Get ready to kick off your holiday mornings with the comforting and delicious flavors of gingerbread in these fluffy, spiced gingerbread pancakes. With the perfect balance of warm spices, rich molasses, and a touch of sweetness, these pancakes are the ideal way to start a chilly day. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just in the mood for something festive, this gingerbread pancake recipe is sure to become a favorite.

The combination of molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves creates a flavor profile that’s both rich and cozy, evoking the warm scents of gingerbread cookies fresh out of the oven. These pancakes are soft, light, and full of flavor, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. Top them off with your favorite syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar to complete the holiday magic.

With the ease of preparation and the delightful results, these gingerbread pancakes are a must-try this holiday season, bringing the spirit of gingerbread to your breakfast table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfectly Spiced for the Holidays

Packed with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these pancakes have all the cozy, festive flavors of gingerbread, making them perfect for the holiday season.

2. Fluffy and Tender

The combination of baking powder, whole milk, and butter ensures these pancakes are light, fluffy, and melt in your mouth.

3. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s the perfect way to start the day without any fuss.

4. Versatile Toppings

Serve these gingerbread pancakes with your favorite toppings, whether it’s traditional maple syrup, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips.

5. Great for Meal Prep

These pancakes can be made ahead of time and reheated, making them ideal for busy mornings or feeding a crowd during the holidays.

Ingredients

Egg
Unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla extract
Molasses
Whole milk
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Cinnamon
Ground cloves
Ground ginger
Syrup (for topping)
Extra butter (for skillet)

Variations

Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use almond milk or coconut milk in place of whole milk. You can also use dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
Gluten-Free Gingerbread Pancakes: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help provide structure.
Extra Spicy Gingerbread Pancakes: Add a bit more ground ginger or cinnamon if you prefer a more intense spice flavor. You can also throw in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat boost.
Gingerbread Pancake Stack: For a decadent breakfast, stack the pancakes high and drizzle with caramel sauce or top with candied ginger for an extra festive touch.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the egg, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and molasses until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine. Add the whole milk gradually, stirring until the batter is smooth and just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 4: Preheat the Skillet

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with extra butter. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Remove the pancakes from the skillet and keep warm.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, or chocolate chips. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or top with crushed candy canes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense pancakes. Stir until the ingredients are just combined – it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to suit your personal taste. If you like a spicier kick, add a little more ground ginger or a pinch of cayenne.
Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) while you cook the rest.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, use room temperature milk, butter, and egg. This helps the ingredients mix more evenly and creates a smoother batter.
Test the Skillet: If you’re unsure whether the skillet is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates immediately, the skillet is ready for pancakes.

How to Serve

These gingerbread pancakes are delicious served with a variety of toppings. Try them with traditional maple syrup, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the warm spices. For an extra touch of holiday cheer, sprinkle some powdered sugar over the pancakes or add a few chocolate chips or chopped nuts. They’re also fantastic served with fresh fruit, like sliced bananas, berries, or even a dollop of applesauce.

If you’re serving a crowd, stack the pancakes high and drizzle them with syrup or a rich caramel sauce for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat them in a toaster for a crispy exterior.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze well for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the pancakes to cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, place them in the microwave or toaster, or warm them in a skillet over low heat.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pancakes, place them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or toast them for a crispy finish. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping once to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, these pancakes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later. Reheat them in the microwave or toaster for a quick breakfast.

2. Can I make these pancakes without molasses?

Molasses is essential for the characteristic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

3. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend includes xanthan gum or guar gum to help the pancakes hold together.

4. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, oat milk, or skim milk. Full-fat milk will give the pancakes a richer texture, but any milk will work.

5. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist. Mini chocolate chips are perfect for spreading evenly throughout the pancakes.

6. Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes, you can make vegan gingerbread pancakes by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) and plant-based milk and butter.

7. Can I make these pancakes without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or a store-bought egg replacer.

8. How can I make these pancakes spicier?

To make the pancakes spicier, add more ground ginger or cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.

9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed more people. Just adjust the quantities of each ingredient accordingly.

10. How can I make these pancakes fluffier?

To make fluffier pancakes, ensure that your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine.

Conclusion

These gingerbread pancakes are the perfect way to add a little holiday cheer to your breakfast routine. With their warm, comforting spices and fluffy texture, they are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them for a festive breakfast, brunch, or as a special treat, these pancakes are sure to make your holiday mornings extra special. Enjoy!