Ah, Christmas morning! There’s just something magical about waking up to the smell of delicious food wafting through the house, isn’t there? My family has a tradition of gathering around the breakfast table, and these christmas pancakes bring us together like nothing else. Fluffy, festive, and just a tad sweet, they’re the perfect way to kick off a day filled with joy and laughter. I remember one year, we decided to add crushed peppermint candies to the mix, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The joyful crunch and minty flavor made our holiday breakfast feel even more special. Trust me, these pancakes will add that extra dash of cheer to your Christmas celebration!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – the base for our fluffy pancakes
- 2 tablespoons sugar – just the right amount of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – for that perfect rise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – to balance the flavors
- 1 cup milk – you can use regular or almond milk for a dairy-free option
- 1 large egg – binds everything together nicely
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – adds richness and flavor
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – a must for that warm, comforting aroma
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – gives a cozy, festive touch
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies – for that delightful crunch and holiday spirit
How to Prepare *Christmas Pancakes*
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making those christmas pancakes! It’s super simple, and I promise you, these steps will lead you to a plate of fluffy goodness that will fill your home with holiday cheer. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized bowl. In it, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Just whisk it up until everything is combined. The cinnamon adds such a lovely aroma, doesn’t it?
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might scramble the egg! Just a gentle warmth will do the trick.
- Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if a few lumps remain; we want those pancakes fluffy!
- Carefully fold in the crushed peppermint candies. Wow, the festive crunch is going to be amazing!
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with a bit of butter or cooking spray. You want a nice sizzle when the batter hits the pan.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown. Oh, the smell is incredible!
- Repeat with the remaining batter, and don’t forget to adjust the heat if things are cooking too fast!
- Serve your christmas pancakes warm, topped with your favorite syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every festive bite!
Nutritional Information
These christmas pancakes are not just a treat for the taste buds, but they also bring some nutritional value to the table! Here’s an estimate of what you can expect per pancake:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 4g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. For example, if you swap in almond milk or add chocolate chips, those numbers might change a bit. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the festive flavors, right? Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to whip up, perfect for busy Christmas mornings.
- Fluffy and delicious, these pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Festive twist with crushed peppermint candies that add a delightful crunch.
- Customizable—top them with your favorite holiday toppings for extra flair.
- They fill your home with a warm, comforting aroma that screams holiday cheer!
Tips for Success
If you want to take your christmas pancakes to the next level, I’ve got some great tips for you! First off, make sure your skillet is at the right temperature. Too hot, and the pancakes will burn on the outside while staying raw inside. I usually test the heat by flicking a drop of water on the skillet—if it dances and evaporates, you’re good to go!
Also, if you’re looking to make these pancakes a little lighter, try substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. And don’t hesitate to mix in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts along with the peppermint for a fun twist! Lastly, remember to let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking; this helps create fluffier pancakes. Enjoy every festive bite!
Variations
One of the best parts about these christmas pancakes is how easy it is to customize them to fit your holiday spirit! If you want to switch things up, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a spicier flavor profile that just screams holiday cheer. You could even mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping the crushed peppermint for some festive cranberry sauce or even a swirl of homemade apple butter. And don’t forget about the toppings! A drizzle of chocolate syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a handful of fresh berries can take these pancakes to the next level. The sky’s the limit—get creative and make these pancakes your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover christmas pancakes (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you seal them up to keep them fluffy!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a toaster, microwave, or skillet. If using a microwave, heat for about 20-30 seconds per pancake, or until warmed through. For that freshly made taste, a quick toss on a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes works wonders too. Enjoy the festive flavors all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I make these christmas pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking in the morning. It saves time and gets you right to the festive fun!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that the texture might be a bit denser, so you might want to add a touch more milk to achieve that fluffy pancake feel.
How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
No problem! Just swap out the regular milk for almond milk or any other dairy-free milk you love. The pancakes will still turn out delicious and festive!
What toppings work best with christmas pancakes?
I love topping them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies! But you can also go for fresh berries, chocolate syrup, or even a drizzle of maple syrup to fit your holiday mood.
Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Definitely! Just let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and store in an airtight container. They’ll be ready for a quick reheat whenever you need a festive fix!
Christmas Pancakes: 7 Festive Flavors to Savor
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and festive pancakes perfect for Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in crushed peppermint candies.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grease lightly.
- Pour batter onto the skillet and cook until bubbles form.
- Flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with syrup and whipped cream.
Notes
- You can substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.
- Top with chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: christmas pancakes, festive pancakes, holiday breakfast
