Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes: Your Ultimate Guide to a Festive Holiday Breakfast
Step into the holiday spirit with a stack of our incredibly thick, fluffy, and perfectly spiced Eggnog Pancakes. These aren’t just any pancakes; they’re a celebration of seasonal flavors, transforming your breakfast table into a festive wonderland. Super easy to whip up, they capture the quintessential warmth of eggnog and nutmeg, making them truly special for those cozy mornings or holiday brunches.
If you’re a regular visitor here, you know my not-so-secret love affair with baking and cooking with eggnog – despite not being a fan of drinking it straight! The rich, creamy texture and distinct spice profile of eggnog bring an unparalleled warmth to baked goods. That’s why Eggnog Cinnamon Rolls, Eggnog French Toast, and Eggnog Muffins are non-negotiable holiday traditions in our home every single year.
Why Eggnog Pancakes are a Holiday Must-Try
There’s an undeniable magic that eggnog lends to recipes. It’s more than just a flavor; it’s an experience. You get that subtle, comforting hint of nutmeg, the incredible richness that elevates ordinary batter, and a blend of spices that just screams “holidays.” If you, like me, find the texture of drinking thick eggnog a bit off-putting and have written it off, I urge you to reconsider its culinary potential! Don’t let your aversion to the beverage stop you from enjoying its festive essence in your favorite dishes.
Trust me on this one: try baking or cooking with it. These fluffy eggnog pancakes are just the beginning. If they don’t convince you, perhaps my Eggnog Coffee Cake will truly change your mind about this seasonal delight.
Effortlessly Delicious: Our Simple Eggnog Pancake Recipe
Crafting these delectable eggnog pancakes is surprisingly simple. I took my tried-and-true Buttermilk Pancake recipe, a household favorite, and made a brilliant seasonal swap: eggnog in place of buttermilk. To further amplify that classic holiday taste, I added an extra dash of ground nutmeg, ensuring every bite is bursting with festive flavor. The result is a pancake that’s incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully comforting.
What You’ll Need for Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes
For the exact measurements and full instructions, make sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the COMPLETE PRINTABLE recipe card.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our fluffy pancakes.
- Baking Soda: Works with the acidity in eggnog to create lift.
- Baking Powder: Provides additional rise for that desirable thick texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the spices.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient, replacing traditional milk or buttermilk for a festive twist.
- Vanilla Extract: A classic enhancer that complements the eggnog flavor.
- Nutmeg: Essential for that signature holiday spice profile. Freshly grated is always best if you have it!
- Unsalted Butter: Melted into the batter for moisture and flavor. I always opt for unsalted in baking and cooking to control the salt content.
- Extra Butter: For brushing the griddle, ensuring a perfect golden-brown crust.
How To Make The Best Eggnog Pancakes: Step-by-Step
Making these holiday pancakes is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for perfect, fluffy results every time:
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and prevent lumps, ensuring a smooth batter. Whisk them together thoroughly until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, whisk together the eggnog, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This ensures all the liquids are fully incorporated before adding them to the dry ingredients.
- Combine Gently: Pour the wet eggnog mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until *just* combined. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desired; overmixing the batter can lead to tough pancakes.
- Add Melted Butter: Fold in the melted butter until it’s just incorporated into the batter. This adds richness and helps with browning.
- Prepare Your Skillet/Griddle: Heat a large non-stick skillet or electric griddle over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Lightly brush the hot surface with a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Using a ½-cup measuring scoop, ladle portions of the batter onto the hot griddle. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and serve them hot, ideally with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Tips & Tricks for Perfect Eggnog Pancakes
To ensure your eggnog pancakes are the fluffiest, most flavorful, and perfectly cooked, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: This is a game-changer! When eggs are at room temperature, they emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to lighter, fluffier pancakes. Take your egg (and eggnog, if you remember) out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start mixing.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until the flour streaks disappear. A few lumps are perfectly normal! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, chewy pancakes instead of light and tender ones.
- Resist the Urge to Press: After flipping your pancakes, it’s tempting to press down on them with your spatula, thinking it will speed up cooking. Don’t! This action actually squeezes out the air bubbles, deflating your pancakes and making them dense and flat. Let them rise naturally.
