wet and one for dry ingredients)
- Whisk or fork to blend ingredients
- Spoon or piping bag to swirl the cinnamon mixture
- Non-stick skillet or griddle (a flat surface works great!)
- Spatula for flipping pancakes
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl for icing preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a dairy-free milk alternative? Yes! Almond, oat, or soy milk work just fine and add a nice subtle flavor.
- What if I don’t have buttermilk? No worries! You can make a quick substitute by adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Can I prepare the cinnamon swirl mixture ahead of time? Absolutely, make it a day ahead and just store it in the fridge until ready to use. So much easier!
- How do I store leftover pancakes? Stack them with parchment paper in between to avoid sticking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze for longer.
- Is there a way to make these gluten-free? Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s suitable for baking. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
Let’s Get Swirling!
I hope you give these soft cinnamon roll pancakes a try—they’re such a warm, cozy way to brighten your mornings or treat your family. I’d love to hear how they turn out or any delicious twists you add! Don’t forget to share your pancake creations on Pinterest and tag me—I’m always excited to see your tasty results and share even more recipes to help you enjoy cooking with ease and joy.
