Gingerbread Men Pancakes – Clara quick dinners

Gingerbread Men Pancakes are festive, fluffy pancakes infused with warm gingerbread spices and shaped like adorable gingerbread men. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, these pancakes are both delicious and fun, making them a hit with kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fun and festive twist on traditional pancakes
• Packed with cozy gingerbread flavors
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches
• Customizable with your favorite toppings and decorations

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for cooking)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decorating:

• Whipped cream
• Mini chocolate chips or candy eyes
• Icing or gel frosting (white or colorful)
• Berries, syrup, or powdered sugar

Directions

Make the Pancake Batter

1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Both Mixtures:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Cook the Pancakes

1. Preheat the Skillet:
   • Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
2. Create Gingerbread Men Shapes:
   • Pour or pipe the batter into gingerbread man shapes using a squeeze bottle or a piping bag.
   • Alternatively, use a metal gingerbread man cookie cutter as a mold. Pour the batter into the cookie cutter placed on the skillet and remove the cutter when the batter starts to set.
3. Cook Until Bubbles Form:
   • Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set.
   • Carefully flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
4. Repeat:
   • Continue with the remaining batter, keeping cooked pancakes warm in a low oven if needed.

Decorate the Pancakes

1. Add Faces and Buttons:
   • Use mini chocolate chips or candy eyes for the eyes.
   • Pipe icing or gel frosting to add a mouth, buttons, or other details.
   • You can also add whipped cream, berries, or syrup for extra decoration.
2. Serve:
   • Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 gingerbread men pancakes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Gingerbread Pancakes: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
• Vegan Gingerbread Pancakes: Substitute milk with almond or oat milk, use a flax egg, and replace butter with coconut oil.
• Gingerbread Pancake Stacks: Make smaller, round pancakes and stack them with layers of whipped cream or frosting in between.
• Spiced Whipped Cream: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to whipped cream for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a toaster, skillet, or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. How do I make perfectly shaped gingerbread men?

Use a metal cookie cutter as a mold or a squeeze bottle to carefully pipe the batter into shape.

2. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before using.

3. How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure the skillet is well-greased and preheated before adding the batter.

4. What if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute molasses with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.

5. Can I use a pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?

Yes, add gingerbread spices and molasses to your favorite pancake mix for a shortcut.

6. How do I make the pancakes fluffier?

Avoid overmixing the batter, and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to allow the baking powder to activate.

7. What toppings go well with gingerbread pancakes?

Try whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of icing.

8. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, mix mini chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them onto the pancakes while cooking.

9. How do I make the pancakes more festive?

Use colorful icing or sprinkles to decorate the gingerbread men like traditional cookies.

10. Can I use this batter for waffles instead?

Yes, this gingerbread batter works well in a waffle maker for a fun holiday twist on waffles.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Men Pancakes are a delightful and festive way to celebrate the holiday season. With their warm spices, fluffy texture, and charming gingerbread shapes, these pancakes are sure to bring joy to any breakfast table. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with fun decorations, this recipe is perfect for creating holiday memories with family and friends!

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