50 Christmas Pancakes to Start Your Holiday Morning Right

Christmas morning feels even more special when a plate of festive pancakes hits the table. From classic flavors like gingerbread to playful twists featuring candy canes or brown-butter pears, there’s a stack here for every palate. Browse the ideas below, pick one (or several) that speak to you, and flip your way to a deliciously cozy holiday breakfast.

1. Gingerbread Spice Pancakes

Molasses, ground ginger, and a hint of cloves give these pancakes that unmistakable gingerbread aroma. The batter browns to a deep caramel color and pairs wonderfully with warm maple syrup. Serve with whipped cream to mimic a gingerbread house frosting moment.

2. Eggnog Flapjacks

Substituting eggnog for part of the milk adds richness and subtle notes of vanilla and nutmeg. A quick stovetop glaze made from warmed eggnog and powdered sugar amps up the flavor. They’re decadent enough to replace dessert later in the day.

3. Cranberry-Orange Buttermilk Pancakes

Tart cranberries burst against the sweet batter while orange zest brightens every bite. A spoonful of homemade cranberry sauce doubles as a fruity syrup. These look extra festive thanks to pops of red throughout the stack.

4. Peppermint Chocolate-Chip Pancakes

Mini chocolate chips melt into little pockets of joy, and crushed candy canes add a cooling crunch. A touch of peppermint extract in the batter balances the sweetness. Serve with whipped cream for a hot-cocoa-inspired breakfast.

5. Brown-Butter Pear Pancakes

Browning the butter before adding it to the batter creates a nutty depth. Thin pear slices soften on the griddle, lending natural sweetness. A quick brown-butter maple topping ties everything together.

6. Cinnamon Roll Swirl Pancakes

Piping a cinnamon-sugar butter swirl onto the batter mimics bakery-style cinnamon rolls. Once flipped, the swirl caramelizes into gooey ribbons. A simple cream-cheese icing makes each bite taste like Christmas brunch at the mall bakery.

7. Hot Cocoa Pancakes with Marshmallow Fluff

Cocoa powder turns the batter chocolatey without overwhelming sweetness. Toasted miniature marshmallows melt slightly over the warm stack, creating that fireside cocoa vibe. Add a pinch of cinnamon to evoke Mexican hot chocolate.

8. Pistachio-Cardamom Pancakes

Ground pistachios give these pancakes a soft green hue perfect for holiday color schemes. Cardamom adds a gentle, warming spice often found in Scandinavian baking. Finish with extra crushed nuts for crunch.

9. Sticky Toffee Date Pancakes

Finely diced dates melt into the batter, adding caramel notes reminiscent of sticky toffee pudding. A quick stovetop brown sugar sauce poured over the stack seals the deal. They’re indulgent yet surprisingly easy.

10. Red Velvet Pancakes

A hint of cocoa powder plus red food coloring delivers that classic cake flavor. Layers of sweetened cream cheese mimic traditional frosting without being overly heavy. Sprinkle with white chocolate shavings for contrast.

11. Maple-Pecan Pancakes

Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their flavor and keeps them crunchy. The nutty texture contrasts beautifully with fluffy batter. Serve with pure maple syrup warmed gently on the stove.

12. Apple Cider Oat Pancakes

Replacing some of the milk with spiced apple cider loads every bite with orchard flavor. A bit of quick oats adds wholesome chew. Reduce extra cider on the stove for an instant fruit syrup.

13. White Chocolate & Cranberry Pancakes

Sweet white chocolate balances the tartness of dried cranberries. The chips melt in pockets, creating creamy surprises throughout the stack. Pair with orange-infused syrup for even more holiday flair.

14. Chestnut Flour Pancakes

Chestnut flour brings a mildly sweet, earthy profile often found in Italian winter desserts. The batter stays naturally gluten-free yet tender. A drizzle of honey is all they need to shine.

15. Mulled Wine Pancakes

Simmer red wine with spices and citrus, then fold a few spoonfuls into the batter for color and fragrance. Reduce the remaining wine into a silky syrup. Adults at the table will love this sophisticated twist.

