Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and sugar wafting through your kitchen. Snickerdoodle pancakes bring that nostalgic cookie flavor right to your breakfast table, blending the best of both worlds. These fluffy, cinnamon-sugar-coated delights are perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a special treat for the family.
Originating from the classic snickerdoodle cookie, these pancakes offer a delightful twist on a beloved favorite. They’re incredibly easy to whip up and promise to make your mornings a little sweeter. Whether you’re a pancake enthusiast or a snickerdoodle fan, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your breakfast repertoire.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious snickerdoodle pancakes, complete with their signature cinnamon sugar topping and optional vanilla sauce.
Snickerdoodle Pancake Batter
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools and Equipment
To achieve the perfect snickerdoodle pancakes, you will need a few essential tools and equipment. Here is a list of items I recommend:
- Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for your dry ingredients and a medium bowl for your wet ingredients.
- Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is crucial for achieving the right balance of ingredients.
- Griddle or Non-Stick Skillet: A griddle will provide an even cooking surface, but a non-stick skillet works just as well.
- Spatula: Use a flat spatula for flipping the pancakes to keep them intact.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Double Boiler or Small Saucepan: Useful for preparing the optional vanilla sauce.
- Electric Mixer or Hand Mixer: If you need to whip the heavy cream for the vanilla sauce.
Having these tools handy will streamline the cooking process and ensure your snickerdoodle pancakes turn out perfectly every time.
Prep
Before diving into making our snickerdoodle pancakes let’s get everything ready. ensure you have all your ingredients and tools handy to avoid any interruptions.
Measuring and Mixing the Batter
- Measure Dry Ingredients: Start by measuring 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Combine these in a large mixing bowl.
- Add Cinnamon: Measure 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and add it to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl whisk together 1 cup of milk 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Melt Butter: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Add the melted butter. Stir until just combined; do not overmix.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate.
- Mix Cinnamon-Sugar: In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will be your topping for the pancakes.
- Butter for Cooking: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. You will use this to grease the griddle for cooking the pancakes.
- Optional Vanilla Sauce: If you choose to make the vanilla sauce, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Directions
Follow these steps to make perfect snickerdoodle pancakes and a delicious vanilla sauce.
Cooking the Pancakes
- Prepare the Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, beat together 1 1/2 cups of milk, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes.
- Preheat and Grease the Griddle:
- Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and lightly grease the cooking surface.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Sprinkle a bit of the cinnamon-sugar mixture (2 tablespoons of sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon) on top of the batter.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Repeat until all the batter is used, re-greasing the cooking surface as needed.
- Gather Ingredients:
- You will need 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, flour, and salt over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Serve:
- Drizzle the vanilla sauce over the warm snickerdoodle pancakes.
- Optionally, dust with extra cinnamon-sugar for added flavor and garnish.
Assembly
Now that the pancakes are perfectly cooked, it is time to assemble the final masterpiece. This stage is where the snickerdoodle transformation truly comes to life.
Adding The Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Place a warm pancake on a plate.
- Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top of the pancake, ensuring an even coating.
- Use the back of a spoon or a pastry brush to gently spread the cinnamon-sugar mixture to the edges for full coverage.
- Repeat with additional pancakes, stacking them as desired. Make sure each layer gets its share of the cinnamon-sugar topping.
- Drizzle the homemade vanilla sauce liberally over the stack of pancakes.
- Aim for an aesthetically pleasing presentation by making gentle, flowing motions with the spoon or a squeeze bottle.
- For added decadence, serve with a side of extra vanilla sauce.
- Optionally, garnish with a dusting of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for a final touch.
By following these steps in the assembly, you allow each layer of pancake to absorb the flavors of the cinnamon-sugar topping and the vanilla sauce, creating a delightful snickerdoodle-inspired breakfast.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Snickerdoodle Pancakes
Once you’ve indulged in your snickerdoodle pancakes, you might want to save some for later. To properly store leftover pancakes, follow these steps:
- Let the pancakes cool completely before storing to prevent moisture build-up.
- Layer each pancake between pieces of parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Place the pancakes in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. If using a bag, ensure you remove as much air as possible.
- Store the container or bag in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the pancakes within 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating Snickerdoodle Pancakes
Reheating snickerdoodle pancakes is simple and ensures they remain delicious and fluffy. You can reheat them using a microwave, an oven, or a toaster. Here’s how:
Microwave
- Place up to 2 pancakes on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the pancakes with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave the pancakes on high for 20-30 seconds. Check if they are warm enough. If not, continue to microwave in 10-second increments until they are heated through.
Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the pancakes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Cover the pancakes with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
- Set your toaster to a low setting.
- Place one pancake in the toaster slot.
- Toast for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely to avoid burning. Repeat if necessary until the pancake is heated through.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your snickerdoodle pancakes at any time, ensuring they taste just as fresh as when they were first made.
Conclusion
Making snickerdoodle pancakes is a delightful way to bring the flavors of a beloved cookie to your breakfast table. With a cinnamon-sugar topping and a homemade vanilla sauce these pancakes are sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward and the tips for storing and reheating ensure you can enjoy them anytime. Give these snickerdoodle pancakes a try and elevate your breakfast game.