Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Pancakes are a delightful way to bring festive cheer to your breakfast table. These pancakes are not only delicious but also brighten your morning with vibrant colors and fun toppings. They’re an exciting treat that can temporarily transform your kitchen into a holiday wonderland.
This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for families. It allows everyone to get involved, from whisking the batter to decorating the pancakes. With a blend of simple ingredients and a splash of festive spirit, these pancakes will surely become a tradition in your holiday celebrations.
Equipment Needed For Christmas Pancakes
To make Christmas Pancakes, you will need some basic kitchen tools. Start with mixing bowls to combine the ingredients. A griddle or a non-stick skillet is essential for cooking the pancakes evenly. You should also have a ladle for pouring the batter and a spatula for flipping the pancakes.
A whisk will help mix the batter smoothly. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons, as accurate measurements are key for the perfect texture. Lastly, for garnishes, a knife for cutting strawberries and plates for serving will complete your pancake-making setup.
What You Need to Make Christmas Pancakes
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Christmas sprinkles, plus more for topping
- Whipped cream
- 12 strawberries, tops cut off, optional
- Maple syrup or buttermilk syrup
How to Cook Christmas Pancakes Step by Step
Begin your pancake adventure by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. In a medium mixing bowl, pour in 2 1/4 cups of flour, followed by 1/4 cup of sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Mix these dry ingredients together until they are completely combined. This step is essential as it ensures even distribution of the baking powder, which helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy. Once mixed, create a well in the center of the dry mixture.
Next, add 2 cups of milk, 1/3 cup of vegetable oil, 1 beaten egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the well. Using a whisk, gently mix the wet ingredients with the dry until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay.
Now, it’s time to add the festive touch! Stir in 1/4 cup of the Christmas sprinkles into the batter. These little bursts of color will not only make your pancakes visually appealing but also add a touch of fun to your breakfast.
Preheat your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease it lightly. Using a ladle, pour the batter into the hot surface, forming pancakes about 4 inches in diameter. Make sure to leave some space between each pancake, as they will spread slightly while cooking.
Once the pancake batter starts to bubble on the surface, it’s time to flip. Carefully turn each pancake with a spatula, checking to make sure they are golden brown before flipping. Cook the other side for about a minute until it becomes golden as well.
Continue this process until all the batter is used up, resulting in approximately 12 to 14 pancakes. To keep the pancakes warm while you finish cooking, cover them with a kitchen towel or place them in an oven preheated to 200 degrees F for up to 20 minutes.
Now comes the fun part! To serve the pancakes, add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each stack. Use an upside-down strawberry to create a Santa hat effect, adding a little more whipped cream on top for extra flair.
Make sure to enjoy them hot! Any leftover pancakes can be stored in a Ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 3 days or in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
How to Make Christmas Pancakes
Making Christmas Pancakes is quite simple and can be done by almost anyone. Begin by prepping your ingredients. The proper measurements lead to perfect pancakes, so be sure to measure everything ahead of time.
Start mixing your dry ingredients in a bowl, ensuring they are well combined. This makes it easier to incorporate the wet ingredients without clumps. Add the milk, oil, egg, and vanilla, and mix gently. It is crucial not to overmix since this can lead to dense pancakes.
Once your batter is ready, stir in the colorful Christmas sprinkles. These sprinkles bring joy and festivity, making your breakfast feel special! Pour the batter onto a hot, greased griddle, ensuring the pancakes are about 4 inches wide. Wait patiently for them to bubble before flipping.
Cook until both sides are golden, which usually takes a few minutes. Finally, keep them warm while you cook the rest. Assemble and decorate with whipped cream and strawberries for a fun presentation.
How to Serve Christmas Pancakes
Serving your Christmas Pancakes is all about creativity and fun. Start by stacking the pancakes on a plate, maintaining the festive visual appeal. A generous dollop of whipped cream is a must on top of each stack to enhance the indulgent flavor and add that holiday touch.
Next, take strawberries with tops cut off and place them upside down on the whipped cream. This will resemble a Santa hat, delighting everyone at the table. You can sprinkle extra Christmas sprinkles on top for additional color and fun.
Maple syrup or buttermilk syrup also pairs perfectly with pancakes. Keep a small pitcher next to the stack so everyone can drizzle syrup as they please. This personification of breakfast not only tastes great but looks fantastic too, making your holiday morning extra special.
