Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: A Sweet Morning Hug in Every Bite

Introduction

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes have a special place in my heart—and my kitchen. They’re like the cozy cousin of cinnamon rolls, but without the hours of waiting or the sticky fingers. These pancakes are my go-to when I want to bring a little magic to the breakfast table without turning it into a full-blown production.

Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon filling your kitchen, the sizzle of batter hitting the griddle, and the anticipation of that first bite into a fluffy pancake with a gooey cinnamon swirl. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger at the table just a little longer.

Ingredients You Will Need

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle or a zip-top bag with a small hole cut in one corner. This will be your swirling tool.

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy, and that’s okay.

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Once the batter is on the skillet, immediately swirl the cinnamon mixture onto the pancake, starting from the center and spiraling outward. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the warm pancakes before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Preventing Cinnamon Swirl Burn: If the cinnamon swirl starts to burn before the pancake is cooked through, try lowering the heat slightly and cooking the pancakes a bit longer.
• Make-Ahead: Both the pancake batter and the cinnamon swirl mixture can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. Just give them a good stir before using.
• Freezing: These pancakes freeze well. Let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and store in a zip-top bag in the freezer. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
• Serving Suggestions: Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Need another breakfast idea in a pinch? You’ll love our Mini Pancakes recipe—adorable, stackable, and totally crowd-pleasing, also Kodiak Pancake Recipe and Viking Pancakes and 3-Ingredient Pancakes No Egg.

Bringing It All Together

Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are more than just a breakfast treat; they’re a way to bring a little joy to your morning routine. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. And remember, the best meals are the ones shared with loved ones.

FAQs About cinnamon swirl pancakes