Indulge in the Holidays: The Best Easy Eggnog Pancakes Recipe for Christmas & Festive Brunches
During the bustling holiday season, there’s nothing quite like starting your day with a comforting and flavorful breakfast. These delightful Eggnog Pancakes are the perfect way to infuse your morning with festive cheer. Imagine warm, subtly spiced pancakes, boasting the rich, creamy essence of eggnog, making them an ideal choice for a memorable Christmas morning or any special holiday brunch. Elevate this indulgent experience by topping them generously with a homemade cinnamon whipped cream and a drizzle of warm, golden maple syrup. Get ready to embrace the spirit of the season with every fluffy bite!
Why Eggnog Pancakes are a Holiday Must-Have
For many of you, our Pumpkin Pancakes, Apple Pancakes, and our Tenderest Cardamom Pancakes have become cherished breakfast staples. Now, as the festive season draws near, we’re thrilled to introduce a recipe that perfectly captures the essence of holiday indulgence: Eggnog Pancakes! These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re a celebration in every bite, designed to bring warmth and cheer to your table. The subtle yet distinct flavor of eggnog, combined with the cozy aroma of freshly grated nutmeg, transforms a simple breakfast into an extraordinary culinary experience.
What makes these eggnog pancakes truly special is the way the classic holiday beverage infuses the batter. Eggnog, with its rich, custardy texture and signature blend of spices like nutmeg and sometimes cinnamon, lends an incredible depth of flavor and moisture to the pancakes. The result is a stack of fluffy, tender pancakes that are subtly sweet, incredibly aromatic, and wonderfully satisfying. We highly recommend serving them with a generous dollop of homemade cinnamon whipped cream, which adds an extra layer of spice and creamy indulgence, alongside a drizzle of your favorite warm maple syrup.
And for those who are fans of crispy, golden waffles, here’s a fantastic tip: this versatile eggnog pancake batter can easily be adapted! Simply pour the batter into your waffle iron, and in minutes, you’ll have delicious eggnog waffles that are just as festive and flavorful. This flexibility makes the recipe even more appealing for diverse breakfast preferences.
Imagine the joy of gathering your family on Christmas morning, the air filled with laughter and the comforting scent of these pancakes cooking. Pair them with a savory Egg Sausage Casserole for a hearty balance, and a side of crispy Homemade Hashbrowns to complete a truly memorable holiday feast. These Eggnog Pancakes aren’t just a meal; they’re an invitation to create cherished holiday memories around the breakfast table.
Essential Ingredients for Your Eggnog Pancakes
Crafting these delectable Eggnog Pancakes is surprisingly simple, requiring just a handful of common pantry items along with the star ingredient: eggnog. It’s the eggnog that truly transforms this recipe, imparting that unmistakable festive flavor we all adore during the holidays. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect fluffy stack:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our pancakes, providing structure and body. Using all-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb that isn’t too dense.
- Baking Powder: This leavening agent is key to achieving those wonderfully light and fluffy pancakes. It creates air bubbles in the batter, resulting in a soft, airy texture.
- Eggnog: The unmistakable heart of this recipe! Eggnog not only provides the signature holiday flavor but also adds moisture and richness to the batter, making these pancakes incredibly tender and flavorful. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or even homemade eggnog.
- Eggs: Act as a binder, helping to hold the pancakes together, and contributing to their rich flavor and soft texture.
- Vegetable Oil (or melted butter): Adds essential moisture and helps create a tender, moist pancake. While vegetable oil keeps the texture light, melted butter can be used for an even richer flavor.
- Nutmeg: The quintessential spice of eggnog! A hint of nutmeg enhances the festive flavor profile, adding warmth and a delightful aroma that complements the eggnog perfectly. Freshly grated nutmeg offers the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla rounds out the flavors, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the overall taste of the pancakes.