What to Serve with Christmas Pancakes
Pairing your Christmas Pancakes with other festive treats can enhance the breakfast experience. Consider serving a fruity salad made of mixed berries or citrus fruits. These refreshing bites contrast nicely with the sweetness of the pancakes.
Another excellent addition is scrambled eggs or a vegetable omelet. This savory option complements the sweetness of pancakes while adding protein to the meal. You can also prepare crispy bacon for those who enjoy a sweet and salty combination.
Don’t forget hot beverages! A cup of rich hot cocoa or spiced tea can elevate the mood and keep everyone warm. For those who prefer coffee, offer different types, such as flavored lattes or a classic brew, giving guests an option they’ll love.
How to Store Christmas Pancakes
Properly storing leftover Christmas Pancakes allows you to enjoy them later without losing their deliciousness. If there are any pancakes remaining after your festive meal, let them cool completely before storing them.
For short-term storage, place the cooled pancakes in a Ziploc bag and store them in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for up to three days. If you wish to keep them for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Place the cooled pancakes in a freezer bag, laying a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or toaster. Frozen pancakes can be reheated straight from the freezer, making them easy to enjoy on a busy morning.
Tips to Make Christmas Pancakes
To elevate your Christmas Pancakes, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer, fluffier texture. You can also experiment with flavored extracts, such as almond or peppermint, for an additional layer of festive taste.
Make sure your griddle is hot enough before pouring the batter. A properly heated surface ensures that each pancake cooks evenly, establishing a beautiful golden brown color and fluffy texture.
When stirring the batter, mix only until it comes together. Overmixing will lead to tough pancakes. It’s acceptable for the batter to be slightly lumpy.
Finally, for added fun, set up a pancake decoration station. Provide toppings like fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or whipped cream, allowing everyone to design their pancakes according to their preferences.
Variation
Christmas Pancakes can be customized in numerous ways. For a chocolate twist, incorporate cocoa powder into the batter. This will turn your pancakes to a rich chocolate color, making them even more enticing.
You can also turn your pancakes into a festive breakfast by adding crushed candy canes to the batter, creating a minty flavor. Alternatively, try using different sprinkles based on the holiday season or personal preferences.
Some people enjoy adding crushed pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Feel free to explore your creativity and make these pancakes your own each Christmas season.
Best Time to Make Christmas Pancakes
The best time to make Christmas Pancakes is during the holiday season. Ideally, you want to prepare them on Christmas morning or during holiday gatherings. They are perfect for cozy family breakfasts or brunches with friends.
Gathering everyone around the table is a time to connect, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company. The joy of making and decorating these pancakes together adds to the festive atmosphere, creating lasting memories.
However, if you want to beat the rush, you can make them throughout the holiday season. They are perfect for weekends in December as you prepare for Christmas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can lead to a more successful pancake-making experience. Firstly, don’t skip on measuring the ingredients accurately. Too much or too little flour can affect the texture dramatically.
A second mistake is not letting the batter rest. Giving it just a few minutes before you start cooking can enhance the pancakes’ fluffiness.
Ensure your griddle is preheated adequately. Cooking on a poorly heated surface can lead to uneven cooking. When flipping the pancakes, wait for them to bubble up before turning them over. This ensures a beautiful golden color on both sides.
Finally, be careful not to overcrowd your cooking surface. This can lead to steaming rather than cooking, affecting the final result.
Nutritional Notes
While Christmas Pancakes are a treat, being aware of nutritional values can help balance indulgence with health. Each serving typically contains carbohydrates from the flour and sugars but also provides some proteins from the egg and milk.
If you’re mindful of calories, consider using whole wheat flour for a healthier option and reducing sugar in the batter. Topping with fresh fruit instead of syrup can also increase the nutritional value.
When served with sides like fruit salad or scrambled eggs, your meal can contain vitamins and essential nutrients, making for a more balanced breakfast.
FAQs
1. Can I make the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good stir before cooking.
2. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce for a vegan version. About 1/4 cup of either works well in pancake recipes.
3. Can I freeze the pancakes?
Definitely! Cooked pancakes freeze well for up to three months. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing them in a freezer bag.
Conclusion
Christmas Pancakes are a delightful, colorful addition to your holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare and full of festive spirit, they create wonderful memories with family and friends. Incorporating simple ingredients and fun toppings, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
No festive breakfast is complete without the magic of Christmas Pancakes. They bring joy to those who prepare and enjoy them, uniting everyone with a communal spirit. Try making them this holiday season, and watch as they become a beloved tradition in your family!
