Eggnog Pancakes Recipe

There’s something incredibly cozy about waking up on a chilly morning to a stack of fluffy, warm pancakes that taste like holiday cheer—that’s exactly what this Eggnog Pancakes Recipe brings to your table. The subtle spices and creamy richness of eggnog make these pancakes feel festive without being overly sweet, turning a simple breakfast into a celebration. I love making these during the holiday season when the house is filled with twinkling lights and loved ones are gathered around; they’re the perfect way to start a relaxed weekend morning.

What makes this Eggnog Pancakes Recipe really special is how the nutmeg and rum extract complement the creamy eggnog flavor, creating a light yet indulgent pancake that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Even if you’re not a holiday nut, these pancakes work beautifully any time you want a treat with a bit of nostalgic warmth. Plus, the recipe is forgiving, which means you can confidently make them even if you’re new to pancake-making. I’m excited to walk you through it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Eggnog Pancakes Recipe plays a pivotal role in building that tender crumb and cozy flavor. Using room temperature items and fresh baking powder will really help your batter rise beautifully, so keep those tips in mind while you shop.

• All-purpose flour: The trusty base of any good pancake—make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accurate measurement.
• Baking powder: Your leavening agent to keep pancakes fluffy and light.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Nutmeg: Adds warmth and that classic eggnog holiday spice—adjust to your taste.
• Melted butter: Adds richness and moisture; let it cool so it doesn’t cook the eggs when mixed.
• Large egg: Helps bind everything while giving pancakes structure and softness.
• Eggnog: The star of the show, bring it to room temperature to blend smoothly and prevent lumps.
• Sugar: Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness without overpowering.
• Rum extract: For that authentic eggnog flavor – a little goes a long way!
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a lovely fragrant note.
• Oil or cooking spray: To ensure your pancakes don’t stick during cooking.

Variations

I love playing around with this Eggnog Pancakes Recipe depending on who I’m feeding or the occasion. You can easily tweak the spices or swap ingredients to match your preferences or dietary needs—pancakes are such a forgiving canvas!

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cloves gives it an extra festive punch—I found my family preferred this version during Christmas brunch.
• Non-alcoholic: If you skip the rum extract, just add a little extra vanilla and nutmeg and you’ll still get that signature eggnog feel without any alcohol flavor.
• Gluten-free: I’ve swapped the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend; just make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free eggnog and a plant-based butter substitute, and you’re all set without sacrificing flavor!
• Extra fluffy: Separate the egg, whip the white until soft peaks form, and gently fold it into the batter for pancakes that almost float off your plate.

How to Make Eggnog Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This step ensures your spices and leavening are evenly distributed, giving you consistent flavor and rise in every bite. I find sifting the baking powder with the flour helps avoid clumps and makes for lighter pancakes.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then stir in the melted butter (make sure it’s cooled so you don’t scramble the egg!), eggnog, sugar, rum extract, and vanilla. Using room temperature ingredients here makes everything blend into a smooth batter without lumps. When I forget this step, I sometimes end up with uneven pancakes!

Step 3: Gently Fold Wet into Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix or you’ll risk tough pancakes. Leaving a few small lumps is absolutely fine—I actually prefer it that way for a tender texture. Trust me, patience here pays off.

Step 4: Heat the Pan and Cook Your Pancakes

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray. When it’s hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Look for bubbles to form on the surface and edges that start to dry before flipping—usually about 2-3 minutes per side. I like to keep my heat moderate so the pancakes cook through without burning outside.

How to Serve Eggnog Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes

My favorite way to garnish these pancakes is a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. Sometimes, I add a few toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch. It adds such a nice texture contrast, and that nutty aroma blends beautifully with the eggnog spices.

Side Dishes

I like to serve these with crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty counterpoint to the sweet pancakes. Fresh winter fruit like orange slices or spiced apple compote also brings a fresh brightness that balances the rich flavors perfectly. It’s a combo that’ll have your guests reaching for seconds!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I sometimes layer these Eggnog Pancakes Recipe creations into a stack with whipped cream and fresh cranberries in between layers. It looks festive and feels like a dessert-meets-breakfast vibe. Another fun idea is using mini pancake molds and topping each one with a small dollop of eggnog-flavored whipped cream and a cinnamon stick garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually stack leftover pancakes with parchment paper in between to keep them from sticking and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay good for up to 2 days, which makes for a quick, cozy breakfast the next morning.

Freezing

Freeze any extras by layering the cooled pancakes with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. When I’m ready to enjoy, I just pull out a few pancakes and they thaw quickly. Freezing helps me prep ahead if I know I’ll have a busy morning but still want that comforting eggnog flavor.

Reheating

The trick to keeping leftovers tasty is reheating them in a warm skillet over low heat or popping them in the toaster for a minute or two. This way, they get a bit of crispness on the outside while staying soft inside, rather than turning soggy like the microwave often does.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Eggnog Pancakes Recipe is one of those seasonal treats I look forward to every year because it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, fluffy blanket of festive flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or just indulging in a cozy weekend morning, these pancakes bring a little extra joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’ll probably be making these your new holiday tradition, just like me!

Print