1. Prepare the Pancake Batter:
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which helps make the pancakes fluffy. Set the batter aside to rest while you prepare the cinnamon swirl.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl:
Mix the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a small zip-top bag or piping bag. Snip off a small corner of the bag to pipe the cinnamon swirl onto the pancakes.
3. Cook the Pancakes:
Preheat the Griddle:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
Cook the Pancakes:
Pour ¼ cup of the pancake batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Allow the pancakes to cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface.
Add the Cinnamon Swirl:
Once bubbles form, pipe a swirl of the cinnamon mixture onto each pancake. Start from the center and spiral outwards, being careful not to overfill the swirl, as it can spread too much.
Flip the Pancakes:
Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the pancakes are cooked through and golden brown. The cinnamon sugar mixture will create a caramelized swirl on the other side.
Keep Warm:
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:
Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed; the glaze should be pourable but not too thin.
5. Serve the Pancakes:
Plate the Pancakes:
Stack the pancakes on a plate, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and serve immediately.
Optional Toppings:
For an extra indulgence, top with chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
Even Cinnamon Swirl: To ensure the cinnamon swirl doesn’t spread too much, allow the batter to cook slightly before adding the swirl.
Cream Cheese Glaze: If you prefer a thinner glaze, add a bit more milk; for a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk or add more powdered sugar.
Piping Bag Hack: If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Pancakes are a decadent and delicious way to start the day. The combination of fluffy pancakes, a sweet cinnamon swirl, and creamy glaze makes this dish a crowd-pleaser that will impress both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast or just treating yourself, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors with every bite!
