I swear, peppermint pancakes were never supposed to become a “thing” in my kitchen. One December morning, half-asleep and fully overconfident, I added way too much peppermint extract to my batter — like, “my entire house smells like toothpaste” levels of dramatic. My husband took one bite, blinked twice, and said, “Babe… my mouth is cold.”
But the kids loved the idea, so I kept testing… and testing… and testing (because honestly, any excuse to flip pancakes is fine by me). And after a few batches that could’ve doubled as breath mints, I finally found the perfect balance — festive, fluffy, minty-but-not-minty-minty.
Now these peppermint pancakes are officially our cozy December tradition. And every year, I fall a little more in love with the whole process — the warm skillet, the melted chocolate, the candy cane crunch… my happy place. 💕🍳
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What Are Peppermint Pancakes? (And Why They’re a Holiday Staple)
A Festive Twist on Classic Pancakes
Peppermint pancakes are basically your favorite fluffy pancakes… dressed up in their cutest Christmas pajamas. 🎄
Instead of staying plain, the batter gets a cozy winter makeover with peppermint extract, crushed candy canes, peppermint baking chips, or a mix of all three.
You still get that classic, buttery, vanilla pancake flavor—but with a cool, minty swirl and (if you want) little pops of chocolate and candy cane crunch.
And if you love seasonal treats, you’ll also want to try my Gooey Stuffed Biscoff Cookies or these Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies — they’re perfect for December baking vibes too.
You’ll see people search for them as:
- peppermint pancakes
- Christmas peppermint pancakes
- peppermint pancakes recipe
- peppermint hot chocolate pancakes
All of those are just different ways of saying: “I want cozy, wintery pancakes that taste like the holidays.”
When to Serve Peppermint Pancakes
These pancakes shine whenever you want something special and seasonal:
- Christmas morning – They pair beautifully with a warm mug of my Coconut Milk Hot Chocolate.
- Christmas Eve breakfast-for-dinner – Pancakes at night + holiday movies = elite combo.
- December weekends – When you want a festive treat that’s easier than baking a whole cake.
- Holiday brunch – Add a peppermint toppings bar and serve alongside something savory like my Ham and Cheese Croissant Casserole.
- Kids’ sleepovers – You become the “fun house” instantly.
Basically, anytime you want cozy winter vibes without turning on the oven for an hour.
Who These Peppermint Pancakes Are Perfect For
This recipe hits the sweet spot for:
- Busy parents wanting a magical Christmas breakfast that’s still realistic.
- Brunch lovers who want food that looks great on Instagram (like my Strawberry Cheesecake Chimichangas).
- Peppermint fans who want something beyond hot chocolate and cookies.
- Anyone who loves options – classic, hot cocoa style, or even a lighter whole-wheat version.
If you love festive, fluffy, slightly extra pancakes that still feel doable on a cold, sleepy December morning…
You’re right where you need to be. ❤️
Peppermint Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy Peppermint Pancakes bring cozy holiday magic to your breakfast table! Lightly minty, perfectly sweet, and optionally chocolatey, they’re the ultimate Christmas morning treat. Kids love them, adults devour them, and they cook in minutes — festive, fun, and totally foolproof.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
-
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
-
2 tbsp granulated sugar
-
2 tsp baking powder
-
½ tsp baking soda
-
¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
-
1 ¼ cups milk (or almond milk)
-
1 large egg
-
3 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ tsp peppermint extract (adjust to taste — see notes)
Optional Add-Ins
-
2 tbsp crushed candy canes
-
¼ cup chocolate chips
-
2 tbsp cocoa powder (for hot cocoa version)
For Serving
-
Whipped cream
-
Crushed candy canes
-
Chocolate syrup
-
Mini marshmallows
Instructions
-
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. -
Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and peppermint extract. -
Make the Batter
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and gently mix until combined. Batter should be slightly lumpy — don’t overmix. -
Fold in Extras (optional)
Add crushed candy canes or chocolate chips if using. -
Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly greased pan on medium. Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top, then flip and cook until golden. -
Serve Warm
Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, chocolate syrup, or marshmallows.
Notes
-
Peppermint Strength Guide:
Light: ¼ tsp — great for kids
Regular: ½ tsp — balanced mint flavor
Strong: ¾–1 tsp — for true mint lovers -
Hot Cocoa Version: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder + 1–2 tbsp extra milk.
-
Candy Cane Tip: For toddlers, grind candy canes into very fine dust to avoid sharp edges.
-
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk + coconut oil or vegan butter.
-
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Ingredients You’ll Need for Peppermint Pancakes (and Easy Swaps)
Peppermint pancakes look festive, taste cozy, and the ingredients are mostly pantry basics — plus a little holiday magic. Here’s everything you need, without the fluff.
Base Pancake Ingredients (From Scratch or Mix)
You’ll need:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Sugar
- Salt
- Milk
- Eggs
- Melted butter or oil
- Vanilla extract
You can also use a pancake mix if you want these done lightning-fast on Christmas morning.
