Christmas Pancakes are pure magic on a plate: fluffy, spiced just right, and decked out in festive colors that bring instant cheer to your table. Each bite tastes like the comfort and warmth of holiday mornings, and the toppings transform ordinary pancakes into a joyful celebration. Whether you’re serving these to brighten a grey winter day or making them for a special Christmas breakfast, they’re guaranteed to become a beloved tradition!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so comforting about how simple these ingredients are – you probably have most in your kitchen already! Each one plays a crucial part in creating the wonderful flavor, softness, and holiday flair of your Christmas Pancakes.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for fluffy, tender pancakes that hold together beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Baking powder: Ensures your pancakes rise tall and stay light.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for that signature soft, airy texture.
- Salt: Brightens all the flavors and highlights the sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a classic holiday aroma to the batter.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty punch that screams Christmas morning.
- Buttermilk: The secret to extra tender, tangy pancakes (or use a quick homemade substitute).
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for structure without heaviness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and ensures every bite is soft and moist.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a gentle sweetness and rounds out all the spices.
- Red and green food coloring (optional): For truly festive Christmas Pancakes that look as good as they taste.
- Whipped cream: A dollop for topping makes each stack feel like a holiday dessert.
- Crushed candy canes: Sprinkle on top for sweet peppermint crunch and extra holiday spirit.
- Festive sprinkles: Because nothing says Christmas cheer quite like a dash of color!
How to Make Christmas Pancakes
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl and carefully whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these first ensures your spices and leaveners are totally dispersed, which means your Christmas Pancakes come out flavorful and evenly fluffy every time.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is wonderfully smooth and blended. The buttermilk and butter are the secret to rich, moist pancakes that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Gently Mix Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry ingredients and stir gently – just enough to combine and no more! Overmixing will make your pancakes tough instead of light. Don’t worry about a few small lumps; they actually mean your batter is perfect.
Step 4: Add Festive Color
If you’d like to go all in on the Christmas theme, divide your batter into two or three bowls and add a few drops of red and green food coloring to each. Swirl until the color is well distributed, but don’t overmix. You’ll love how your Christmas Pancakes light up the plate!
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot surface. When bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2–3 minutes, flip them. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden and cooked through. Continue with the remaining batter, stacking those colorful pancakes high!
How to Serve Christmas Pancakes
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a cloud of whipped cream on top, a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, and a generous shower of festive sprinkles. These toppings add crunch, creaminess, and that unmistakable holiday sparkle that makes Christmas Pancakes feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these pancakes with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a simple fruit salad for a complete breakfast that balances sweet and savory. If it’s a truly indulgent morning, offer a pot of hot cocoa on the side!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking alternating red and green pancakes, or use cookie cutters for fun shapes before cooking. Arrange in a Christmas tree shape on a platter, dust with powdered sugar “snow,” and decorate with berries for ornaments. These playful ideas make the experience even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once everyone’s enjoyed their fill, store any extra Christmas Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days and make a speedy, festive breakfast later in the week.
Freezing
Got a big batch? Stack cooled pancakes between waxed paper sheets, transfer to a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy a taste of the holidays whenever you’re craving comfort and cheer!
Reheating
To reheat, warm pancakes in a toaster or on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving for 20–30 seconds works in a pinch, but the toaster keeps the texture fluffy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I make Christmas Pancakes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the buttermilk for your favorite dairy-free milk plus a splash of lemon juice, and use melted coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. You’ll still get those fluffy, wonderful results.
How do I get vibrant red and green pancakes?
Gel food coloring yields the brightest colors since it’s more concentrated and won’t thin your batter. Start with just a drop or two, mix gently, and add more until you reach your perfect Christmas Pancakes palette.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
For freshest taste, mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. In the morning, combine and cook – the leavening agents activate best right after mixing. You can, however, store mixed batter in the fridge for up to 8 hours if needed.
What’s the best way to crush candy canes?
Place candy canes in a zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. This gives you the perfect sprinkle-sized bits for topping your Christmas Pancakes.
Will the pancakes taste too spicy with the cinnamon and nutmeg?
Not at all! The measurements give you just enough spice to evoke holiday coziness without being overwhelming. If you love a bolder flavor, feel free to add an extra pinch.
Final Thoughts
Gather your favorite people and make a batch of these Christmas Pancakes – they’re the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a joyful holiday memory. Trust me, one bite and you’ll find yourself making them again and again, and every plate will bring smiles. Happy festive flipping!
Print
Christmas Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Christmas Pancakes are a delightful and festive breakfast treat perfect for the holiday season. Fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, topped with whipped cream, candy canes, and sprinkles, make for a merry and bright morning meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Red and green food coloring (optional)
For Topping:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed candy canes
- Festive sprinkles
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine and Cook: Gently mix wet ingredients into dry. Cook pancakes on a greased skillet, adding food coloring for festive touch.
- Serve: Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, and sprinkles.
Notes
- You can substitute buttermilk with 1 ¼ cups milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
- For an extra festive twist, top with maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
