There’s something incredibly comforting about a stack of warm pancakes on a lazy morning. When you add a cinnamon swirl, it’s like treating yourself to the glorious fusion of cinnamon rolls and classic flapjacks. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully laced with sweet cinnamon, these pancakes are perfect for breakfast lovers, brunch fanatics, and anyone looking to bring a little extra joy to the morning table.
Why You Will Love These Pancakes
These cinnamon swirl pancakes go far beyond your average breakfast fare. The main reason? That mouthwatering cinnamon-sugar ribbon that seeps right into every bite. They’re warmer, softer, and just a touch more luxurious than ordinary pancakes, yet simple enough for a weekday treat. Families with kids adore them, and guests at brunch will ask for your recipe. I like to think of them as edible hugs: comforting, sweet, and a little bit nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pancake Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk (dairy or plant-based alternative)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving (Optional but recommended):
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Toasted chopped pecans
How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
- Mix the Pancake Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet into the dry mix, and gently combine. Don’t overmix—a few small lumps are just fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Transfer to a zip-top bag or a small piping bag. (If you use a zip-top bag, simply snip off one corner.)
- Preheat Your Pan: Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
- Cook the Pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto your preheated pan. Quickly pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture onto the surface of each pancake.
- Flip and Finish: When bubbles form and the edges look set, flip the pancakes gently and cook the other side for another minute or two.
- Serve: Stack your pancakes high and serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, add whipped cream or pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
Expert Tips for Pancake Perfection
- For fluffier pancakes, let the batter rest – even a few minutes makes a difference.
- Use room-temperature ingredients; cold eggs and milk can make the batter too dense.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
- If your swirl sinks or spreads too much, let your cinnamon mixture cool a few more minutes before piping.
- Wipe the pan between batches for a perfect golden brown finish each time.
Fun Recipe Variations
- Apple Cinnamon Swirl: Add finely chopped apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flaxseed meal and use almond milk plus vegan butter.
- Gluten-Free Pancakes: Choose an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into the swirl for crunch.
- Cream Cheese Drizzle: Whisk softened cream cheese with a little milk and powdered sugar for a decadent topping.
Storage and Reheating
If you have extra pancakes (lucky you!), refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a nonstick pan over low heat or in the microwave for about 20 seconds each. You can also freeze pancakes, placing wax paper between each one, for up to a month. Just pop them straight in the toaster for crispy edges!
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are a full breakfast on their own, but they also shine with some sides. Try them with crispy bacon, a sunny-side-up egg, or a fresh fruit salad. For a more festive brunch, serve with cold brew coffee, spiced chai, or hot chocolate.
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about a stack of warm pancakes on a lazy morning. When you add a cinnamon swirl, it’s like treating yourself to the glorious fusion of cinnamon rolls and classic flapjacks. Soft, fluffy, and beautifully laced with sweet cinnamon, these pancakes are perfect for breakfast lovers, brunch fanatics, and anyone looking to bring a little extra joy to the morning table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pancake Batter
For the Cinnamon Swirl
For Serving (Optional but recommended)
Instructions
-
Mix the Pancake Batte
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet into the dry mix, and gently combine. Don’t overmix—a few small lumps are just fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
-
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a small bowl. Transfer to a zip-top bag or a small piping bag. (If you use a zip-top bag, simply snip off one corner.)
-
Preheat Your Pan
Warm a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or nonstick spray.
-
Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto your preheated pan. Quickly pipe a spiral of the cinnamon mixture onto the surface of each pancake.
-
Flip and Finish
When bubbles form and the edges look set, flip the pancakes gently and cook the other side for another minute or two.
-
Serve
Stack your pancakes high and serve warm. Drizzle with maple syrup, add whipped cream or pecans if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 310kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 65mg22%
- Total Carbohydrate 47g16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 13g
- Calcium 180 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- If the swirl looks too dark, your heat might be too high – lower it slightly and let the pancakes cook a bit longer for the perfect spiral.
- You can prep the cinnamon swirl mixture in advance and store it in the fridge, just bring to room temperature before using.
- The batter is very forgiving—feel free to experiment with add-ins like mini chocolate chips or blueberries.
