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There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning to a plate of fluffy pancakes bursting with red and green sprinkles. These festive Christmas Pancakes are as easy as it gets using your favorite store bought pancake mix but they turn breakfast into a merry celebration even before gifts are unwrapped. If you need a last minute holiday breakfast that delivers joy with every bite this is it
I first made these on a whim when my kids begged for something special and we had just pancake mix and holiday sprinkles left. Now it would not feel like Christmas without them
Ingredients
- Just Add Water Pancake Mix: gives you fluffy pancakes with almost no effort look for mixes that have minimal additives for the best taste and texture
- Christmas Sprinkles: bring the holiday cheer into every bite go for classic red and green jimmies instead of the tiny sugary beads which can melt too quickly
- Cold filtered water: helps your batter blend without lumps use room temperature or cold water for the fluffiest pancakes
Instructions
- Make the Batter:
- Mix the pancake mix in a big bowl with water according to package instructions whisk gently just until combined some small lumps are fine do not overmix or pancakes could turn out tough
- Preheat the Pan:
- Set a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat then let it get hot for a couple minutes this helps the pancakes brown evenly and flip easily
- Add the Batter and Sprinkles:
- Spoon about a quarter cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake right after you pour sprinkle generously with Christmas sprinkles so they melt just a little into the top
- Flip and Finish:
- Once bubbles form on the surface and edges look dry flip with a big spatula cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through serve straight away for the freshest flavor
- Make Warm and Keep Serving:
- If you need to cook in batches keep finished pancakes in a low oven to stay warm no need to cover them as that can make them soggy
There is something so magical about seeing the sprinkles melt and swirl into the pancakes I always save the first pancake for myself as a special little Christmas gift and it tastes like pure holiday cheer
Storage tips
Cool extra pancakes completely before stacking and refrigerate them in an airtight container. They will keep up to three days. Warm in the toaster or microwave before serving and they will still taste like Christmas morning
Ingredient substitutions
If you only have regular pancake mix that needs eggs and milk just use those in place of the just add water version. You can use rainbow nonpareils in a pinch but they will lightly tint the batter. For a dairy free version use a vegan pancake mix and plant based milk
Serving suggestions
Pile your pancakes high and top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra festive sprinkles. Add a side of crispy bacon and bowls of fresh berries. We love ours with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar to look like snow
Cultural traditions
Making shaped or decorated pancakes is a Christmas morning ritual in so many homes. These pancakes have become our own family tradition letting the kids take turns adding sprinkles and flipping is half the fun. Every year they get more creative with their sprinkle art
Seasonal Adaptations
Try orange and black sprinkles for Halloween themed pancakes. Go for heart shaped pancakes and pink sprinkles for Valentines Day. Swap in blue and white sprinkles for Hanukkah breakfast
Success Stories
Last Christmas my niece who usually never finishes a meal ate three of these pancakes without stopping for breath. Friends have texted to say it is now their go to recipe for sleepovers or any morning that needs a little extra happiness
Freezer Meal Conversion
Flash freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer then move to a freezer safe bag. Pull out however many you need and toast straight from frozen.
Enjoy the sparkle and flavor of Christmas morning with every pancake. No matter how you decorate them this tradition is sure to deliver joy to your table
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade batter instead of boxed?
Absolutely! You can prepare your favorite homemade pancake batter and simply incorporate the sprinkles as directed.
- → When should I add the sprinkles?
Sprinkle them onto the pancakes right after pouring batter onto the skillet, or gently fold them into the batter before cooking.
- → What kind of sprinkles work best?
Use classic nonpareils or jimmies in red and green for the brightest colors. Avoid sugar pearls, as they may be too hard.
- → Can I prepare these pancakes in advance?
Yes, the pancakes can be cooked ahead and reheated in a toaster or oven for a quick Christmas breakfast.
- → How do I prevent the colors from bleeding?
Gently fold the sprinkles into the batter just before cooking to minimize color transfer, or sprinkle them on right before flipping.