Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pancakes Recipe

Fluffy Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pancakes Recipe for Joyful Mornings

Whipping up these delightful cinnamon roll christmas tree pancakes can turn a lazy morning into a festive celebration.

Festive breakfast ideas always spark joy during holiday seasons.

Sweet spiral patterns mimic classic holiday trees with delicious precision.

Soft, fluffy pancakes become the perfect canvas for creative seasonal decorating.

Buttery cinnamon swirls and powdered sugar create magical winter landscape details.

Kids will squeal with excitement when these charming breakfast treats arrive at the table.

FAQs

  • How do I make the pancakes look like a Christmas tree?

Use a triangle-shaped cookie cutter to pour the batter and create tree-like shapes. Drizzle the cinnamon mixture in a zigzag pattern to resemble tree branches.

  • Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately and store in the refrigerator. Combine just before cooking to keep the baking powder active and ensure fluffy pancakes.

  • What if I don't have a squeeze bottle for the cinnamon mixture?

Use a piping bag or a plastic zip-lock bag with a small corner cut off to drizzle the cinnamon mixture evenly over the pancakes.

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pancakes That Impress

  • Craft a Festive Breakfast: Transform ordinary pancakes into a show-stopping Christmas tree design that brings holiday cheer to the breakfast table. Kids and adults will love the creative tree-shaped presentation.
  • Master Simple Decorative Cooking: Learn an easy technique of using cookie cutters to create perfectly shaped pancakes, making breakfast preparation both fun and impressive without complicated skills.
  • Customize Your Holiday Treat: Personalize the pancakes with optional cream cheese or chocolate drizzle, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred topping while maintaining the delightful cinnamon-spiced flavor profile.
  • Quick Holiday Morning Magic: Prepare a special breakfast that looks elaborate but comes together rapidly, perfect for busy holiday mornings when you want something memorable and delicious.

Ingredients to Make Cinnamon Roll Christmas Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure for the pancakes.
  • Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the pancakes achieve a light and airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pancake batter.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Milk: Creates a smooth and creamy pancake batter.
  • White Vinegar: Helps activate the baking soda and creates a tender pancake texture.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the pancakes.
  • Butter: Provides moisture and a rich, smooth flavor to the pancake batter.
Cinnamon Filling and Topping:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: A classic sweet and warm spice mixture that creates a delicious swirl in the pancakes.
  • Cream Cheese: Softened and whipped to create a smooth, tangy topping.
  • Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese topping.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents the pancakes from sticking to the griddle and cookie cutter.

How to Prepare Cinnamon Roll Christmas Pancakes

Step 1: Create Creamy Topping

Whip softened cream cheese, milk, and butter using a stand mixer on low speed. Gradually add confectioners sugar, mixing until smooth and silky.

Set the topping aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Cinnamon Swirl Mixture

Combine these ingredients in a small bowl:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

Transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling.

Step 3: Make Buttermilk Substitute

Mix milk and white vinegar in a medium bowl. Let the mixture sit and curdle for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like liquid.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, blend these dry ingredients:
  • Flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add egg and butter to the milk mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the flour mixture into wet ingredients, mixing until lumps disappear completely.

Step 6: Cook Festive Pancake Trees

Heat griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Spray griddle and cookie cutter with cooking spray.

Place cookie cutter on griddle and fill with pancake batter. Drizzle cinnamon mixture over batter.

Cook until bubbles form on surface. Remove cookie cutter and flip pancake.

Cook until golden brown and fully done. Repeat with remaining batter.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Drizzle cream cheese topping or chocolate syrup over pancakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your Christmas tree pancake creation!

Tips to Nail Cinnamon Roll Christmas Pancakes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better pancake texture.
  • Ensure the milk and vinegar mixture sits for exactly 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
  • Control the heat carefully when cooking pancakes to prevent burning and achieve golden-brown color.
  • Prepare the cinnamon mixture in a squeeze bottle for precise and even drizzling on pancakes.
  • Clean the cookie cutter between each pancake to maintain a clean tree shape and prevent sticking.

Variations to Change Up Christmas Pancakes

  • Gluten-Free Holiday Pancakes: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same fluffy texture for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Christmas Tree Delight: Swap eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and coconut cream for topping to create a dairy-free version.
  • Low-Carb Festive Pancakes: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour, and use sugar-free sweeteners to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Chocolate Lover's Christmas Pancakes: Mix cocoa powder into the batter, use chocolate cream cheese topping, and add chocolate chips for an indulgent chocolate-themed variation.

Pairings That Compliment Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

  • Brew rich hot chocolate with a dash of cinnamon and marshmallows to complement the pancakes' warm, sweet flavors. The chocolatey warmth perfectly matches the cinnamon roll-inspired breakfast treat.
  • Serve tart raspberry or strawberry compote on the side to cut through the pancakes' sweetness. Fresh berries add a bright, tangy counterpoint that refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Prepare a creamy eggnog latte with a sprinkle of nutmeg to echo the pancakes' warm spices. The rich, creamy drink creates a festive morning experience that celebrates classic Christmas flavors.

Storage Tips for Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

  • Refrigerate: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual pancakes in plastic wrap, place in freezer bags, and store for up to 1 month to maintain freshness.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm pancakes on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to prevent overheating and maintain soft texture.
  • Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F, arrange pancakes on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 5-7 minutes to restore original taste and consistency.
Print
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Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pancakes Recipe

Cinnamon Roll Christmas Tree Pancakes Recipe


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4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Festive cinnamon roll christmas tree pancakes blend holiday cheer with breakfast delight. Sweet spirals of pancake batter create edible trees drizzled with cream cheese glaze, delighting guests with seasonal charm.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) milk
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 g) confectioners sugar
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) light brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup (120 g) flour
  • 3/4 cup (180 ml) milk
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) white vinegar
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Whip cream cheese, milk, and butter in a stand mixer on low speed. Gradually incorporate confectioners sugar until the topping becomes silky smooth. Reserve for later use.
  2. Blend butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Transfer the mixture to a squeeze bottle for easy application.
  3. Combine milk and white vinegar in a medium bowl. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk-like consistency.
  4. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Incorporate egg and butter into the milk mixture, stirring gently. Fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until minimal lumps remain.
  6. Preheat griddle or skillet to medium heat (approximately 350°F). Generously spray the cooking surface and cookie cutter with non-stick spray.
  7. Position the cookie cutter on the griddle and pour batter inside. Strategically drizzle the cinnamon mixture over the pancake batter.
  8. Cook until surface bubbles form, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the cookie cutter and carefully flip the pancake.
  9. Grill the opposite side until golden brown and fully cooked, about 1-2 minutes.
  10. Repeat the process with remaining batter, creating triangular tree-shaped pancakes.
  11. Finish by generously drizzling cream cheese topping or chocolate syrup over the pancakes before serving.

Notes

  • Chill cream cheese beforehand for smoother, easier mixing and better consistency of topping.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even blending and prevent lumpy batter.
  • Experiment with different cookie cutter shapes to create festive pancake designs for various holidays or themes.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour, adjusting liquid measurements slightly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 417 kcal
  • Sugar: 29 g
  • Sodium: 397 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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