CINNAMON ROLL PANCAKES
Indulge in the perfect fusion of two breakfast favorites with these irresistible Cinnamon Roll Pancakes. Fluffy pancakes swirled with a gooey cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze deliver all the flavors of a cinnamon roll in convenient pancake form.
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
- Make the pancake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
- Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Cook the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop the pancake batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle. Sprinkle a small amount of the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the top of each pancake.
- Create the cinnamon roll design: Use a spatula to create a swirl design on top of each pancake by spreading the cinnamon swirl mixture in a circular motion.
- Cook the pancakes: Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and beat until combined.
- Assemble the pancakes: Stack the pancakes on a serving plate or platter. Drizzle the cream cheese frosting over the top of the pancakes and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar if desired.
Notes
Tips and Variations:
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off to pipe the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the pancakes.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the cinnamon swirl mixture for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute the cream cheese frosting with a maple syrup or honey for a different flavor.
- Make the pancakes ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them for up to 3 days. Reheat the pancakes in the microwave or toaster before serving.
- Use a cinnamon roll-inspired topping, such as caramel sauce or chopped pecans, to add extra flavor and texture to the pancakes.
- Make sure to not overmix the cinnamon swirl mixture, or it will become tough and dense.
- Use a light touch when sprinkling the cinnamon swirl mixture onto the pancakes, as it can be easy to overdo it.
- Experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or turbinado sugar, to add a unique flavor to the cinnamon swirl.