Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe: Cozy Holiday Breakfast Magic!

Are you tired of the same old boring breakfast routine during the holiday season? Looking for something that brings warmth and festive cheer to your morning table? These Gingerbread Pancakes are the cozy breakfast magic you’ve been searching for!

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and these gingerbread pancakes have become a cherished tradition in my home. The moment the rich aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses fills the kitchen, my family knows it’s officially holiday season. There’s something truly special about watching faces light up when these fluffy, spiced pancakes arrive at the breakfast table.

As someone who believes breakfast sets the tone for the entire day, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to capture that perfect balance of nostalgic holiday flavors while keeping the pancakes delightfully fluffy and satisfying.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients for authentic gingerbread flavor, share my step-by-step cooking method for perfectly fluffy pancakes, offer serving suggestions to make your holiday breakfast extra special, and answer common questions to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly every time.

Why This Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe Works

• Uses common pantry ingredients you likely already have for holiday baking
• Quick 15-minute prep makes it perfect for busy holiday mornings
• Versatile recipe that pleases both kids and adults
• Captures authentic gingerbread flavor in fluffy pancake form
• Can be made ahead and frozen for stress-free holiday breakfasts

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Gingerbread Pancakes

Best Flour Options for Gingerbread Pancakes

All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe, creating tender pancakes with just the right amount of structure. For a nuttier flavor and extra nutrition, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully in this recipe.

Spice Selection Tips

For authentic gingerbread flavor, use fresh ground ginger powder rather than one that’s been sitting in your cabinet for years. The same goes for cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fresher spices will give you that vibrant, aromatic quality that defines great gingerbread pancakes.

Sweetener Recommendations

Traditional molasses gives these pancakes their distinctive gingerbread character. Dark molasses provides the most robust flavor, but light molasses works well for a milder taste. Brown sugar complements the molasses perfectly, but maple syrup can be substituted for a different dimension of sweetness.

Ingredients & Prep for Gingerbread Pancakes

Dry Ingredients Preparation

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Whisk all dry ingredients together in a large bowl to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.

Wet Ingredients Assembly

• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup molasses
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1¾ cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Whisk wet ingredients in a separate bowl until fully combined and the sugar is dissolved.

Mixing Method

The key to tender gingerbread pancakes is gentle mixing combine wet and dry ingredients just until no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing develops gluten and results in tough pancakes. Allow batter to rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

Step-by-Step Gingerbread Pancakes Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Gingerbread Pancake Prep

1. Heat your griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter or cooking spray.
3. Test if the surface is hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water they should sizzle and dance.

Cooking Gingerbread Pancakes Method

1. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the preheated surface.
2. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown (about 2 minutes).
4. Transfer to a warm plate and cover while cooking remaining pancakes.

Perfect Gingerbread Pancakes Doneness Check

Perfectly cooked gingerbread pancakes should be golden brown on both sides with a slight spring when pressed in the center. If they seem undercooked in the middle, lower your heat slightly and cook them a bit longer on each side.

Keeping Gingerbread Pancakes Warm

Place cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm while you finish cooking the batch. Stacking them immediately can cause them to become soggy.

Pro Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Pancakes

Achieving Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes

• Don’t skip the resting time it allows the leavening agents to activate and gluten to relax
• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and fluffier results
• Never overmix the batter a few small lumps are perfectly fine

Tool Recommendations for Gingerbread Pancakes

• A cast iron griddle provides even heat distribution
• A thin, flexible spatula makes flipping easier
• A ¼ cup measuring cup ensures uniformly sized pancakes

Storage & Reheating Gingerbread Pancakes

Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, place pancakes in single layers separated by parchment paper in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen pancakes in a toaster or 350°F oven until warm.

Looking for more holiday breakfast inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for festive morning treats that will make your holiday season extra special! Pinterest

Flavor Variations for Gingerbread Pancakes

Holiday Spice Twists

Adjust the spice profile to match your preference add more ginger for a spicier kick or reduce it for a milder flavor. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist on the traditional gingerbread flavor.

Special Diet Adaptations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar for buttermilk, and use coconut oil instead of butter
• Egg-Free: Replace eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or 2 flax eggs (2 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 Tbsp water)
• Refined Sugar-Free: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and date syrup in place of molasses

Seasonal Add-Ins

Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Pancakes

Transform your gingerbread pancakes into a festive holiday breakfast by pairing them with complementary toppings and sides:

• Maple Cinnamon Butter: Mix softened butter with maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon
• Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream with real vanilla adds luxury
• Festive Fruit: Fresh cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or sliced pears add color and freshness
• Breakfast Meats: Serve with a side of crispy turkey bacon for a savory complement
• Beverages: Pair with hot chocolate, spiced apple cider, or a festive holiday coffee

FAQs About Gingerbread Pancakes

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. The pancakes might be slightly less fluffy, but still delicious. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of milk if the batter thickens too much overnight.

Why are my gingerbread pancakes flat?

Flat pancakes usually result from expired leavening agents (check your baking powder and baking soda dates), overmixing the batter, or cooking at too low a temperature. Make sure your griddle is properly preheated before adding the batter.

Can I make these without molasses?

While molasses provides the distinctive gingerbread flavor, you can substitute dark maple syrup or honey if necessary. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Are gingerbread pancakes freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Cool them completely, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and can be popped directly into a toaster or microwave from frozen.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about starting a holiday morning with the warm, spicy aroma of gingerbread pancakes filling your home. This recipe transforms an ordinary breakfast into a festive celebration, creating those precious moments of joy and togetherness that make the holiday season so special.

Whether you’re serving these to excited children on Christmas morning or enjoying a quiet weekend breakfast during the holiday season, these gingerbread pancakes are sure to become a cherished tradition in your home, just as they have in mine.

So heat up that griddle, gather your loved ones, and treat yourself to a stack of these festive, fluffy delights. Your holiday mornings will never be the same again!

Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe: Cozy Holiday Breakfast Magic!

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 10 pancakes 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Fluffy, warmly spiced Gingerbread Pancakes bursting with molasses, cinnamon, and ginger  a festive holiday breakfast that fills your kitchen with cozy aroma and cheer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground cloves

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 cup milk

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup molasses

1 large egg

2 tbsp melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

Butter or oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices.

2. In another bowl, whisk milk, buttermilk, molasses, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined — do not overmix.

4. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.

5. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

6. Pour 1/4 cup of batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.

7. Repeat with remaining batter.

8. Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, or whipped cream, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a few mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to the batter.

To make dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter.

Leftover pancakes can be frozen and reheated for a quick festive breakfast.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pancakes
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: gingerbread pancakes, holiday breakfast, molasses pancakes, Christmas brunch