There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes wafting through the house, and trust me, this cinnamon swirl pancakes recipe is a game changer for our mornings. The soft, pillowy texture combined with that warm, sweet swirl of cinnamon and sugar makes each bite feel like a cozy hug.
I usually whip up a batch on lazy Sunday mornings when we have time to enjoy breakfast together, and it always brings back memories of my mom making pancakes for us when we were kids. Plus, they’re so simple to make that even on a busy weekday, I can have them on the table in no time—who doesn’t love a sweet start to their day? Serve them with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of fresh berries, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like a celebration!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with these fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes! This dreamy dish is bound to become a weekend tradition, and here’s why you’ll want to dive right in:
Mouthwatering Sweetness: Each pancake is swirled with a heavenly mix of cinnamon and sugar, creating a delightful contrast against the fluffy texture. It’s like indulging in a cinnamon roll, but in pancake form—what’s not to love?
Super Simple: With a few basic ingredients you probably have on hand, this cinnamon swirl pancake recipe comes together in a snap. Perfect for those lazy Sunday mornings when you just want something special without a lot of fuss!
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike can’t resist these warm, gooey delights. I mean, who can say no to pancakes? They’ll be asking for seconds (or thirds!), and you’ll be basking in your breakfast hero status!
Customizable Fun: Want to mix it up? Add some chocolate chips, berries, or even a drizzle of maple syrup—go wild! This pancake recipe is a blank canvas for your morning creativity.
Leftover Love: If, by some crazy chance, you have any pancakes left over (I doubt it!), they freeze beautifully. Just pop them in the toaster for a quick breakfast you can enjoy any day of the week.
Trust me, these cinnamon swirl pancakes will have even the grumpiest of morning people smiling as they dive into a warm stack. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Let’s dive into the delicious world of fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes! You’re going to love how easy it is to whip these up with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that perfect sweet morning treat:
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your pancakes! It gives them structure and that fluffy texture we all crave.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. You can adjust this if you like it sweeter or keep it simple!
- Baking powder: The magic ingredient that helps your pancakes rise. Fresh baking powder is key, so check the date on your can!
- Baking soda & baking powder: The dream team for the perfect rise! While baking powder provides the main lift, a pinch of baking soda enhances the fluffiness, ensuring a light and airy texture
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them pop. Don’t skip it, even though it’s just a little!
- Milk: For moisture and that lovely pancake consistency. You can use any milk you like—dairy, almond, oat—it all works!
- Egg: Adds richness and helps bind everything together. Room temperature is best, but cold works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Melted butter: Gives your pancakes a delightful buttery flavor. Let it cool a bit before adding it to the mix.
- Ground cinnamon: The star of the show! This gives your pancakes that irresistible cinnamon swirl flavor. Use more if you’re a fan!
- Brown sugar: For the cinnamon swirl! It melts beautifully and provides that deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Pure vanilla extract is the best, but imitation works in a pinch.
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can prep the dry ingredients the night before and just mix the wet ingredients in the morning! It makes for a super quick breakfast.
Now you’re all set to make these delicious cinnamon swirl pancakes. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
These cinnamon swirl pancakes are a sweet morning treat that will have everyone begging for seconds! They’re fluffy, have that perfect swirl of cinnamon sugar, and come together in no time. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to elevate your pancake game with this recipe!
Let’s get cooking:
- Preheat your skillet. Get your non-stick skillet or griddle on medium heat while you gather your ingredients. A hot surface is key to fluffy pancakes!
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This is your dry base that’ll give the pancakes their fluffy texture.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of milk, 1 egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter or oil. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth—this adds nice moisture to our pancakes.
- Combine wet and dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps! Over-mixing can make them tough, and we want these to be light and fluffy.
- Make the cinnamon swirl. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This will be your delicious swirl that turns simple pancakes into a special treat!
- Cook the pancakes. Now it’s time to ladle the pancake batter onto your preheated skillet—about ¼ cup for each pancake. Drizzle a little of the cinnamon mixture on top of the batter in a swirl design. Don’t overdo it; a little goes a long way!
- Flip with care. When bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes (after about 2-3 minutes), it’s time to flip! Cook for another minute on the other side until golden brown.
- Keep warm. If you’re making a big batch, keep the finished pancakes warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.
- Serve and enjoy! Stack those beautiful pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup, and maybe add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that extra touch. They’re perfect with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent!
And that’s it! You’ve just whipped up a batch of delicious cinnamon swirl pancakes. This is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again—because who can resist fluffy pancakes with a sweet cinnamon twist? Enjoy your cozy breakfast moment!