16. Candy Cane Crunch Pancakes

Crushed peppermint candies sprinkled right after flipping melt slightly, fusing to the surface. A quick powdered-sugar glaze tames the mint and adds shine. These pancakes pair nicely with hot coffee or cocoa.

17. Rum-Raisin Pancakes

Soak raisins overnight in a splash of dark rum to plump them and infuse depth. Fold them into the batter for bursts of holiday cheer. Keep the final stack family-friendly by simmering off most of the alcohol in the syrup.

18. Brown Sugar & Spice Dutch Baby

This oven-baked German pancake puffs dramatically, making breakfast feel like a show. Brown sugar caramelizes around the edges while a spice blend perfumes the kitchen. Serve with lemon wedges for brightness.

19. Salted Caramel Banana Pancakes

Ripe bananas sweeten the batter naturally and keep it moist. A homemade salted caramel sauce adds indulgent depth without overwhelming the fruit. Sprinkle flaky sea salt right before serving for contrast.

20. Pumpkin Cheesecake Pancakes

Pumpkin purée and warming spices create an autumn-winter bridge perfect for December. A mascarpone mixture inside the batter yields creamy pockets reminiscent of cheesecake. Finish with extra spice dusting for aroma.

21. Pomegranate Molasses Pancakes

The tangy sweetness of pomegranate molasses cuts through rich holiday meals. Fresh arils add juicy pops of color and texture. These look like edible ornaments on a plate.

22. Hazelnut Praline Pancakes

Homemade hazelnut brittle, crushed into bite-size shards, brings crunch and caramel notes. Nutty flavor echoes the season’s favorite chocolate-hazelnut spreads without being overly sweet. Serve with a simple espresso on the side.

23. Chai Latte Pancakes

A blend of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and black tea transforms basic batter into café fare. Use strong brewed chai in place of some milk for authenticity. Sweeten gently with honey to let the spices sing.

24. Coconut Snowflake Pancakes

Coconut milk and flake coconut give these a tropical yet snowy vibe. They’re naturally dairy-free yet rich. Sprinkle extra coconut on top for a wintry “snowdrift” look.

25. Almond Cran-Orange Clafoutis Pancake

This French-style batter bakes custardy and light, perfect for serving family-style. Almond extract enhances fruit flavors while contributing a marzipan note. Dust with icing sugar just before slicing.

26. Spiced Sweet Potato Pancakes

Mashed sweet potato keeps the crumbs moist and lends natural color. Cinnamon and allspice echo sweet potato pie filling. Greek yogurt topping adds tang and protein.

27. Dark Chocolate Buckwheat Pancakes

Buckwheat flour offers earthy notes that complement rich cocoa powder. The result is hearty yet tender. Cherry compote takes them into Black Forest territory.

28. Citrus Poppy-Seed Pancakes

Lemon and orange zest deliver bright contrast to winter’s darker flavors. Poppy seeds provide gentle crunch. Try a citrus-honey syrup to underscore the theme.

29. Cinnamon Apple-Ring Pancakes

Dipping apple rings in batter before griddling gives each pancake a built-in fruit core. The apples cook until tender but still retain shape. Kids love the hidden surprise in every round.

30. Midnight Espresso Pancakes

Instant espresso powder in the batter brings a subtle mocha tone. Pair with coffee-spiked syrup for a gentle caffeine kick. Perfect for early risers prepping the turkey.

31. Caramelized Clementine Pancakes

Sauté clementine rounds in butter and brown sugar until slightly charred. The sweet-tart slices nestle between layers for flavor in every forkful. Extra sauce doubles as tabletop aromatherapy.

32. Blackberry-Mascarpone Santa Hats

Mini pancakes become edible Santa caps with a clever topping arrangement. Mascarpone provides creamy “fur” while blackberries act as the pom-pom. Kids love assembling their own.

33. Carrot Cake Pancakes

Shredded carrots keep pancakes moist and add natural sweetness. Typical carrot cake spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger—create familiar flavor. Raisins or walnuts make tasty optional add-ins.

