Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Get ready to transform your holiday mornings with these Christmas Pancakes! This recipe delivers fluffy, golden stacks with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg that capture the spirit of the season in every bite. Whether you tint them with festive red and green hues, sprinkle them with sugary cheer, or simply drizzle on plenty of maple syrup, these pancakes are a surefire way to make Christmas morning breakfast extra special. Perfect for kids and grown-ups alike, they’re a tradition worth sharing–so gather your favorite toppings and let’s make Christmas Pancakes a magical part of your festivities!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Christmas Pancakes is in their simplicity—the ingredients might be pantry staples, but together they create something truly memorable. Each one has a purpose: some add structure, others bring flavor or that irresistible holiday aroma, and a few are just for fun. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: This gives your pancakes the perfect fluffy texture and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to enhance the cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.
- Baking powder: Brings that delightful lift, making each pancake thick and airy.
- Baking soda: Teams up with buttermilk to give the pancakes an extra rise and tender crumb.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and ensures all the flavors pop.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses every bite with classic holiday warmth and spice.
- Ground nutmeg: A touch of nutmeg makes these pancakes taste like Christmas in pancake form.
- Buttermilk: The secret to rich, tangy, tender pancakes that practically melt in your mouth.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the batter and giving pancakes their light, fluffy structure.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and that unmistakable homemade taste.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): For those irresistibly festive Christmas Pancakes that look as joyful as they taste.
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional for topping): Sprinkles add sparkle, and peppermint brings a cool holiday kick.
- Whipped cream and maple syrup for serving: Because pancakes are meant to be dreamy and delicious!
How to Make Christmas Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures all your spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, setting the stage for perfectly flavored Christmas Pancakes.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. This mix creates the luscious base that gives your pancakes unbeatable moisture and taste.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—it’s absolutely okay if you see a few small lumps! Overmixing will make your pancakes tough, so resist the urge for a perfectly smooth batter.
Step 4: Add Festive Colors (Optional)
For that classic holiday look, divide the batter into two bowls. Tint one bowl with red food coloring and the other with green. Swirl or layer them for a playful Christmas Pancakes presentation, or keep them natural for a more traditional look.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with butter or oil. Ladle about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. Let them cook for 2–3 minutes, until bubbles form on top and the edges look set. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until the bottoms are golden and pancakes are cooked through. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the batter.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Stack your pancakes high and pile on the toppings—whipped cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, a shower of sprinkles, or crushed peppermint. Keep them warm as you go by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven, ensuring everyone enjoys hot, fresh Christmas Pancakes together.
How to Serve Christmas Pancakes
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing Christmas Pancakes, the sky’s the limit! A snowy tuft of whipped cream, a swirl of maple syrup, and a generous dusting of holiday sprinkles or peppermint pieces make each stack look like a festive masterpiece. These extras add fun textures and a pop of color, turning your pancakes into a Christmas morning treat that’s almost too pretty to eat.
Side Dishes
Pair your Christmas Pancakes with sides that round out the celebratory vibe. Think crispy strips of bacon or sausage for saltiness, fresh fruit salad to add brightness, or a big mug of hot cocoa for pure holiday indulgence. Each side brings a special touch to the table, ensuring everyone leaves breakfast smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping centerpiece, stack your Christmas Pancakes in alternating red and green layers to create a striped effect, or use holiday cookie cutters to shape them into stars, trees, or snowflakes. Arrange mini pancakes on a platter with bowls of toppings for a build-your-own pancake bar. Kids and adults will love making their own edible holiday creations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Christmas Pancakes (rare, but it does happen!), let them cool completely, then stack and wrap them in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, making for a cheery breakfast encore the next morning.
Freezing
Christmas Pancakes freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for those busy winter mornings when you want a bit of holiday magic in a hurry.
Reheating
To bring leftover pancakes back to fluffy perfection, simply reheat in the toaster, toaster oven, or microwave until warmed through. For a big batch, place them on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Top as desired and enjoy a quick, cozy breakfast!
FAQs
Can I make these Christmas Pancakes gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get deliciously fluffy, festive pancakes.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries—just add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk, let it sit for five minutes, and you’ll have a quick buttermilk substitute that works like a charm.
How do I prevent my pancakes from sticking to the pan?
A well-heated nonstick pan or griddle and a light brush of melted butter or oil between each batch will keep sticking to a minimum. If your pancakes are still sticking, try lowering the heat a bit.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries?
Definitely! Gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries right before cooking. This adds exciting flavors and textures, making your Christmas Pancakes even more special.
How can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Easily! Prepare the batter the night before and store in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir in the morning, then cook as directed. Or, cook the pancakes ahead and reheat them in the oven for a stress-free breakfast.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something extra joyful about starting a holiday morning with a stack of Christmas Pancakes. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just want to add a little sparkle to your own breakfast, these pancakes deliver big on both taste and festive spirit. Give them a try—you’ll find they’re a tradition worth keeping year after year!
Print
Christmas Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Pancakes are a delightful and festive way to start your holiday morning. Fluffy, spiced, and colorful, they are sure to bring a smile to your loved ones’ faces.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
For Topping and Serving:
- Holiday sprinkles or crushed peppermint (optional)
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a skillet, pour batter, cook until bubbles form, flip, and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Stack pancakes, top with whipped cream, syrup, and decorations. Serve warm.
Notes
- To keep pancakes warm, place them in a 200°F oven.
- Use holiday cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Substitute buttermilk with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
