There’s just something magical about breakfast during the holidays, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly cooked pancakes wafting through the house, mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree, feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. That’s why I absolutely adore making these peppermint hot chocolate pancakes! They’re a delightful twist on a classic breakfast, combining the rich, comforting flavors of hot chocolate with a refreshing hint of peppermint. Yum!
Every year, I whip up a batch of these fluffy delights on Christmas morning, and it’s become a cherished family tradition. The kids can hardly wait to dig in, eyes sparkling with excitement as the whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies transform our breakfast table into a festive feast. I remember the first time I made them; the joy on my family’s faces made it clear that I’d stumbled upon something special. Honestly, I think the secret lies in that perfect balance of cocoa and peppermint—it’s like a little celebration in every bite! So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s create some holiday magic together with these delicious pancakes!
Ingredients for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
To make these delightful peppermint hot chocolate pancakes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s what to gather:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the base of your pancakes, giving them that lovely fluffy texture.
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that rich chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with peppermint.
- 2 tablespoons sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the cocoa and enhance the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, helping the pancakes rise and become light and airy.
- 1 cup milk: Whole milk works best for a rich taste, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- 1 large egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: The star of the show! This gives the pancakes that refreshing peppermint kick.
For serving, you’ll also want:
- 1 cup whipped cream: This fluffy topping adds a decadent touch.
- 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candies: These will garnish your pancakes, providing a delightful crunch and extra burst of peppermint flavor.
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go—trust me, it makes the process so much smoother when you can just focus on the fun of cooking!
How to Prepare Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these peppermint hot chocolate pancakes! I promise, it’s super fun and straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stack of fluffy, chocolatey goodness in no time!
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a mixing bowl and add your 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Give them a good whisk! You want everything to be well mixed and free of lumps. This step is crucial because it ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, helping your pancakes rise beautifully.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract until it’s all fully blended. This is where the magic begins! The milk adds creaminess, the egg brings everything together, and the peppermint extract? Well, that’s the secret ingredient that makes these pancakes sing with flavor! Make sure it’s well mixed so every bite has that refreshing kick.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now for the fun part! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined. You might see a few flour streaks—don’t worry about it! The key here is to avoid overmixing; it’ll help keep your pancakes light and fluffy. A few lumps are just fine!
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
Heat your skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Once it’s nice and hot, pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. You’ll know it’s time to flip when bubbles start to form on the surface—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another minute or so until they’re golden brown and delicious. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
Step 5: Serve with Toppings
Once your pancakes are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve them up! Stack them high on a plate, and let your creativity shine. Top off with a generous dollop of 1 cup of whipped cream and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of crushed peppermint candies on top for that festive touch. Trust me, the combination of the creamy whipped cream and the crunchy peppermint is absolutely heavenly!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your peppermint hot chocolate pancakes, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting in your body, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for this delightful breakfast treat. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Calcium: 150mg
- Iron: 3mg
These pancakes are not just delicious; they also pack a nice balance of nutrients to kickstart your day! Enjoy them guilt-free as part of your festive breakfast spread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These peppermint hot chocolate pancakes are a true breakfast game-changer, and I can’t wait for you to experience them! Here are just a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home:
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up a delicious breakfast even on the busiest holiday mornings!
- Festive Flavors: The delightful combination of rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint makes these pancakes a perfect treat for the holidays, bringing a smile to everyone’s face.
- Customizable: Feel free to add in chocolate chips, swap out the peppermint extract for other flavors, or get creative with your toppings. The possibilities are endless!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these fluffy pancakes. They’re a fantastic way to get the whole family excited about breakfast together.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s Christmas morning or a cozy brunch with friends, these pancakes elevate any gathering with their festive charm.
Trust me, once you try these peppermint hot chocolate pancakes, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make them again!
Tips for Success
To make your peppermint hot chocolate pancakes truly spectacular, I’ve got a few expert tips that will ensure they turn out perfectly every time. Trust me; these little tricks will take your pancake game to the next level!
- Avoid Overmixing: This is probably the most crucial tip! When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, and we want them light and fluffy, right?
- Temperature Check: Make sure your skillet is at the right temperature before cooking. It should be medium heat, which usually means a few drops of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly when you test it. If it’s too hot, your pancakes will burn on the outside while remaining raw in the middle. If it’s too cool, they’ll turn out flat and rubbery.
- Grease Wisely: Whether you’re using butter or cooking spray, be sure to lightly grease your skillet before pouring in the batter. This will help achieve that golden-brown crust we all love. But don’t drown the skillet—just a light coat will do!
- Watch for Bubbles: When cooking, keep an eye on those bubbles forming on the surface of the pancakes. That’s your cue that it’s time to flip! It usually takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side, so don’t rush it. Patience is key!
- Serve Immediately: Pancakes are best served fresh off the skillet. If you have a larger batch, keep them warm in an oven set to low heat (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest. This way, everyone gets to enjoy them hot and fluffy!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be flipping perfect peppermint hot chocolate pancakes in no time. Happy cooking!
Variations for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
One of the best things about peppermint hot chocolate pancakes is how versatile they are! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or to add a fun twist. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: For an extra chocolatey kick, fold in some mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking. They’ll melt slightly and create pockets of gooey goodness in each pancake!
- Flavored Extract Swaps: While peppermint is the star, you can experiment with other extracts! Try using vanilla extract for a classic flavor, or even almond extract for a unique twist that complements the cocoa beautifully.
- Spiced Up Pancakes: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and peppermint.
- Nutty Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a nutty crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely so they mix well!
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent to keep those fluffy pancakes intact.
- Fruit Toppings: Serve your pancakes with fresh berries or banana slices on top, drizzled with maple syrup or a berry compote. The fruity flavors add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and peppermint.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own variations! That’s the beauty of pancake-making—every batch can be a delightful adventure. Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect twist on these festive treats!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover peppermint hot chocolate pancakes (which is a rarity in my house!), don’t worry! Storing them properly will keep them fresh and delicious for your next indulgent breakfast. Here’s how to do it:
First, let the pancakes cool completely to room temperature. This is important, as placing warm pancakes in a container can create moisture, making them soggy. Once they’re cool, stack them with a layer of parchment paper in between each pancake to prevent sticking. Then, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! Just follow the same cooling and stacking method, then place the pancakes in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date so you know when they were made!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftover pancakes, reheating is a breeze. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pancakes on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in the microwave. Just place a pancake on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep it moist), and heat for about 20-30 seconds. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overdo it!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the joy of peppermint hot chocolate pancakes even after the holiday festivities are over. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these peppermint hot chocolate pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before cooking in the morning. This makes breakfast super quick and hassle-free!
Q2: What can I use instead of peppermint extract?
If peppermint isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile. Just know that it won’t have that festive peppermint kick, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q3: Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Definitely! You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Just check that it contains a binding agent, like xanthan gum, to help keep those pancakes fluffy and together.
Q4: How do I store leftover pancakes?
To store leftover pancakes, let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
Oh, absolutely! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic idea! Just fold them into the batter before cooking, and you’ll have delightful pockets of melted chocolate in every bite, enhancing that hot chocolate experience!
For more delicious recipes and ideas, check out my Pinterest page!
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
Ingredients
For the Pancake Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
For Topping
- 1 cup whipped cream for serving
- 2 tbsp crushed peppermint candies for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and baking powder.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and peppermint extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown.
- Serve topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.