What to Serve with Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
These fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes are such a delightful morning treat, and while they shine bright on their own, a few accompaniments can elevate your breakfast to pure bliss! Here are my go-to sides that play well with the sweetness:
- Maple Syrup: You can’t go wrong with classic maple syrup! Drizzle it generously over your pancakes for that perfect balance of sweetness. Trust me, every bite is better with a drizzle (or a drizzle… or two!).
- Fresh Fruit: Slices of juicy strawberries, bananas, or even some tangy blueberries add a vibrant pop of flavor and color to your plate. Plus, a little fruit on the side makes you feel like you’re being a tad healthy—bonus!
- Whipped Cream: Lighter than air and oh-so-whimsical, fluffy whipped cream is the cherry on top (literally!). It adds a dreamy texture and makes these pancakes feel extra special.
- Yogurt Parfait: For a delightful crunch, serve your pancakes with a yogurt parfait. Layer up some creamy Greek yogurt with granola and more fresh fruit for a delightful contrast that keeps the meal interesting.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: And how about a warm drink? A steaming cup of coffee for the adults (or rich hot chocolate for the kiddos!) perfectly complements the sweet flavors of your pancakes.
No matter how you choose to serve these fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes, I promise they’ll be met with smiles all around the breakfast table! Enjoy!
How to Store Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Made a batch of these fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes? Here’s how to keep them fresh for your next breakfast:
Refrigerate: These pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop them in the toaster or microwave to warm them up before enjoying!
Freeze (if you have leftovers!): If you want to save some for later, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheat with ease: To reheat from frozen, just pop them in the toaster or microwave. For best results, heat at a lower setting to keep them fluffy and delicious.
And remember, a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can transform your reheated pancakes into a sweet treat all over again! Enjoy!
FAQ for Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! While all-purpose flour gives you that classic fluffiness, you can also try:
- Whole wheat flour – for a heartier pancake, just add a splash more milk to keep it moist.
- Almond flour – if you’re going gluten-free, it adds a lovely nutty flavor. Just remember it may not rise quite as much!
- Oat flour – super easy if you have oats on hand; just blend them until fine.
What can I substitute for the buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Here are a couple of quick swaps:
- Milk + vinegar – Just mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar (let it sit for 5 minutes).
- Yogurt + water – Mix plain yogurt with a little water until you get a pourable consistency.
How can I keep the pancakes from getting rubbery?
Great question! Here are some tips for fluffy pancakes:
- Don’t overmix – A few lumps are okay; overmixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Let the batter rest – Give it about 5-10 minutes to allow the gluten to relax, which will help fluffiness.
- Watch the heat – Cook on medium-low heat to ensure they cook through without burning.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can! Just mix your batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, give it a quick stir as it might thicken a bit overnight.
What fun toppings can I add to my cinnamon swirl pancakes?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Consider:
- Fresh berries – Strawberries or blueberries add a burst of flavor.
- Maple syrup – A maple-butter combination is a classic, of course!
- Whipped cream – Indulge yourself and make it feel like a special brunch!
- Chopped nuts – For a bit of crunch and a nutty twist.
So go ahead, mix it up and have fun with your cinnamon swirl pancakes! Happy flipping! 🍽️🥞
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Fluffy Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Start your morning off right with these fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes! This cinnamon swirl pancakes recipe combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, fluffy texture that’s just perfect for a cozy breakfast.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour – For that classic pancake base.
2 tablespoons sugar – A touch of sweetness!
2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the pancakes rise perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
1 cup milk – You can use any kind you like!
1 large egg – Binds everything together.
2 tablespoons melted butter – Because butter makes everything better!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely aroma.
2 tablespoons brown sugar – For that rich, caramelized flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – The star of the show!
Additional butter for cooking – For perfectly golden pancakes.
Instructions
Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is the base for your fluffy pancakes.
Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
Stir it all together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps; that’s perfect!
Create the cinnamon swirl mixture. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. This will give your pancakes that delightful swirl!
Heat the skillet. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small pat of butter. You’ll know it’s ready when the butter sizzles a bit.
Cook the pancakes. Pour about 1/4 cup of the pancake batter onto the skillet. Immediately sprinkle a little bit of the cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. If feeling adventurous, you can swirl it in gently with a toothpick!
Flip and cook. After about 2-3 minutes (or until bubbles form on top), flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve & enjoy! Stack those fluffy cinnamon swirl pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup, and maybe add some fresh fruit or nuts if you like. Enjoy every sweet, warm bite!
Notes
If you’re making pancakes for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. And don’t fret if the first pancake isn’t perfect—it’s just a test pancake to get your skillet in the zone!
Keywords: cinnamon swirl pancakes