Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup: A Cozy Holiday Breakfast Classic

Few breakfasts feel as comforting and festive as Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup. Infused with warm spices, rich molasses, and just the right amount of sweetness, these pancakes bring all the cozy flavors of gingerbread straight to your breakfast table. Whether you’re planning a special Christmas morning brunch, a winter weekend breakfast, or simply craving something warm and spiced, this recipe delivers a truly memorable start to the day.

Unlike traditional gingerbread desserts that can be dense or overly sweet, gingerbread pancakes are light, fluffy, and perfectly balanced. The spices provide warmth without overpowering, while maple syrup adds a natural sweetness that complements the molasses beautifully. Each bite feels indulgent yet comforting—exactly what a holiday breakfast should be.

Why You’ll Love These Gingerbread Pancakes

These pancakes are more than just delicious—they’re practical and crowd-pleasing too.

• Fluffy and tender texture
• Perfectly spiced, not overpowering
• Quick to make with pantry staples
• Ideal for holidays or cozy weekends
• Pairs perfectly with maple syrup

They’re easy enough for a weekday breakfast but special enough for celebrations.

What Makes Gingerbread Pancakes Special

The magic lies in the combination of molasses and warm spices. Molasses gives these pancakes their signature gingerbread flavor, adding depth and richness without making them overly sweet. The spice blend—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—creates warmth and aroma that instantly evokes the holiday season.

Unlike plain pancakes, gingerbread pancakes feel layered and complex, yet still familiar. When topped with maple syrup, the flavors become perfectly balanced: spicy, sweet, warm, and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Milk
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter
• Molasses
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup (for serving)

These simple ingredients come together to create pancakes that taste like they came from a cozy café.

Instructions

1. Mix dry ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Mix wet ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine batter
   Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Heat skillet
   Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease.
5. Cook pancakes
   Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
6. Serve
   Serve warm with butter and maple syrup.

Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup

Fluffy gingerbread-spiced pancakes made with molasses and warm spices, served with classic maple syrup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 plates

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 380

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.25 tsp ground cloves
• 1.75 cups milk
• 2 eggs large
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.25 cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• maple syrup for serving

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Non-stick skillet or griddle
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Whisk together dry ingredients in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, whisk milk, eggs, melted butter, molasses, and vanilla.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed.
4. Heat a greased skillet over medium heat.
5. Pour 1/4 cup batter per pancake and cook until bubbles form.
6. Flip and cook until golden brown.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup.

Notes

Avoid overmixing to keep pancakes light and fluffy.

Tips for the Best Gingerbread Pancakes

• Don’t overmix the batter—lumps are okay
• Cook over medium heat to prevent burning
• Use real maple syrup for best flavor
• Let batter rest for 5 minutes for extra fluffiness

Delicious Variations

• Apple Gingerbread Pancakes: Add grated apple
• Chocolate Chip Gingerbread Pancakes: Stir in chocolate chips
• Protein Boost: Add vanilla protein powder
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and vegan butter

Topping Ideas Beyond Maple Syrup

While maple syrup is classic, these pancakes also shine with:

• Whipped cream
• Candied pecans
• Vanilla yogurt
• Powdered sugar
• Warm apple compote

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup alongside:

• Crispy bacon or sausage
• Scrambled eggs
• Fresh fruit
• Hot coffee or spiced tea

This breakfast feels indulgent yet balanced when paired with savory sides.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days
• Freeze pancakes for up to 2 months
• Reheat in toaster or microwave

Perfect for busy mornings when you want something special without extra work.

Why Gingerbread Pancakes Belong on Your Holiday Table

Gingerbread pancakes capture the heart of the holiday season—warm spices, comforting flavors, and shared moments around the table. They’re nostalgic yet fresh, simple yet special.

Once you try them, they’re sure to become a cherished winter tradition.