There’s nothing quite like waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar filling the kitchen. These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes are the perfect way to bring warm, cozy flavors to your breakfast table. Light, fluffy, and packed with a subtle caramel-like sweetness, these pancakes feel like a warm hug on a plate.
The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar gives these pancakes a rich depth of flavor, while the fluffy texture comes from just the right balance of ingredients. They’re quick to make, making them ideal for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. And if you love the idea of meal-prepping breakfasts, these pancakes store beautifully in the fridge or freezer for an easy, delicious meal anytime.
Whether you drizzle them with pure maple syrup, add a pat of butter, or top them with fresh fruit and whipped cream, these pancakes are sure to become a new family favorite. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep time make this recipe beginner-friendly.
- Fluffy & Tender – The baking powder ensures a perfect rise, creating a soft, airy texture.
- Rich, Warm Flavor – The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar adds a deep, caramelized sweetness.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Great for storing in the fridge or freezer for easy breakfasts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner, these pancakes always hit the spot.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pancakes:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cup whole milk (300g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (5g)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (56g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (110g) (light for a mild flavor, dark for a deeper caramel taste)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
- ½ tsp salt (3g)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (3g)
- 1 tbsp baking powder (14g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
- Stir until fully combined and the brown sugar has mostly dissolved.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Stir until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms. A few small lumps are fine—don’t overmix!
3. Heat the Skillet
- Preheat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat (about 325°F or 165°C).
- Add a small pat of butter or a light coating of oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
4. Cook the Pancakes
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the heated pan for each pancake.
- Cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set.
- Flip and cook for another 1 minute, until the second side is golden brown and the pancake is fully set.
5. Serve Warm & Enjoy
- Stack the pancakes high and serve immediately with:
- Real maple syrup
- Softened butter
- Sliced bananas or fresh berries
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
Pro Tips for the Best Pancakes
- Choose the Right Brown Sugar – Light brown sugar gives a milder caramel flavor, while dark brown sugar offers a richer, deeper sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing leads to dense, tough pancakes. Stir until just combined.
- Use Medium-Low Heat – Cooking too fast can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. 325°F (165°C) is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked pancakes.
- Test the Pan’s Heat First – Sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface—if they dance and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready.
- Make a Double Batch – These pancakes store well in the fridge and freezer, making future breakfasts a breeze!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
- Allow the pancakes to cool completely before storing.
- Stack them with parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Reheat using a toaster oven, microwave, or stovetop.
Freezing
- Lay the pancakes flat on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes (prevents sticking).
- Transfer them to a sealed container or freezer bag.
- Store in the freezer for 1-2 months.
- To reheat, use a toaster oven, microwave, or stovetop skillet.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Crispy Bacon – The sweet and salty combination is irresistible.
- Enjoy with a Hot Latte or Tea – Cinnamon pairs beautifully with warm beverages.
- Top with Warm Apples – Sauté sliced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a fall-inspired treat.
- Make Them Extra Indulgent – Drizzle with chocolate sauce or add chocolate chips to the batter.
FAQs – Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
1. Can I use a different type of milk?
Yes! You can substitute almond milk, oat milk, or even buttermilk. Buttermilk will give the pancakes a slight tangy flavor and extra fluffiness.
2. What if I don’t have baking powder?
You can substitute 1 teaspoon of baking powder with ½ teaspoon of baking soda + 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
3. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
4. How can I make them extra fluffy?
For ultra-fluffy pancakes:
- Separate the egg whites and beat them until stiff peaks form.
- Fold them into the batter right before cooking.
5. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to cook the pancakes right after mixing for the fluffiest texture. However, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 12 hours—just give it a quick stir before using.
6. Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
- Overmixing can make them dense.
- Your baking powder might be expired—check the date!
- Cooking on too high heat can cause them to cook unevenly.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes bring warm, cozy flavors to your breakfast table with fluffy texture and a caramel-like sweetness from the brown sugar. Whether you enjoy them on a slow Sunday morning, meal-prep them for busy weekdays, or serve them for a special occasion, they’re sure to be a family favorite.
So, grab your whisk and skillet, and make these pancakes for your next breakfast! Don’t forget to top them with real maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon for the ultimate treat. Enjoy!
PrintCinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes are light, fluffy, and packed with warm, cozy flavors. The combination of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a rich, caramel-like sweetness, making them perfect for breakfast or brunch. They’re easy to make, come together in just 20 minutes, and pair wonderfully with maple syrup, butter, or fresh fruit.
Ingredients
- Main Ingredients: Eggs, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, salt, cinnamon, baking powder
Instructions
- Whisk wet ingredients – eggs, milk, vanilla, melted butter, and brown sugar.
- Sift dry ingredients – flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures, stirring until smooth (don’t overmix).
- Heat a skillet to medium-low heat and grease with butter.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake and cook for 1 ½ minutes.
- Flip and cook for another 1 minute until golden brown.
- Serve warm with maple syrup and butter.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter – keeps the pancakes light and fluffy.
- Use light or dark brown sugar depending on how rich you want the flavor.
- Freeze leftovers for easy breakfasts during the week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American