If you adore the cozy flavors of the holidays and want to bring that warmth to your breakfast table, this Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with the perfect blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these pancakes deliver a soft, fluffy texture with a delightful hint of molasses sweetness. They’re easy to whip up and make any morning feel like a special occasion, whether it’s a weekend treat or a festive celebration.

Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make these gingerbread pancakes couldn’t be simpler because the ingredients are pantry staples that work harmoniously to create fantastic flavor, texture, and even a beautiful golden-brown color on your griddle.

Flour (1½ cups | 190g): The sturdy base that holds your pancakes together, giving them structure and fluff.

Baking Powder (1 tbsp): This is your secret to light and fluffy pancakes by helping the batter rise perfectly.
Ground Ginger (1 tsp): The star spice that gives these pancakes their distinct, warm, and spicy kick.

Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a sweet and woody depth that complements the ginger beautifully.
Ground Cloves (¼ tsp): A little goes a long way to bring in aromatic warmth and complexity.

Salt (Pinch): Enhances all those sweet and spicy flavors, balancing the overall taste.
Eggs (2): Help bind everything while adding richness to the batter.
Milk (¾ cup | 190ml): Keeps the batter smooth and ensures the pancakes stay moist.

Melted Butter (½ stick | ¼ cup | 65g): Adds indulgence and a tender crumb, with extra for cooking.
Molasses (2 tbsp): Provides deep, rich sweetness and that signature gingerbread flavor.
Brown Sugar (2 tbsp): Offers additional sweetness and helps keep the texture soft.

Vanilla Essence (½ tsp): Rounds out the flavor, giving a lovely fragrant note to the pancakes.

How to Make Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed, which is essential for flavor balance and fluffiness throughout every bite.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, mix the melted butter, molasses, eggs, milk, and vanilla essence. The molasses gives the batter that lovely dark sweetness, and the melted butter adds richness. Whisk until smooth and fully integrated. This wet mixture will bring your pancakes to life.

Step 3: Bring The Batter Together

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture inside. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently fold until the batter is just combined—stop as soon as no dry flour remains visible. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, so fold carefully for the perfect tender crumb.

Step 4: Cook The Pancakes

Heat a heavy-based pan like cast iron over medium-low heat and add a little butter to coat the surface. Once hot, ladle about ⅓ cup of batter per pancake. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden. This slow cooking ensures they cook through without burning while developing that classic gingerbread aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Repeat and Stack

Continue with the remaining batter, adding more butter if needed to keep the pancakes from sticking. Stack them high on a plate — because tall, fluffy stacks are the best way to serve these Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe delights.

How to Serve Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

While these pancakes are wonderful on their own, topping them with a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup truly elevates the experience. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar to impress your guests.

Side Dishes

Pair these pancakes with crisp apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spice and add contrasting textures. Crispy bacon or sausage rounds the meal out nicely, providing a savory counterpoint that complements the sweet gingerbread notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes a big difference! Try layering the pancakes with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone and fresh berries for a brunch-worthy dish. Or, for something fun, cut them into shapes using cookie cutters and serve with a festive spiced fruit compote on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Separating layers with parchment paper helps prevent them from sticking together when stacked.

Freezing

These gingerbread pancakes freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for quick breakfasts when you want that warm, spicy comfort without the wait.

Reheating

To reheat, place pancakes in a hot skillet for a minute or two on each side, or warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. Either method revives their softness and helps melt any topping perfectly.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the milk for almond, oat, or soy milk and replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine for a delicious dairy-free version of this Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe.

What can I use instead of molasses?

If molasses is hard to find, you can substitute with dark corn syrup, maple syrup, or honey. Keep in mind that molasses gives a deep, caramel-like flavor unique to gingerbread, so alternatives will change the taste slightly but still be delicious.

Are these pancakes spicy?

They have a warm, cozy spice level that isn’t overpowering. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives them that classic gingerbread feel that’s mild enough for kids yet flavorful for adults.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 12 hours before cooking. Just give it a gentle stir before pouring the batter onto the pan to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed.

How thick should the batter be?

The batter should be slightly thick but still pourable — like classic pancake batter. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk; if too runny, add a touch more flour to maintain a consistency that spreads nicely in the pan but holds shape.

Final Thoughts

This Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe is an absolute winner when you want breakfast to feel warm, festive, and comforting with every bite. It’s simple enough for an everyday treat but special enough to brighten up holiday mornings. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these pancakes as much as I do — nothing beats the joy of that first spiced, fluffy bite alongside friends and family.

Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 pancakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Gingerbread Pancakes are a warm and cozy twist on traditional pancakes, infused with fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or whenever you crave a comforting treat, they combine the rich flavors of gingerbread with fluffy, tender pancake texture. Topped with butter and maple syrup, these pancakes are sure to delight your taste buds and fill your home with the aroma of festive spices.

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, mix together the melted butter, molasses, eggs, milk, and vanilla essence until smooth and fully incorporated.

Combine Wet and Dry: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the batter together with a wooden spoon until just combined and no dry spots remain, taking care not to overmix.
Heat the Pan: Preheat a heavy-based pan such as cast iron over medium-low heat. Add a small amount of butter to grease the pan just before cooking each pancake to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Cook the Pancakes: Pour approximately ⅓ cup of batter onto the hot pan for each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on one side until bubbles form on the surface and edges begin to set, then carefully flip using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.

Serve: Stack the pancakes high on a plate, adding extra butter on top and drizzle generously with maple syrup. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your cozy gingerbread pancakes!

Notes

For fluffier pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter as this can toughen the texture.
Use a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan to prevent sticking and achieve even browning.

If you prefer a stronger ginger flavor, increase the ground ginger to 1½ teaspoons.
Molasses adds depth and authenticity to the gingerbread flavor; substituting with honey or maple syrup will change the taste.
These pancakes can be kept warm in a low oven while cooking the rest of the batter.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast

Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 pancakes

Calories: 320
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 320mg

Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g

Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: gingerbread pancakes, spiced pancakes, holiday breakfast, molasses pancakes, cinnamon pancakes, ginger pancakes, festive pancakes