Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes
The scent of warm spices fills the air, wrapping you in a cozy embrace as the golden pancakes sizzle on the griddle. Picture the soft fluffiness of each Fluffy Gingerbread Pancake, beautifully speckled with aromatic spices, forming a delightful stack that brings the spirit of the holidays to your breakfast table. When you take that first bite, the rich molasses and familiar taste of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves dance together, evoking memories of chilly winter mornings. It’s like capturing the essence of Christmas within a pancake and enjoying it bite by bite!
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Growing up, my family had a cherished tradition of making gingerbread treats during the holiday season, filling our kitchen with laughter and warmth. These pancakes are a tribute to those cozy mornings spent together. So, roll up your sleeves and pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa because you’re about to whip up some scrumptious Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes that are perfect for making new traditions. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: In just 20 minutes, you can have a stack of pancakes ready to enjoy—perfect for busy mornings!
- Irresistible Flavor: Soft, moist pancakes bursting with warm spices that taste just like holiday cheer.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The inviting aroma and rich brown color make them a showstopper on any breakfast table.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a festive dessert treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free and dairy-free diets with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the backbone of your pancakes, creating the fluffy structure.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring your pancakes are light and airy.
- ¼ cup molasses: Adds deep sweetness and that lovely gingerbread flavor; dark or light molasses works well, just be aware of flavor intensity.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: The hero spice here, giving warmth and that beloved ginger kick.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Complements the ginger perfectly, adding a warm, cozy aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon cloves: Just a pinch adds a fragrant touch; you can substitute with nutmeg if you prefer.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors, rounding out the sweetness.
- 1 ¼ cups milk: Whole milk works best for a rich texture, but any milk works; or use a non-dairy alternative for a lactose-free version.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture; if you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based butter.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together; a flax egg can be used for vegan options.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile, making everything taste more delightful.
- Whipped cream: A luxurious topping; feel free to get creative with flavored whipped cream!
- Maple syrup: Essential for that sweet drizzle—use pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
- Chopped pecans (optional): For a delicious crunch and subtle earthy flavor.
- Fresh or dried cranberries (optional): For a pop of color and tangy sweetness to balance the rich pancakes.
How to Make Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes
Sift Together Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon cloves, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sifting these ingredients helps to aerate the flour, making your pancakes lighter and fluffier. This is the foundation that brings all those wonderful flavors together under one delicious pancake.
Prepare the Wet Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups milk, ¼ cup molasses, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. The molasses will give the batter a rich, dark color, enhancing the overall visual appeal of your pancakes. Make sure your melted butter isn’t too hot to avoid scrambling the egg!
Combine Gently: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Mix just until combined, making sure no dry flour remains. The batter should be slightly lumpy for the best texture. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so just a few gentle folds are all you need.
Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the gluten relax, which can help achieve that tender pancake texture. Meanwhile, preheat your griddle or non-stick pan, making sure it’s hot enough to cook the pancakes evenly.
Heat the Griddle: Set your griddle over medium to medium-high heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. A well-heated surface is key to achieving a golden brown exterior. If you sprinkle a drop of water on it and it sizzles, you’re good to go!
Cook Pancakes: Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form across the surface and the edges look dry, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This is when those wonderful spices will begin to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Flip and Finish Cooking: When the bubbles form and the edges seem set, it’s time to flip! Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning. If they smell fragrant and look perfectly cooked, they’re ready to serve!
Keep Warm: As you cook the remaining pancakes, transfer each batch to a baking sheet and place it in a warm oven set to 200°F. This keeps them cozy while you finish cooking all the batter without compromising their fluffy goodness.
Serve and Garnish: Serve your pancakes warm with clouds of whipped cream, a generous drizzle of maple syrup, and an optional sprinkle of chopped pecans or cranberries for a lovely festive touch. Each bite will remind you why **Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes** are a breakfast favorite!

Storing & Reheating
To store any leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to three days. If you need to freeze them, lay the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in a toaster or microwave—just be aware that the texture may change slightly, so a quick toast can help re-crisp them a bit!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine for fluffy pancakes.
- Ensure all your wet ingredients are at room temperature for better blending, especially the milk and egg.
- Use a non-stick griddle for even cooking and easy flipping—ideal for perfect pancakes every time.
- If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly to allow for a more even cook.
- Experiment with adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for flavor enhancement.
- You can make the batter ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to a day; just give it a gentle stir before use.
The beauty of Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes is in their ability to effortlessly blend the rich, festive flavors of the season into a meal you can enjoy any time of year. With their spiced flavor and fluffy texture, they are a guaranteed hit at the breakfast table or any holiday gathering. So don your apron, heat up that griddle, and get ready to create a magical morning experience with these delightful pancakes! There’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing good food, and these pancakes are the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking, as it may thicken a bit when chilled. This way, you can enjoy delicious pancakes with minimal morning fuss!
Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Yes, freezing is a great option! Allow the pancakes to cool, then stack them with parchment paper in between and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or toast to enjoy them again!
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! You can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Just remember that it may create a denser pancake, so consider adding an extra splash of milk if the batter feels too thick.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don’t have molasses on hand, you can substitute it with dark corn syrup or even honey, though it will slightly change the flavor. If using honey, reduce the amount slightly since it’s sweeter than molasses.
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📖 Recipe Card

Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes are a delightful blend of rich molasses and warm spices, bringing festive cheer to your breakfast table. Quick and easy to prepare, they are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a cozy holiday brunch.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ cup molasses
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Chopped pecans (optional)
- Fresh or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Sift together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Prepare the wet mixture in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes.
- Heat a griddle and pour batter onto it.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Keep finished pancakes warm in a low oven.
- Serve with whipped cream and maple syrup.
Notes
Batter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Adjust the spices to your taste, experimenting with nutmeg or leaving out cloves if preferred.
For gluten-free options, swap flour with a gluten-free blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