- Butter (for griddle): Essential for greasing your cooking surface, ensuring your pancakes don’t stick and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
How to Make Perfectly Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes
Creating these festive Eggnog Pancakes is a straightforward process, perfect for any home cook looking to add a touch of holiday magic to their breakfast. Follow these simple steps for a stack of light, fluffy, and incredibly flavorful pancakes:
Step 1: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour and baking powder. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for consistent rise. In a separate bowl, or directly into the dry ingredients once combined, pour in the liquid components: the rich eggnog, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), fragrant nutmeg, and sweet vanilla extract. Stir everything together gently until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and often lead to a more tender pancake.
Step 2: Prepare Your Griddle. Grease an electric griddle or a large non-stick frying pan generously with a pat of butter. Heat the griddle to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or medium heat if using a stovetop pan). A good way to test if your griddle is ready is to sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface; if they dance and evaporate quickly, it’s at the right temperature.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes. Using a ¼ cup measure, pour individual portions of the eggnog batter onto the hot griddle. Cook each pancake for about 2 minutes on the first side, or until you see small bubbles forming across the surface and the edges appear slightly set. This is your cue to flip! Carefully turn the pancakes over with a spatula and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes on the second side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Repeat and Serve. Continue this process with the remaining batter, greasing the griddle as needed between batches to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. As you finish cooking, you can keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a preheated oven at a low temperature (around 200°F). Serve your warm, fluffy Eggnog Pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings!
What Else Should I Serve with These Holiday Pancakes?
These festive Eggnog Pancakes are wonderfully satisfying on their own, but they also serve as a magnificent center piece for a full holiday breakfast or brunch spread. To truly complete the meal, consider pairing them with a variety of complementary sides that offer both sweet and savory elements. Here are a few of our favorite ideas to round out your holiday feast:
- Fruit Salad with Yogurt Honey Lemon Dressing: A vibrant and refreshing fruit salad provides a perfect contrast to the richness of the pancakes. The honey-lemon yogurt dressing adds a zesty, bright note that awakens the palate.
- Homemade Breakfast Sausage: For a savory component, homemade breakfast sausage is an excellent choice. Its hearty, spiced flavors beautifully complement the sweet and spiced pancakes, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Easy Skillet Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy, seasoned breakfast potatoes add a satisfying texture and another savory dimension to your brunch. They’re easy to make and universally loved.
- Vegetable Breakfast Scramble: A colorful and nutritious vegetable scramble is a great way to add freshness and protein. You can customize it with your favorite seasonal vegetables, making it both delicious and versatile.
If you’re excited about these holiday pancakes and enjoy fluffy breakfast treats, you will definitely want to check out our Greek Yogurt Waffles for another fantastic recipe that balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients.
Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating and comment below! Subscribe to my newsletter or follow me on
Facebook,
Instagram, or
Pinterest for the latest.
Eggnog Pancakes
Pin
Ingredients
- 2 Cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 2 Cups eggnog
- 2 Large Eggs
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ Teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter, for greasing the griddle
Instructions
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Add the eggnog, eggs, vegetable oil, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are fine; avoid overmixing for tender pancakes.
-
Grease an electric griddle or a large non-stick frying pan with butter and heat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or medium heat).
-
Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until small bubbles form on top and the edges begin to look set. Flip the pancake and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Repeat this process with the rest of the batter, ensuring to grease the griddle between batches as needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- These pancakes are subtly sweet and oh so delicious! You can use the same recipe and make waffles instead too, simply pour the batter into a preheated waffle iron.
- You can make the batter the night before! Simply cover it and refrigerate. Once it’s time for breakfast, give it a quick stir and cook the pancakes as usual. This is a fantastic way to save a bit of time in the morning, especially useful if you’re hosting a holiday crowd.
- Beyond the cinnamon whipped cream and maple syrup, you can also top these pancakes with a pat of butter, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries like cranberries or raspberries, or even chopped candied pecans for added crunch. For an adult twist, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy to your whipped cream!
- For dietary restrictions, you can explore dairy-free eggnog options available in most grocery stores to make these pancakes suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. Always check labels for suitability.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.