- Adjust Batter Consistency: These pancakes are designed to be thick, with a relatively thick batter. If you prefer a slightly thinner pancake, or find your batter too thick for your liking, simply add an extra 1/4 cup of eggnog. Eggnog is naturally thicker than milk or buttermilk, so a little extra liquid won’t thin out the flavor.
- Test Your Griddle Temperature: The ideal griddle temperature is crucial. If it’s too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through. Too cool, and they’ll be pale and dry. Test by sprinkling a few drops of water; they should sizzle and evaporate within a few seconds.
- Use a Scoop for Uniformity: For consistently sized and evenly cooked pancakes, use a 1/4 or 1/2 cup measuring scoop to pour the batter onto the griddle.
Serving Suggestions for Your Festive Eggnog Pancakes
While I adore keeping it classic with just a pat of butter and a generous pour of warm maple syrup, these eggnog pancakes are versatile enough for you to get as fancy and creative as you like! The eggnog flavor is delightfully present but not overwhelmingly strong, meaning it blends beautifully with a wide array of toppings. Feel free to experiment and make them your own!
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup: A vibrant and fresh contrast to the warm spices.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and a perfect complement to the rich pancakes. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top!
- Warm Blueberry Sauce: The sweetness and slight tartness of blueberries pair wonderfully.
- Fresh Berries: A colorful and healthy addition.
- Caramel Sauce: For an extra decadent treat.
- Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- A Dusting of Powdered Sugar: Simple, elegant, and always a hit.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Eggnog Pancakes
Should you be lucky enough to have any leftovers, these eggnog pancakes store wonderfully! Place cooled pancakes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a toaster oven on medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through and slightly crispy, or microwave them in 10-second intervals until hot. They’ll be almost as good as fresh!
Can You Freeze Eggnog Pancakes for Later? Absolutely!
Batch cooking and freezing pancakes is one of my favorite meal prep hacks, and these eggnog pancakes are perfect for it! They make for an incredibly easy and delicious breakfast on even the busiest of mornings. Once your pancakes have completely cooled to room temperature, stack them with parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Then, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, simply pop them into a toaster, toaster oven, or microwave (on 50% power) until thoroughly warmed. This means a festive breakfast is always just minutes away!
More Easy Breakfast Recipes to Brighten Your Day
If you loved these Eggnog Pancakes, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our easy and delicious breakfast recipes. From sweet to savory, we have something to kickstart every morning!
- Decadent Chocolate Pancakes: For the ultimate chocolate lover!
- Savory Bacon Egg Cheese Muffins: A perfect grab-and-go option.
- Fun Breakfast Pizza: A customizable crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
- Refreshing Smoothie Bowls: A healthy and vibrant way to start your day.
- Festive Cranberry Breakfast Cake: Another delicious holiday-inspired bake.
Eggnog Pancakes
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
4
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 1/4 cup eggnog
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon butter, for brushing cooking surface
Instructions
-
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar. Stir well until all dry ingredients are evenly combined.
-
In a separate 2-cup measuring cup or medium bowl, whisk together the eggnog, large egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
-
Pour the eggnog mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or whisk until the batter is just smooth, being careful not to overmix. Fold in the melted butter until barely combined.
-
Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly brush the cooking surface with a teaspoon of butter or a little cooking spray.
-
Pour the pancake batter onto the prepared griddle in ½-cup scoops. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until numerous tiny bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to look set. Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
-
Serve your delicious Eggnog Pancakes hot with a pat of butter and a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
Breakfast Recipes, Holiday Recipes
American
4
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use homemade eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade eggnog will lend an even richer and more authentic flavor to your pancakes. Just ensure it’s a consistent liquid texture for the best results. - Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Look for a good quality dairy-free eggnog alternative. Many brands offer almond milk or oat milk-based eggnog during the holiday season. Use plant-based butter as well. - What if I don’t have nutmeg?
While nutmeg is a key component of eggnog’s flavor, you can substitute it with a pinch of cinnamon, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice for a similar warm, holiday spice profile. - Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Chocolate chips, a handful of dried cranberries, or even a tablespoon of rum extract (for adults!) would be delicious additions. Fold them into the batter just before cooking.
I created a fun group on Facebook, and I would love for you to join us! It’s a vibrant community where you can
share YOUR favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on what’s new at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts (so that you never miss a new recipe)!
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and
tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS
recipes YOU make!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you
never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram