These easy Christmas pancakes are festive, delicious, and perfect for Christmas breakfast. They are so good that everyone will want seconds…and maybe thirds!
These festive Christmas pancakes are a fun and delicious way to start the holiday morning. They are made with a prepared gluten-free and dairy-free pancake mix, then dressed up with peppermint, warm chocolate drizzle, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes. The result is a fluffy, cheerful breakfast that feels special without requiring a complicated recipe.
Christmas pancakes are perfect for Christmas morning, Christmas Eve breakfast, or even a cozy December breakfast-for-dinner night. Kids especially love the candy cane topping and chocolate drizzle, and adults love how quick they are to make. This is the kind of holiday recipe that brings everyone into the kitchen and makes the season feel a little more magical.
The holidays are the perfect time to enjoy something sweet and memorable. If you love festive breakfast ideas, gingerbread pancakes, reindeer pancakes, Rudolph pancakes, and ebelskivers are also wonderful options for the season. Making fun Christmas breakfast recipes together is one of the best ways to slow down and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year.
These delicious Christmas pancakes always remind me of the movie Elf. While spaghetti and maple syrup might be a little much for breakfast, peppermint pancakes with chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes feel just right. The chocolate and peppermint combination gives every bite a classic holiday flavor.
We have made many pancake recipes over the years because pancakes are a cozy breakfast favorite. Gluten-free pancakes can be light, fluffy, and satisfying when made with the right mix. For this recipe, the goal is to keep things easy while still making breakfast feel festive, colorful, and special.
What you need
This easy Christmas pancake recipe uses simple ingredients and starts with prepared pancake batter, which makes it ideal for busy holiday mornings. You do not need to make everything from scratch to create a breakfast that feels homemade and festive. A few flavorful additions turn everyday pancakes into a cheerful Christmas treat.
Prepared Pancake mix
Use your favorite prepared pancake mix for this recipe. If you need the pancakes to be gluten-free or dairy-free, be sure to choose a mix that fits those needs and check the label carefully. King Arthur gluten-free pancake mix and Pamela’s pancake mix are two options mentioned for this recipe, but any pancake mix you enjoy can work.
The prepared batter is flavored with a few drops of peppermint oil, which gives the pancakes a bright holiday taste. Start with a small amount and add more only if needed, since peppermint oil can be strong.
You can also use orange extract instead of peppermint if you enjoy the classic chocolate-orange Christmas flavor. That variation pairs beautifully with the chocolate drizzle and gives the pancakes a nostalgic holiday feel.
Top tip: Serve these pancakes with a candy cane Christmas mocktail for even more peppermint flavor. Please note that the mocktail mentioned is not dairy-free.
Chocolate morsels
Chocolate morsels or chocolate chips are melted with a little oil to create a smooth, glossy chocolate syrup for drizzling over the pancake stacks. Enjoy Life Foods chocolate morsels are a good choice when you need a dairy-free option.
The chocolate syrup makes these Christmas pancakes feel extra special, and it pairs perfectly with the peppermint flavor in the batter and the crunchy candy cane topping. For the best texture, melt the chocolate gently and stir often so it does not overheat.
How to make them
- Add peppermint oil to the prepared pancake batter and stir well.
- Preheat a griddle over medium heat, about 300 degrees, and grease it very well.
- Cook the pancakes on the hot griddle until golden brown, then continue until all the batter is used.
- While the pancakes cook, place the chocolate morsels and oil in a small microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 1 minute, then remove and stir. If needed, continue heating in 10-second intervals, stirring between each interval and being careful not to overheat.
- Stack the pancakes and top each serving with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and crushed candy canes.
It depends on the brand. Some pancake mixes contain powdered milk or other dairy ingredients, so always read the label if you need the recipe to be dairy-free.
Candy cane ingredients vary by brand, so check the package carefully if allergies are a concern. Many candy canes contain corn syrup and sugar, which may matter for some diets.
Allow the Christmas pancakes to cool to room temperature. Then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Easy Christmas Pancakes
This recipe starts with prepared pancake mix, making it simple enough for a busy holiday morning. Use a gluten-free and dairy-free mix if needed, then add festive toppings for a breakfast the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces prepared pancake mix prepared according to package directions
- 4-6 drops peppermint oil
- 9 ounces chocolate morsels or chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons oil of choice
- ½ cup crushed candy canes allergen-free if needed
- Garnish: whipped cream
Instructions
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Add the peppermint oil to the prepared pancake batter and stir until combined.
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Preheat a griddle over medium heat, about 300 degrees, and grease it well.
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Cook the pancakes on the hot griddle until golden brown, repeating until all the batter is used.
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Meanwhile, place the chocolate morsels and 2 teaspoons of oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 1 minute.
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Remove and stir. If the chocolate needs more time, heat in 10-second intervals, stirring after each one. Do not overheat.
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Top each pancake stack with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and crushed candy canes. Serve warm.
Notes
Enjoy Life Foods chocolate morsels are recommended for the syrup if you need a dairy-free chocolate option.
Top tip: Add peppermint oil gradually. A little goes a long way, and you can always add another drop if you want a stronger peppermint flavor.
Is there dairy in pancake mix?
It depends on the brand. Some mixes include powdered milk or other dairy ingredients, so read the ingredient label carefully.
How should I store the leftovers?
Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on December 9, 2018, and updated on July 7, 2022, with new information and tips.
Happy Holidays!