Who doesn’t love the sweet and comforting flavors of cinnamon rolls? Imagine all that deliciousness in a pancake form! These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. They are easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

The combination of cinnamon swirl filling and cream cheese icing creates a decadent and indulgent flavor profile.
These pancakes are quick to whip up, making them perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast or a special occasion.

They can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them a great option for meal prep.

Ingredient Notes:

Pancakes:

Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the pancakes. You can use any type of milk you prefer.

White distilled vinegar: When combined with milk, it creates a buttermilk substitute.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the pancakes.
White sugar: Adds sweetness.

Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the pancakes rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together.

Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the pancakes.

Cinnamon Swirl Filling:

Brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
Butter: Provides richness.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm and aromatic flavor.

Cream Cheese Icing:

Butter: Adds richness and flavor.
Cream cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess.

Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the icing.
Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar to create a buttermilk substitute.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture and whisk to combine.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon for the swirl filling.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Pour a ladleful of pancake batter onto the skillet and swirl in the cinnamon filling.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, then flip and cook until golden brown.
In a bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth for the cream cheese icing.
Drizzle the pancakes with the cream cheese icing before serving.

Helpful Tips:

Make sure not to overmix the pancake batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture.
Serve the pancakes warm for the best flavor.
You can make the pancake batter and cinnamon swirl filling ahead of time for easy assembly in the morning.

Feel free to customize the icing by adding a touch of lemon zest or maple extract.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

For extra cinnamon flavor, sprinkle some additional ground cinnamon on top of the pancakes before serving.
To make the pancakes even more indulgent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

If you prefer a thinner icing consistency, you can add a splash of milk to the cream cheese mixture.

Serving Suggestions:

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a complete breakfast spread, serve them with crispy bacon or fresh fruit on the side.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store any leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave until warmed through. The cream cheese icing may thicken in the refrigerator, so you can gently warm it up before drizzling it over the pancakes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the pancake batter the night before? Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Can I freeze the pancakes? Yes, you can freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave when ready to eat.
Can I use a pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch? While homemade pancake batter is recommended for the best results, you can use a pancake mix as a shortcut.

Conclusion:

These Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a delightful twist on a classic breakfast treat. With their warm cinnamon swirl filling and creamy icing, they are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy flavors of cinnamon rolls in pancake form. Share your experience with us in the comments below!