If you are looking to bring festive cheer to your breakfast table this holiday season, this Christmas Pancakes Recipe is an absolute delight you’ll want to try. Picture soft, fluffy pancakes dyed a vibrant green, stacked in the shape of a Christmas tree, and decorated with whipped cream and colorful sprinkles that resemble sparkling snow and ornaments. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a warm, comforting treat that fills your home with joy and the irresistible aroma of freshly made pancakes. This recipe is simple, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on a cozy holiday morning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Christmas Pancakes Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and festive color. These simple staples you likely have on hand come together to make pancakes that are fluffy, tender, and brimming with holiday spirit.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your batter, providing structure and softness.
- Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Baking powder: Essential for creating those light, airy pancakes that practically melt in your mouth.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist, contributing to tenderness.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding richness and fluffiness.
- Melted butter: Adds a luscious richness and helps create a golden crust on the pancakes.
- Green food coloring: The festive touch that turns your pancakes into a Christmas tree visual treat.
- Whipped cream: Provides a creamy topping that looks like freshly fallen snow.
- Assorted sprinkles and candies: Add vibrant pops of color and festive charm.
- Powdered sugar: A delicate dusting to enhance the snowy effect and add subtle sweetness.
How to Make Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents so the pancakes rise beautifully and cook evenly.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth. This mixture adds moisture and richness that transforms the dry ingredients into a smooth batter.
Step 3: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined — remember, a few lumps are okay! This light mixing is key to keeping your pancakes fluffy. Then, mix in the green food coloring a little at a time until the batter reaches that perfect Christmas tree green.
Step 4: Heat the Pan
Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. A properly heated surface helps the pancakes develop a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes in Tree Layers
Pour spoonfuls of batter onto the skillet forming small circles. Start with larger circles and gradually add smaller ones on top to craft the shape of a Christmas tree. Cook each pancake for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Stack Your Pancake Christmas Tree
Arrange the cooked pancakes by stacking the largest on the bottom and the smallest at the top, creating a festive pancake tree that’s as charming as it is delicious.
Step 7: Decorate and Serve
Top your pancake tree with generous dollops of whipped cream, sprinkle on assorted colorful candies and sprinkles, and finish with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect. Serve these Christmas Pancakes immediately for the freshest taste and most eye-catching presentation.
How to Serve Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are what truly bring the Christmas Pancakes Recipe to life. Whipped cream works beautifully as “snow,” while sprinkles and candies add festive charm and texture contrasts. You can also add a few fresh berries for a pop of natural color and a burst of tartness.
Side Dishes
Complement your pancake tree with warm sides such as crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory contrast. A fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of creamy yogurt can also balance the richness and add refreshing variety to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving your pancakes on a festive plate or using a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the pancakes itself before stacking. Drizzle warm maple syrup or chocolate sauce in a zigzag pattern over the tower for extra decadence and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Christmas Pancakes, keep them fresh by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to two days and still taste delightful with a quick reheat.
Freezing
To make your mornings easier, freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to one month and make a wonderful quick breakfast option during the busy holiday season.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a toaster, oven, or microwave until warmed through. A quick reheat preserves the fluffy texture while melting the butter and whipped cream toppings perfectly when added fresh.
FAQs
Can I make the pancakes without food coloring?
Absolutely! While the green color adds Christmas spirit, the pancakes will still taste fantastic without it. You could even try other holiday colors like red or keep them classic.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
Yes, you can swap regular milk for plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and use gluten-free flour if needed. Just keep in mind that these substitutions might slightly alter the texture.
How do I keep the pancakes fluffy?
The key is not to overmix the batter and to cook the pancakes on medium heat to prevent burning while allowing them to rise beautifully.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
While you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to combine the batter just before cooking to keep the pancakes light and tender.
What types of sprinkles and candies work best?
Use festive, brightly colored sprinkles or small candies that resemble ornaments. Avoid anything that melts too quickly or is too heavy, which might weigh down your pancake tree.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Pancakes Recipe is more than just breakfast — it’s a festive celebration on a plate that’s sure to brighten any chilly holiday morning. Cozy, colorful, and entirely fun to make, it’s the perfect way to create joyful memories around the table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that magic with your loved ones this holiday season!
Print
Christmas Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the festive season with these delightful Christmas Pancakes shaped like a Christmas tree. Fluffy, green-tinted pancakes stacked and decorated with whipped cream, sprinkles, and candies make a perfect holiday breakfast that’s visually appealing and delicious.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Green food coloring (to desired shade)
Toppings and Decoration
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Assorted sprinkles and candies, for decoration
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt to combine all dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the milk, egg, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth.
- Make Pancake Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Add green food coloring and gently stir until the batter is uniformly tinted green.
- Prepare Cooking Surface: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour batter onto the skillet to form small circles, starting with larger circles for the base and progressively smaller circles on top to shape a Christmas tree. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble Pancake Tree: Stack the pancakes on a plate from largest at the bottom to smallest on top to form a Christmas tree shape.
- Decorate and Serve: Top the pancake tree with whipped cream, sprinkles, candies, and dust powdered sugar over to resemble snow. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for easy flipping and to prevent sticking.
- Adjust the amount of green food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of green.
- Be careful not to overmix pancake batter; lumps are okay for fluffier pancakes.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
