Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you! Every holiday season, I find myself whipping up these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes, and let me tell you, they have quickly become a staple in my kitchen. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every single time, it brings smiles and joyous squeals from family and friends. Picture this: fluffy pancakes infused with rich chocolate and a burst of refreshing peppermint, topped with whipped cream and sprinkled with crushed candy canes. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of chocolate and peppermint creates an indulgent treat that feels like a warm hug in pancake form.
- Visually Stunning: The festive colors and toppings make these pancakes a showstopper on your breakfast table.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be flipping pancakes in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy Sunday morning, these pancakes fit right in.
- Make Ahead: You can easily prepare the batter in advance, making your morning routine a breeze!
The Secret to Perfect Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
The magic behind these pancakes lies in a secret ingredient: high-quality cocoa powder! Using premium cocoa not only deepens the chocolate flavor but also ensures that your pancakes are rich and delicious. I also discovered that adding a hint of vanilla extract and a touch of peppermint extract makes all the difference in elevating the taste. Trust me, these two little additions are game-changers! Make sure you mix the batter just until combined; overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“These pancakes are pure bliss! I made them for my family, and we couldn’t stop raving about them. The combination of flavors is just divine!” – Sarah L.
“I brought these to a brunch potluck, and they were the star of the show! Everyone was asking for the recipe!” – Mark T.
“The perfect holiday treat! They taste just like a warm cup of hot chocolate, but in pancake form. I’m in love!” – Jessica W.
Creative Variations to Try
- Chocolate Chip Peppermint Pancakes: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra indulgent bite.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drizzle warm peanut butter over the pancakes for a unique flavor twist.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
- Minty Matcha: Swap in matcha powder for a fun green twist with a hint of mint flavor.
Bonus: You can even substitute the peppermint extract with orange extract for a festive holiday variation!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes! You can mix the ingredients the night before and store the batter in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the toaster or microwave.
Can I freeze these pancakes? Absolutely! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
What can I substitute for the flour? You can use almond flour or oat flour as a gluten-free option, but the texture may differ slightly.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat them in a toaster or microwave for a quick breakfast option.
- For freezing, stack pancakes with parchment paper between them and place them in a zip-top bag.
- Serve warm with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup!
Perfect Occasions for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
- Holiday brunch with family and friends
- Cozy Christmas morning breakfast
- New Year’s Day celebration
- Winter weekend treat for yourself
- Festive gatherings or potlucks
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now, let’s dive into the recipe so you can start making these delightful Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (or your choice of non-dairy milk)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Crushed candy canes, for garnish
Tip: For an even richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa powder.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for ensuring that your pancakes rise perfectly and have an even chocolate flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Whisk until smooth. The combination of wet ingredients adds moisture and flavor, making your pancakes fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, and nobody wants that!
Step 4: Heat the Griddle
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. You want the surface to be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles when it hits the pan.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet. Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through. This is where the kitchen fills with that amazing chocolatey aroma!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top. The contrast of textures and flavors will absolutely wow your taste buds!
Nutrition Info: Each serving (2 pancakes) contains approximately 250 calories, 7g protein, and 8g fat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t express enough how special these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes are! They’re not just a breakfast; they’re an experience, a way to share warmth and joy with loved ones during the holidays. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. You’ll create lasting memories and delicious moments. Cozy up with a plate of these pancakes, and enjoy every delightful bite!