34. Amaretto Cherry Pancakes

Sweet dark cherries marry beautifully with almond-flavored liqueur. Simmer the fruit with amaretto until thickened for a ready-made topping. The alcohol cooks off, leaving pure almond warmth.

35. Snow-Capped Blueberry Pancakes

Frozen blueberries burst into purple pockets, making this classic winter-friendly. A heavy snowfall of powdered sugar looks seasonal and sweet. Serve with lemon zest for brightness.

36. Spiced Rum Pineapple Pancakes

Even cold climates can taste the tropics with caramelized pineapple bits. A dash of spiced rum heightens the caramel sauce without overwhelming. The warm spices keep it Christmas-appropriate.

37. Cardamom-Orange Swedish Pancakes

These delicate pancakes, called pannkakor, use extra eggs for a custardy bite. Cardamom and orange zest channel Scandinavian holiday baking. Roll them around jam for a simple, elegant presentation.

38. Chocolate-Hazelnut Stuffed Pancakes

Spoon hazelnut spread onto batter, cover with more batter, and flip for gooey surprises within. The pockets stay molten until served. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top for crunch.

39. Marzipan-Berry German Pfannkuchen

Similar to a Dutch baby but thinner, this German version bakes flat and cuts easily. Soft marzipan cubes melt slightly, lending almond sweetness. Frozen berries keep prep simple during winter.

40. Honey-Ginger Sourdough Pancakes

Sourdough discard lightens the batter and adds gentle tang. Fresh grated ginger warms the flavor profile. A final honey drizzle harmonizes sweet and sharp notes.

41. Fig & Walnut Whole-Wheat Pancakes

Chopped dried figs bring chewy sweetness that pairs brilliantly with toasty walnuts. Whole-wheat flour keeps the texture hearty yet still tender. Maple syrup ties everything together.

42. Cocoa-Pepper Mole Pancakes

A whisper of chili powder and cinnamon in the batter nods to Mexican mole sauces. Cocoa adds depth without making them fully sweet. Sesame seeds on top offer authentic flair and crunch.

43. Rosemary Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

Fresh rosemary and lemon zest make for an unexpected yet bright holiday pairing. Ricotta keeps the pancakes airy and custardy. A drizzle of lemon-infused honey is all the sweetness needed.

44. Brown Sugar Bacon Pancakes

Salty bacon contrasts perfectly with sweet batter caramelized by brown sugar. Save some rendered fat to grease the griddle for extra flavor. Brown-butter syrup amps up the savory-sweet balance.

45. Mincemeat Silver Dollars

Fold spoonfuls of jarred or homemade mincemeat into batter for fruity, spiced bites. The small size makes them great for grazing while unwrapping gifts. Serve with clotted cream for a British nod.

46. Matcha White Chocolate Pancakes

Matcha powder imparts earthy flavor and holiday-appropriate green color. White chocolate chips melt into creamy pockets that balance the tea’s slight bitterness. They look striking on a red plate.

47. Orange-Cinnamon Swedish Æbleskiver

These Danish-style pancake balls taste like tiny doughnuts but are lighter. Orange zest and cinnamon make them undeniably festive. Fill with lingonberry jam for an extra Scandinavian touch.

48. Sugarplum Pancakes

Diced plums cooked with a bit of sugar and star anise become a jewel-toned topping. Their tartness balances the cozy batter. Toasted almonds add gentle crunch reminiscent of holiday candied nuts.

49. Toasted Marshmallow Sweet-Potato Pancakes

Think sweet-potato casserole in breakfast form. Mini marshmallows toasted with a kitchen torch create a campfire aroma. A sprinkle of pecan crumbs finishes the dish.

50. Spiced Cranberry-Almond Pancake Bake

If you’d rather visit than flip, bake your batter in a casserole dish. Almond extract perfumes the entire tray while cranberries provide tart bursts. Cut into squares, dust with sugar, and serve family-style straight from the oven.