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.