Looking for the perfect Christmas or wintertime breakfast? You’ve got to try these gingerbread pancakes!
They’re tender stacks of warmth and spice that’ll make your entire house smell festive and fragrant.
Each one features the rich flavors of ginger, molasses, and cinnamon. And a little maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream on top makes them extra decadent.
Prepare them for lazy winter weekends or special holiday brunches. Either way, they’re a fun and fluffy treat for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Pancakes
Aromatic Delight: Your whole family will appreciate the warm, spicy scents of ginger and cinnamon wafting through the house. They create an inviting atmosphere that’ll draw everyone to the table.
Rich Taste: The same things that make these pancakes smell so good also make them taste incredible. There are deep, slightly spicy notes of ginger and cinnamon, balanced by the rich sweetness of molasses.
Simple Elegance: These soft, sweet pancakes may have a sophisticated taste, but honestly, they’re really easy to make. They require only a few pantry staples and come together quickly.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the foundational structure for the pancakes.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: They create air bubbles that cause the pancakes to rise. Using both makes them extra light and fluffy.
- Salt and Vanilla: Flavor enhancers to ensure everything is well balanced.
- Ginger, Cinnamon, & Allspice: The trio pf spices that bring warmth and give the pancakes their signature gingerbread flavor.
- Egg: For binding the ingredients together.
- Molasses: For the comforting gingerbread color and a delicious sweetness.
- Whole Milk: Essential for creating the perfect batter consistency.
- Melted Butter: For an extra hint of richness and moisture.
How to Make Gingerbread Pancakes
Each bite of these yummy gingerbread pancakes transports you to a world of holiday cheer.
Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or special holiday brunches, they bring the essence of gingerbread cookies to your breakfast table.
Because who doesn’t crave cookies for breakfast, right?
Here are the steps for making these delicious pancakes:
1. MIX: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt in a large bowl. Set aside.
2. WHISK: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
3. COMBINE: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – a few lumps are okay. Set aside to rest.
4. PREHEAT: Heat a griddle or nonstick skillet to medium-low. Lightly grease the surface.
5. COOK: Working in batches, cook 1/4 cup portions for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
6. SERVE: Serve warm with tasty toppings and enjoy!
*Note: To keep cooked pancakes warm, layer on a baking sheet and pop them into a 200 degrees Fahrenheit oven.
Tips for the Best Gingerbread Pancakes
I love how these pancakes are fluffy on the inside with lightly crisp edges. And they’re a fun twist on regular pancakes that feels extra special.
Looking for a few tips before you get started? I’ve got you!
- Sift the dry ingredients. Place a sifter over the wet ingredients and sift the dry over the top. This ensures the spices and leaveners are well distributed and saves you a bowl, to boot!
- Use two different flours. For healthier, heartier pancakes, use 1 cup all-purpose and 1 cup whole wheat flour.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Whisk the wet until smooth, then grab a spatula. Mix and fold just until you no longer see streaks of flour. It’s okay if there are still some lumps.
- Let the batter rest. Once it’s ready, rest it for 5 to 10 minutes before cooking. This will allow the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust as needed. Feel free to play around with the spices. I think it’s a nice blend, but if you prefer more ginger, add some!
- Incorporate mix-ins. Add chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate chips, and more to the batter. You can also add other spices like nutmeg or clove.
- Experiment with toppings. Maple syrup and whipped cream are common. But you could also use powdered sugar, berries, cinnamon, honey, chocolate syrup, etc. As for what to serve with pancakes, I’ve got a whole other post for that!
How to Store
Many people don’t realize pancakes actually store beautifully. I didn’t either until a couple of years ago.
Here’s how to do it:
To Store: Place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container, separating them with parchment paper. Store for up to 3 days in the fridge.
To Freeze: Arrange the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months and then thaw overnight*.
To Reheat: Warm chilled pancakes in the oven or air fryer for 5 minutes at 350 degrees, or microwave for 30-60 seconds.
*You can also reheat frozen pancakes in the toaster if it has a defrost button!
More Pancake Recipes You Have to Try
Funfetti Pancakes
Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
Peanut Butter Pancakes
Pumpkin Pancakes
What’s the measurement for the molasses? 1/3 what?
Sorry, Erica!
That should say 1/3 cup! I’ll adjust the recipe now. 🙂 Thanks for catching it!
I made these and they are delicious! Thank you
So glad you enjoyed them, Betty! I plan to make them for Christmas morning!