Dessert

Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes Recipe

ByLily Cross January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

These Vanilla Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes offer a cozy twist on a breakfast favorite. Light, fluffy, and warmly spiced, they combine real buttermilk with vanilla and cinnamon for a comforting homemade treat. Perfect for a relaxing weekend morning or breakfast-for-dinner.

A stack of four thick, fluffy pancakes with a golden brown top layer sits in the center of a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The pancakes have a soft, light beige color with slight browning around the edges, showing their cooked texture. On top of the stack, a small amount of cinnamon sugar is sprinkled, adding a light brown contrast. Golden syrup slowly drips down the sides of the pancakes, pooling around the base in a shiny amber color. Beside the stack on the plate are three cinnamon sticks tied together with a piece of twine, adding a rustic touch. The overall setting looks warm and inviting with soft lighting highlighting the fluffy texture of the pancakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 2: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
Step 3: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; lumps are fine. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to enhance fluffiness.
Step 4: Heat a buttered nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet.
Step 5: Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep pancakes tender and light.
Rest the batter before cooking to activate leavening agents for extra fluffiness.
Keep cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven while finishing the batch.
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Fold in blueberries, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a delicious variation.

Storage

Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Pancakes can also be frozen by layering with parchment paper and kept in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month; thaw before reheating.

How to Serve

A stack of four thick, fluffy pancakes sits in the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The pancakes have a golden-brown top with a dusting of powdered sugar and a small pile of cinnamon sugar in the middle. Rich amber syrup drips slowly down the sides and pools around the base, adding a glossy texture. To the side of the pancakes, there are three cinnamon sticks tied with twine, resting against the stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pancakes without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly before using.

How do I keep pancakes fluffy and tender?

Be sure not to overmix the batter; mix just until combined. Also, letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking allows the leavening agents to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.