Peppermint Options — Extract, Candy Canes & Chips
This is the fun part:
- Peppermint extract: strongest flavor, use sparingly
- Crushed candy canes: sweeter + red swirl effect
- Peppermint baking chips: melt slightly for minty pockets
Use whichever you prefer — we’ll guide the exact amounts in the recipe.
Chocolate & Hot Cocoa Add-Ins
If you want peppermint hot chocolate pancakes, you can add:
- Cocoa powder
- Hot cocoa mix
- Chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
These turn your pancakes into a cozy peppermint hot cocoa moment.
Diet-Friendly Swaps (GF, DF, Whole Wheat, Vegan)
Easy swaps for any preferences:
- GF: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
- DF: almond/oat milk + coconut oil or DF butter
- Whole Wheat: use half whole wheat flour
- Vegan: plant milk + melted coconut oil + flax egg
Optional Festive Add-Ins
- Mini marshmallows
- Sprinkles
- White chocolate drizzle
- Cocoa nibs
- Crushed cookies
Peppermint Strength Guide: From Light Mint to Bold & Festive
Peppermint is powerful — one drop too much and suddenly your pancakes taste like toothpaste. One drop too little… and nobody even notices the mint.
This guide keeps your holiday breakfast minty, magical, and perfectly balanced.
How Much Peppermint Extract to Use
Peppermint extract is strong, so here’s the safe zone for a standard batch of pancakes:
- Light Mint (Kid-Friendly): ¼ teaspoon
- Standard Holiday Mint: ½ teaspoon
- Mint Lover’s Level: ¾ teaspoon
- Careful, This Is Bold: 1 teaspoon
If you’re unsure, always start light. You can add mint… you cannot undo mint 😅.
Using Crushed Candy Canes (Without Overpowering)
Candy canes add sweetness + that pretty red swirl. Use:
- 2–3 tablespoons of finely crushed candy canes
- Fold in gently at the end so they don’t dissolve into the batter
- If serving to small kids, crush them into a fine powder to avoid sharp edges
They melt slightly on the pan → magical.
Balancing Mint With Chocolate
Mint + chocolate = winter perfection, but the balance matters:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder if pancakes taste too minty
- Add extra tablespoon of sugar if cocoa makes batter too bitter
- Add chocolate chips to soften the mint with sweetness
Chocolate naturally calms strong peppermint flavors.
Taste-Test Trick (My Secret)
Make one tiny test pancake first.
- If the mint is perfect → cook the full batch
- If too light → add literally a drop or two of extract
- If too strong → add 1–2 tablespoons extra flour + sugar to rebalance
Think of it like adjusting lip gloss — easy to add, impossible to remove 😂
Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Peppermint Pancakes
Making peppermint pancakes isn’t complicated — but a few small details can turn them from “good” to “oh wow, did you really make these?”
Here’s the simple, foolproof method.
✅ Before You Start — Quick Prep Checklist
A little prep = a stress-free, cozy morning.
- Crush your candy canes
- Melt your butter (and let it cool slightly)
- Preheat your skillet or griddle
- Mix your dry ingredients in one bowl
- Whisk your wet ingredients in another
- Warm your oven to keep pancakes cozy while you finish the batch
Deep breath. Holiday magic is about to happen. ✨
Mixing the Batter (Without Overmixing)
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt.
- Whisk wet ingredients: milk, eggs, melted butter, vanilla.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl.
- Gently mix with a spatula until just combined — a few lumps are totally fine.
- Add your peppermint extract (or candy canes or chips) and fold in gently.
Important: Let the batter rest 5 minutes.
This gives you fluffier pancakes — your future self will thank you.
Cooking Peppermint Pancakes to Fluffy Perfection
- Heat your skillet over medium.
- Lightly grease with butter or oil.
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on top + edges look set.
- Flip carefully and cook the second side until golden.
Your kitchen will smell like a cozy winter bakery. ❤️
Keeping Pancakes Warm (While You Finish the Batch)
Place the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet and slide them into a 200°F (95°C) oven.
Cover loosely with foil so they stay soft, not dry.
Perfect for when you’re cooking for family, guests, or a whole winter brunch crew.
Choose Your Version: Classic, Hot Cocoa, Lighter, or Mocha
One batter, four moods. Choose the vibe that fits your Christmas morning:
Classic Peppermint (No Chocolate)
Light, fluffy, kid-friendly.
- Vanilla + peppermint
- Optional crushed candy canes
- Soft mint flavor
Best when you want something simple and festive.
Peppermint Hot Cocoa
Rich and cozy — like drinking hot chocolate in pancake form.
- Add cocoa or hot cocoa mix
- Optional chocolate chips
- Mint can be slightly stronger
Perfect for chocolate lovers.
Lighter / Whole Wheat
For a festive breakfast without the sugar crash.
- Half or all whole wheat flour
- Almond milk or yogurt
- Light peppermint level
Feels wholesome but still Christmassy.
Peppermint Mocha
For coffee people who still want pancakes.
