Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Breakfast
This Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe is the perfect way to bring the warmth and flavor of the holiday season to your breakfast table. These pancakes are fluffy, moist, and packed with the delicious spices that make gingerbread so comforting. To make them, start by mixing dry ingredients such as flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, molasses, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Heat a non-stick skillet and pour the batter in small rounds, cooking until bubbles form on the surface, then flip. Serve these gingerbread pancakes with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or whipped cream for an extra treat. This Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe will make your mornings merry and bright, with the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that everyone will love.
Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe: A Perfect Holiday Breakfast
The holiday season is synonymous with cozy mornings, festive decorations, and, of course, delicious food. One such treat that combines the warmth of holiday spices and the comfort of a classic breakfast dish is gingerbread pancakes. These fluffy, spiced pancakes are not only a delightful twist on the traditional breakfast but also bring the essence of winter spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into every bite. The soft texture, coupled with the robust gingerbread flavor, makes them a perfect choice for a cozy morning or a special holiday breakfast with family and friends.
This gingerbread pancakes recipe is simple, quick to prepare, and full of seasonal charm. Whether you’re making it for Christmas morning, a weekend brunch, or as a special treat for yourself, these pancakes are sure to be a hit. The combination of molasses, brown sugar, and warming spices creates a rich, flavorful batter that yields light and fluffy pancakes with a subtle sweetness, perfect for pairing with maple syrup, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re looking to make your mornings extra special, this recipe will not disappoint.
Nutrition
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of gingerbread pancakes (1 pancake):
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Potassium: 100mg
These nutritional values can vary depending on the specific ingredients used (such as milk type or syrup) and the size of the pancakes. To make this recipe healthier, you can substitute some ingredients, like using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 pancakes (based on a standard serving of 2 pancakes per person)
Cuisines: American, Holiday
Course: Breakfast, Brunch
Calories per serving: 360 (for 2 pancakes with syrup)
Equipment Needed
To make this gingerbread pancakes recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Griddle or frying pan
- Spatula
- Ladle or measuring cup for pouring batter
- Plate for serving
Ingredients
For the pancakes:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For serving:
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are well combined. The spices will give the pancakes that signature gingerbread flavor, so make sure they’re evenly distributed. - Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, milk (or buttermilk), melted butter, molasses, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The molasses provides that deep, rich flavor reminiscent of gingerbread cookies, while the brown sugar adds a hint of caramel-like sweetness. - Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into the well. Stir gently using a spoon or spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to dense pancakes. The batter should be slightly lumpy; this is normal. - Let the Batter Rest
Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to absorb the liquid and helps to create fluffier pancakes. Meanwhile, preheat your griddle or frying pan over medium heat. - Cook the Pancakes
Lightly grease your griddle or pan with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges begin to look set (about 2-3 minutes). Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat this process until all the batter is used up. - Serve and Enjoy
Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve hot with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. These gingerbread pancakes are also delicious with fresh berries, yogurt, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Pancakes
- Consistency: If the batter seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, add a little more flour.
- Temperature: Make sure your griddle or pan is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through; too cold, and they’ll be flat and greasy.
- Customizations: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits like cranberries for an extra layer of flavor.
Conclusion
Gingerbread pancakes are the perfect way to start your day during the holiday season. The comforting combination of spices and molasses offers a festive twist to a beloved breakfast favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday brunch or treating yourself to a cozy weekend breakfast, these pancakes will quickly become a family favorite. With just the right balance of sweetness and spice, they’re a perfect way to spread holiday cheer in the kitchen. Serve them up with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, and enjoy a deliciously festive meal.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.