There’s something truly special about waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the kitchen. These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes are the perfect way to start the day with a cozy, homemade breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug. The combination of fluffy pancakes with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the warm spice of cinnamon creates a dish that tastes like a cross between classic pancakes and a cinnamon roll—without all the extra work!
Whether you’re making these for a relaxed weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or just because you deserve a little treat, this recipe is simple enough for any day of the week. Serve them with butter, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible breakfast that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – You only need a few simple pantry staples to whip up these pancakes.
- Perfectly fluffy – The balance of ingredients ensures that every bite is soft, airy, and full of flavor.
- Warm and comforting flavors – Cinnamon and brown sugar add a cozy, slightly caramelized sweetness.
- Great for meal prep – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat them for busy mornings.
- Kid-approved – These pancakes are a favorite with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
Making these pancakes is as easy as mixing, pouring, and flipping! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect pancakes every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly, so you don’t end up with clumps of sugar or spice in one spot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or a little oil to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate on contact.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the hot pan. Cook until bubbles start forming on the surface and the edges look slightly set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Stack the pancakes high on a plate and serve them warm with butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add toppings like sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Pancakes
- Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until combined to keep your pancakes light and fluffy.
- Use fresh baking powder – This ensures the pancakes rise properly. If your baking powder is old, the pancakes may turn out flat.
- Cook on medium heat – Too high of a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
- Make them ahead – You can store leftover pancakes in the fridge and reheat them in a toaster or microwave.
- Customize your flavors – Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth or stir in mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- Let the batter rest – If you have a few extra minutes, let the batter sit for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate and results in even fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet pancake, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or swap it for honey or maple syrup.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing the egg and milk to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Test the pan heat – Before cooking, drop a small bit of batter onto the pan. If it sizzles gently, your pan is at the perfect temperature. If it burns quickly, lower the heat.
- Double the batch for meal prep – These pancakes store well, so consider making extra for quick and easy breakfasts during the week.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a toaster for a crispier texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the pancakes cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a toaster or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that the pancakes may be a bit denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balanced texture.
What can I use instead of milk?
You can use almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk as a substitute. The pancakes may have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I make these pancakes without eggs?
Absolutely! You can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or ¼ cup applesauce.
How do I prevent pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your pan is properly preheated and lightly greased with butter or oil before adding the batter. Using a non-stick skillet also helps.
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Conclusion
These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes are the perfect combination of warm spices, rich sweetness, and fluffy texture. Whether you’re serving them up for a lazy Sunday brunch or a weekday morning treat, they’re sure to bring a little extra joy to your breakfast table. Give them a try, and don’t forget to top them with your favorite syrups and add-ons for a truly indulgent experience!
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Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
Description
There’s something truly special about waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the kitchen. These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes are the perfect way to start the day with a cozy, homemade breakfast that feels like a big, warm hug. The combination of fluffy pancakes with the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the warm spice of cinnamon creates a dish that tastes like a cross between classic pancakes and a cinnamon roll—without all the extra work!
Whether you’re making these for a relaxed weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or just because you deserve a little treat, this recipe is simple enough for any day of the week. Serve them with butter, maple syrup, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for an irresistible breakfast that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This helps distribute the ingredients evenly, so you don’t end up with clumps of sugar or spice in one spot.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or a little oil to prevent sticking. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate on contact.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the hot pan. Cook until bubbles start forming on the surface and the edges look slightly set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, until golden brown.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat if needed to prevent burning.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Stack the pancakes high on a plate and serve them warm with butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. You can also add toppings like sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Let the batter rest – If you have a few extra minutes, let the batter sit for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate and results in even fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet pancake, you can reduce the brown sugar to 1 tablespoon or swap it for honey or maple syrup.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing the egg and milk to room temperature before mixing helps create a smoother batter and better texture.
- Test the pan heat – Before cooking, drop a small bit of batter onto the pan. If it sizzles gently, your pan is at the perfect temperature. If it burns quickly, lower the heat.
- Double the batch for meal prep – These pancakes store well, so consider making extra for quick and easy breakfasts during the week.
