Craving a warm breakfast treat? Try these easy homemade pancakes made with buttermilk, vanilla, and cinnamon for a quick family favorite! Save for later

Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes – Fluffy, Cozy & Full of Sweet Spice!

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes to start your day off right. And when you add the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of vanilla to the mix, you’ve got a breakfast treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? These Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes are incredibly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you probably already have on hand. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive breakfast that’s perfect for cozy mornings at home or special occasions. So why not get creative in the kitchen and give these mouthwatering pancakes a try?

Why This Works

The balance of flavors in these pancakes is just right, with the sweetness of the vanilla and the spice of the cinnamon perfectly complementing the tanginess of the buttermilk.
Preparation is a breeze, requiring just a few minutes of measuring and mixing before the batter is ready to cook.
Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is truly impressive – a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes that are sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters.

Key Ingredients

The key to making these delicious pancakes is using high-quality ingredients, including fresh buttermilk, pure vanilla extract, and warm cinnamon. You’ll also need all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and a bit of melted butter to bring everything together. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice – just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using. And if you prefer a lighter flavor, you can reduce the amount of cinnamon to 1/2 teaspoon or even less, depending on your personal taste.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by whisking together the flour, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the melted butter to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
Step 2: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix. The batter should still be slightly lumpy.
Step 3: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop the batter by 1/4 cupfuls onto the skillet or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to dry. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
Step 4: Serve the pancakes hot, topped with your favorite toppings such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or pure maple syrup. You can also keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes while you cook the remaining batter.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overmix the batter, as this can result in tough, dense pancakes. Stop stirring as soon as the ingredients are just combined.
If you find that your pancakes are too thick, you can thin out the batter with a bit more buttermilk. If they’re too thin, you can add a bit more flour.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet or griddle – cook the pancakes in batches if necessary, to ensure they have enough room to cook evenly.

Heat Control

When cooking the pancakes, it’s essential to keep an eye on the heat to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. Medium heat is usually the sweet spot, but you may need to adjust the temperature depending on your stovetop or griddle. Look for bubbles to appear on the surface of the pancakes and the edges to start to dry – this is a sign that they’re ready to flip. If you’re using a griddle, you can also test the heat by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the griddle is ready to go.

Crunch Factor

These pancakes are designed to be fluffy and tender, with a delicate crunch on the outside from the cinnamon and sugar. To achieve this texture, make sure to not overmix the batter and don’t overcook the pancakes. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through, but still soft and yielding in the center. If you prefer a crisper pancake, you can cook them for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side – just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle to cook the pancakes, as these retain heat well and can help create a crispy crust on the bottom of the pancakes.
Don’t overflip the pancakes – once or twice is enough, as excessive flipping can deflate the pancakes and make them tough.
Keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the remaining batter, to ensure everything stays hot and ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or toaster to serve.
When freezing pancakes, it’s best to freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together and make it easier to grab just what you need.
When reheating frozen pancakes, you can toast them in the toaster or reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. You can also reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to share these delicious pancakes with friends or family, consider packaging them in a cute container or bag with a few of your favorite toppings. You could include a jar of pure maple syrup, a bag of fresh fruit, or a container of whipped cream to make it a complete gift. Simply wrap the pancakes individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a paper bag or decorative tin. Add a ribbon or gift tag with a personal message, and you’ve got a thoughtful and tasty gift that’s sure to be appreciated.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Try adding different spices to the batter, such as nutmeg or cardamom, to create unique and interesting flavor combinations.
🌟 Get creative with your toppings – try using fresh fruit, nuts, or even candy pieces to add texture and flavor to your pancakes.
🌟 Swap out the buttermilk for almond milk or soy milk to create a dairy-free version of the pancakes. You can also use gluten-free flour to make the pancakes gluten-free.

Troubleshooting

If your pancakes are too dense or tough, it may be because the batter was overmixed. Try reducing the mixing time and see if that improves the texture.
If your pancakes are too thin or runny, it may be because the batter was too wet. Try adding a bit more flour to thicken the batter and see if that improves the texture.
If your pancakes are burning or cooking too quickly, it may be because the heat is too high. Try reducing the heat and see if that improves the cooking time and texture.

FAQs

Can I freeze the batter instead of the cooked pancakes? Yes, you can freeze the batter for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour to make the pancakes gluten-free.
Can I double or triple the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to make more pancakes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and adjust as needed to ensure the pancakes are cooked through.

Conclusion

These Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes are a delicious and easy breakfast option that’s perfect for any day of the week. With their fluffy texture, sweet flavor, and warm spice, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So why not get creative in the kitchen and give these mouthwatering pancakes a try? With a few simple ingredients and a bit of practice, you’ll be making delicious pancakes like a pro in no time. Happy cooking!

Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Fluffy Sweet Pancakes