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Gingerbread Pancakes Recipe

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4.4 from 6 reviews

These Gingerbread Pancakes are a festive twist on a classic breakfast favorite, packed with warm spices such as cinnamon, ginger, and allspice, combined with the rich sweetness of molasses. Fluffy and tender, they are perfect for a cozy morning treat during the holiday season or any time you crave a comforting pancake with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (light works too)
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon allspice

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
  • 1/3 cup unsulfered molasses (not blackstrap)
  • 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: To keep the pancakes warm while cooking the entire batch, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and place a large sheet pan inside to warm.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and allspice. Whisk these together until evenly mixed.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the lightly beaten eggs, buttermilk, unsulfered molasses, grated fresh ginger, and optional lemon zest to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything gently until just combined; a few lumps are fine. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the pancakes flat. Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes to help develop flavor and texture.
  4. Preheat Skillet or Griddle: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot. Before cooking, spray with cooking spray or lightly grease with oil or melted butter. Reduce heat to medium or medium-low right before cooking the pancakes.
  5. Cook Pancakes: Spoon 1/4 to 1/3 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, watching for bubbles along the edges. Adjust heat if they brown too quickly. When edges look dry and the underside is golden, flip and cook for another 2 1/2 minutes until golden brown on the other side.
  6. Keep Warm and Continue Cooking: Remove cooked pancakes and place them on the warm sheet pan in the oven to keep warm. Spray or grease the pan again before cooking remaining batter.
  7. Serve: Serve the gingerbread pancakes warm with butter, maple syrup, and your favorite toppings. Enjoy a cozy and flavorful breakfast treat!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the batter; some lumps are desirable for fluffy pancakes.
  • Use unsulfered molasses for the best flavor; avoid blackstrap molasses as it is too bitter.
  • Keeping pancakes warm in a low-heat oven helps maintain their texture before serving.
  • Adjust heat as needed while cooking to prevent burning or undercooking.
  • Optional lemon zest adds a subtle brightness that complements the spices but can be omitted if preferred.