Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

There’s something about the smell of cinnamon in the morning that feels like a warm hug. These Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are the perfect way to start your day with a little indulgence. Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy pancake with a gooey cinnamon sugar swirl running through it—almost like a cinnamon roll, but in pancake form!

Whether you’re making these for a special weekend breakfast, a cozy brunch with family, or just treating yourself on a weekday morning, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make! With simple pantry ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a stack of delicious, cinnamon-swirled pancakes that taste like they came straight from a bakery.

So, grab your skillet, warm up the griddle, and let’s make these irresistible pancakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like a cinnamon roll – All the warm, spiced flavors of a classic cinnamon roll, but with the ease of a pancake.
• Perfectly soft and fluffy – The pancake batter creates light and airy pancakes that soak up syrup beautifully.
• Easy to make – No fancy ingredients or complicated techniques needed!
• Family favorite – Both kids and adults will love these sweet, cinnamon-swirled pancakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pancakes:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Swirl:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Glaze (Optional, but highly recommended!):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Pour the mixture into a small zip-top bag or piping bag and set it aside. This will be your cinnamon swirl filling!

Step 2: Make the Pancake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of light and fluffy ones.

Step 3: Heat the Griddle

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes with the Cinnamon Swirl

Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the heated griddle. Snip the tip of the zip-top bag (or piping bag) containing the cinnamon mixture and gently swirl it over the top of the pancake batter in a spiral pattern.

Let the pancake cook until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Then, carefully flip it over and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Don’t worry if some of the cinnamon mixture caramelizes on the pan—that’s where the deep, rich flavor comes from!

Step 5: Make the Glaze (Optional)

While your pancakes are cooking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this over the warm pancakes for an extra touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Stack the pancakes high, drizzle with the glaze, and dig in! These are delicious on their own, but they’re also fantastic with a little butter or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Helpful Tips

• Use a medium-low heat – If the heat is too high, the cinnamon swirl can burn before the pancake cooks through.
• Let the batter rest – Giving the batter 5-10 minutes to sit before cooking helps the pancakes become extra fluffy.
• Make the swirl thick but pourable – If your cinnamon filling is too runny, add a little more brown sugar. If it’s too thick, warm it slightly before using.
• Don’t over-swirl – Too much swirling can cause the pancakes to fall apart when flipping. A simple spiral is all you need!
• Use a squeeze bottle – If you plan to make these often, transferring the cinnamon filling to a squeeze bottle makes the swirling process even easier.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 pancakes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• If you love meal prepping, make a big batch and freeze them! Just place parchment paper between each pancake and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or toaster when ready to eat.
• If you don’t want to make the glaze, they’re still amazing with classic maple syrup or even a dusting of powdered sugar.

Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)

• Calories: ~220
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 10g
• Fiber: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pancake batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can, but it will make the pancakes denser. If you want a healthier option, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.

What if I don’t have a piping bag for the cinnamon swirl?
No problem! A small zip-top bag with the corner snipped off works just as well. You can even use a spoon to drizzle the mixture over the pancakes.

Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with almond, oat, or soy milk, and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil instead of regular butter.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster or microwave for about 30 seconds.

For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat them straight from frozen in the microwave or toaster.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes, you might also enjoy:

• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
• German Pancakes with Homemade Butter Syrup
• Salted Caramel Banana Bread
• Decadent Chocolate Pancakes

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat—warm, gooey, and packed with cinnamon goodness. They bring the best parts of a cinnamon roll into a quick and easy pancake recipe that the whole family will love.

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