When the holiday season rolls around, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the scent of warm spices filling the kitchen. Imagine the aroma of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg wafting through the air while fluffy pancakes cook on the griddle. That’s exactly what you get with Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup—a cozy, festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite.
This recipe is perfect for anyone building their list of Christmas pancakes recipes or looking for hot breakfast ideas to enjoy with family during December mornings. Whether you’re whipping up a big holiday brunch, planning a special gingerbread breakfast, or simply craving something a little indulgent on a winter weekend, these pancakes are guaranteed to become a seasonal staple.
Table of Contents
Why Gingerbread Pancakes Are the Perfect Holiday Breakfast
Traditional pancakes are always welcome at the breakfast table, but spice pancakes take things to the next level. The gingerbread version blends warming spices with a soft, fluffy base, creating a breakfast that’s as festive as it is delicious.
Reasons you’ll love these pancakes:
- Festive flavor: Spiced with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, they taste just like classic holiday gingerbread.
- Comfort food: Perfect for chilly mornings when you want a cozy start.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve as a simple breakfast or dress them up as part of a big Christmas brunch.
- Seasonal tradition: Add them to your collection of Christmas pancakes recipes alongside Strawberry Protein Pancakes or Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes.
Ingredients for Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Here’s what you’ll need to make about 10–12 pancakes (serves 4):
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup molasses (for true gingerbread flavor)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For serving:
- Pure maple syrup
- Whipped cream or yogurt
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Fresh fruit such as sliced pears or apples
For more holiday breakfast inspiration, you could also try Mini Pancake Cereal or Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Gingerbread Pancakes
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are fine—don’t overmix.
- Preheat griddle or pan: Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Cook pancakes: Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface (about 2 minutes), then flip and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Serve warm: Stack pancakes, drizzle generously with maple syrup, and add toppings of your choice.
If you like creative holiday twists, you might also enjoy Pumpkin Pie Tacos for a dessert-style breakfast treat.
The Magic of Spices in Gingerbread Pancakes
What makes these spice pancakes so irresistible? It’s the blend of warm, aromatic spices:
- Ginger: Adds heat and depth.
- Cinnamon: Sweet and warming, a must for holiday baking.
- Nutmeg: Slightly nutty and sweet, rounds out the spice mix.
- Cloves: Strong and bold, used sparingly to balance the flavors.
This spice blend is also delicious in other baked goods like Pumpkin Zucchini Bread or Pumpkin Scones.
Pumpkin Gingerbread Pancakes Variation
If you love pumpkin spice, you’ll definitely want to try pumpkin gingerbread pancakes. Simply add:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients
- An extra pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg
This variation makes the pancakes even more moist and flavorful, and it’s a great way to use leftover pumpkin puree. Pair them with Pumpkin Muffins for a festive breakfast spread.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Flavors Every Time
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter makes pancakes tough.
- Medium heat is best: Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and they turn dense.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes before cooking for fluffier pancakes.
- Use fresh spices: Spices lose flavor over time. Freshly ground or recently purchased spices will give the best pancake flavors.
- Cook evenly: Use a griddle for consistent heat and evenly browned pancakes.
If you enjoy experimenting, try unique spins like Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl or Cheesy Zucchini Bread alongside your pancakes.
Best Toppings for Gingerbread Pancakes
Of course, gingerbread pancakes with maple syrup are amazing on their own, but toppings make them unforgettable. Try:
- Classic maple syrup drizzle
- Whipped cream or Greek yogurt
- Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds
- Sliced apples, pears, or bananas
- A dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy holiday look
- Caramel sauce or chocolate chips for extra indulgence
For another sweet topping idea, check out this creamy Fruit Dip that works beautifully with fresh fruit and pancakes alike.
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Breakfast
These pancakes are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Holiday brunch with fruit salad, scrambled eggs, and hot cocoa
- Christmas morning centerpiece recipe among other Christmas pancakes recipes
- Weekend indulgence paired with coffee or chai latte
- Hot breakfast ideas served alongside Loaded Breakfast Hash or Croissant Breakfast Boats
Other Pancake Flavors to Try After Gingerbread
Once you’ve fallen in love with gingerbread, explore other pancake flavors:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes for fall
- Strawberry Protein Pancakes for a healthy boost
- Pancake Tacos for a playful twist
- Lemon poppyseed pancakes for spring mornings
- Banana nut pancakes for hearty comfort
Christmas Pancakes Recipes for Festive Mornings
If you’re building a collection of Christmas pancakes recipes, gingerbread pancakes are essential. Pair them with:
- Eggnog pancakes topped with nutmeg
- Peppermint chocolate chip pancakes
- Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups for a pancake-dessert hybrid
- Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats as a make-ahead breakfast idea
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Ginger Bread Pancakes
- Overmixing the batter, which makes pancakes dense
- Skipping molasses—it’s key to authentic ginger bread pancakes flavor
- Using too much heat, which burns them before they’re cooked inside
- Forgetting to grease the pan lightly, leading to sticking
- Not serving immediately—pancakes taste best fresh and warm
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Layer pancakes between parchment and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the toaster, microwave, or oven until hot.
Frozen pancakes make weekday mornings easy—just like Brown Sugar Overnight Oats.
FAQs about Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate or freeze them and reheat as needed.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Absolutely—use almond milk and coconut oil instead of buttermilk and butter.
Do I have to use molasses?
Molasses is traditional for gingerbread flavor, but you can substitute with dark brown sugar or honey in a pinch.
What’s the best syrup for these pancakes?
Classic maple syrup is perfect, but you could also try caramel or flavored syrups.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup are everything you want in a holiday breakfast—fluffy, spiced, and dripping with festive flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy December morning, adding them to your Christmas pancakes recipes, or experimenting with pumpkin gingerbread pancakes, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to your table.
Add this recipe to your hot breakfast ideas, share it with friends and family, and make it a new holiday tradition. Don’t forget to subscribe for more festive breakfast recipes and creative pancake flavors.
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Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup – A Festive Breakfast to Warm Your Holiday Morning
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pancakes (serves 4) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup are a cozy holiday breakfast classic. Fluffy, spiced with ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and drizzled with maple syrup, they’re the perfect addition to your Christmas pancakes recipes or festive brunch menu.
Ingredients
Pancake Batter
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, rested 5 minutes)
- ¼ cup molasses
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- Pure maple syrup
- Whipped cream or yogurt
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Fresh fruit such as pears or apples
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk egg, buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine: Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Cook pancakes: Heat a greased skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form. Flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve: Stack pancakes, drizzle with maple syrup, and top with nuts, cream, or fruit.
Notes
- Don’t skip molasses—it’s key to authentic gingerbread flavor.
- Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes for fluffier pancakes.
- Use medium heat to avoid burning before they cook through.
- Fresh spices give the best flavor—avoid stale jars.
- Variation: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree for pumpkin gingerbread pancakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pancakes