- Add a splash of coffee or mocha creamer
- Optional cocoa
- Standard peppermint level
Tastes like a holiday latte… but fluffier.
Peppermint Pancake Toppings & the Candy Cane Bar
The right toppings can turn simple peppermint pancakes into a full-on holiday celebration. Whether you’re making classic peppermint pancakes, chocolate peppermint hot chocolate pancakes, or candy cane pancakes for kids, these topping ideas instantly make them feel festive and Christmas-ready.
Classic Toppings for Peppermint Pancakes
Perfect for any version of your peppermint pancakes:
- Butter
- Maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
These simple toppings let the peppermint flavor shine.
Peppermint Candy Cane Bar (The Ultimate Upgrade)
If you want a fun, build-your-own station, this peppermint pancake bar works for kids, guests, or Christmas brunch:
- Crushed candy canes (perfect for candy cane pancakes)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
- Chocolate drizzle or hot fudge
- Peppermint whipped cream
- Holiday sprinkles
This setup makes your peppermint pancakes look Instagram-ready with zero effort.
Lighter Toppings for Healthy Peppermint Pancakes
If you’re making lighter peppermint pancakes or whole-wheat versions:
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Reduced-sugar syrup
Still festive. Still delicious. Just a little gentler.
Hosting Tip
Serve toppings in small bowls with spoons — it keeps everything neat and turns your peppermint pancakes into a fun, interactive Christmas morning moment.
Nutrition Details for Peppermint Pancakes
These nutrition numbers help you understand exactly what you’re serving — whether you make classic peppermint pancakes, chocolate peppermint pancakes, or a lighter version.
Here is an estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (2 medium pancakes).
Values change slightly depending on your mix-ins.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240–310 kcal |
| Sugar | 10–18 g |
| Sodium | 180–240 mg |
| Total Fat | 8–12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4–6 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 3–5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32–40 g |
| Fiber | 1–3 g |
| Protein | 5–7 g |
| Cholesterol | 35–55 mg |
✔️ Version-by-Version Nutrition Notes
Classic Peppermint Pancakes
- Moderate calories
- Balanced sugar + fat
- Similar to classic buttermilk pancakes with a mint swirl
Peppermint Hot Cocoa Pancakes
- Slightly higher sugar & carbs
- More calories if adding chocolate chips
- Cocoa adds antioxidants (source below)
Lighter / Whole Wheat Peppermint Pancakes
- More fiber + more filling
- Slightly lower sugar
- Best for long mornings or big brunches
Peppermint Mocha Version
- Similar nutrition to classic
- Small increase in carbs if using mocha creamer
How to Serve Peppermint Pancakes
Peppermint pancakes are already super festive, but serving them the right way makes them feel like a full Christmas-morning experience — without extra work.
Simple & Pretty Plating
Keep it cozy and cute:
- Stack 2–3 warm peppermint pancakes
- Add whipped cream
- Sprinkle crushed candy canes
- Finish with a drizzle of chocolate or maple syrup
If you want quick plating inspo, the Kitchn has a simple pancake presentation guide:
What to Serve With Peppermint Pancakes
Perfect pairings:
- Hot chocolate or peppermint mocha
- Fresh berries
- Crispy bacon or sausage
- Scrambled eggs
These balance the sweetness and make it feel like a full breakfast.
Kid-Friendly Serving
For the little ones:
- Make mini peppermint pancakes with cookie cutters
- Serve a tiny “toppings cup” (mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, sprinkles)
- Use peppermint dust instead of large candy pieces
Fast Holiday Table Setup
A cute table in 1 minute:
- Red & white napkins
- Small bowls of toppings in the center
- A big platter of warm pancakes
FAQ’s About Peppermint Pancakes
Can you add peppermint extract to any pancake recipe?
Yes! Just add ¼–½ teaspoon peppermint extract to your usual batter. Start small — peppermint gets strong fast.
How much peppermint extract should I use in peppermint pancakes?
Light mint: ¼ tsp
Standard: ½ tsp
Strong: ¾–1 tsp
If unsure, cook one mini test pancake first.
Can I make peppermint pancakes without chocolate?
Absolutely. Just skip cocoa and chocolate chips.
They taste amazing with vanilla + peppermint alone.
Can I use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?
Yes — but reduce the sugar slightly.
Hot cocoa mix is sweeter and makes softer, fluffier hot chocolate peppermint pancakes.
How do I make peppermint pancakes without eggs or dairy? (Vegan version)
Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water)
Swap milk for almond or oat milk
Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter
They stay fluffy and cook exactly the same.
Final Thoughts on Peppermint Pancakes
Peppermint pancakes are one of those little holiday tricks that make you feel like the cozy, magical version of yourself — the one who somehow cooks, hosts, jokes, and keeps the kitchen smelling like Christmas all at once. 🎄💁♀️
Whether you go classic, hot cocoa, or lighter & wholesome, you now have everything you need to whip up a stack that makes the whole house smile.
So pour yourself a warm drink, sprinkle a little candy cane magic, and enjoy every bite — you just created a new holiday tradition. ❤️🥞
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