Name: Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ½ cups milk; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon green food coloring; 2 tablespoons unflavored oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola); 4 oz. cream cheese, softened; ½ cup powdered sugar; ¼ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Cream cheese glaze; Red heart sprinkles; Whipped cream; Fresh fruit

Nothing says festive morning quite like a stack of cheerful, flavorful pancakes dressed up for the season. This Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe brings a fun, vibrant twist to your holiday breakfast, with that perfect pop of green and a luscious cream cheese glaze that feels just like a winter hug on a plate.

A stack of six green pancakes sits on a white plate with ridged edges, each pancake thick and slightly browned on the edges. On top of the stack, a large dollop of white whipped cream flows down the sides, decorated with small red heart-shaped sprinkles scattered over the cream and a few falling onto the plate. The background is a soft focus with a white marbled surface underneath the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made these green beauties—my kitchen instantly smelled like cozy holidays, and the kids couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s not just about the color; these pancakes are fluffy, light, and topped with a creamy glaze that transforms breakfast into a celebration.

Festive Fun: The bright green color adds a playful holiday vibe that really sets the mood for Christmas morning.
Delicious Flavors: A subtle vanilla kick and that creamy glaze make every bite feel like a treat.
Simple to Make: Quick batter prep means you’ll get from zero to table in about 30 minutes—no stress, just joy.
Customizable: Add sprinkles, whipped cream, or fresh fruit to make it truly your own holiday tradition.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe strikes a beautiful balance: the flour gives you the perfect fluff, eggs add richness, and the green food coloring amps up the festive feel. Each ingredient plays an essential role—you’ll want to pick good quality vanilla and fresh eggs for that extra flair!

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small pile of granulated sugar, two teaspoons of baking powder, a small heap of baking soda, a pinch of kosher salt, a small white bowl of whole milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white bowl with bright green food coloring, a small white bowl of light golden oil, a block of softened cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of extra whole milk, a small white bowl of red heart sprinkles, a swirl of whipped cream on a white dish, and an assortment of fresh mixed fruit including strawberries and blueberries, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: Gives the pancakes structure and that tender crumb you expect.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with just a touch of sweetness.
Baking powder & baking soda: Leavening agents that help your pancakes rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without being too salty.
Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, keep it smooth and pourable.
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and helping with those golden edges.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
Green food coloring: The star of the show—your secret weapon for those vibrant Christmas pancakes. Gel or liquid works; I prefer gel for a stronger color without thinning the batter.
Unflavored oil: Keeps pancakes tender and prevents sticking—avocado or vegetable oils are my go-tos here.
Cream cheese (for glaze): Provides tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with sweet pancakes.
Powdered sugar: Essential for a smooth, sweet glaze without graininess.
Whole milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to just the right drizzle-friendly texture.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances sweetness and heightens flavor.
Garnishes: I love using red heart sprinkles for a festive contrast, plus whipped cream and fresh fruit for freshness and fun texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The great thing about this Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up toppings or sneak in some festive mix-ins to keep things fresh and exciting.

Variation: Sometimes I add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm holiday spice kick—it’s like a little hug in every bite!
Dietary: For a dairy-free version, swap the milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter or regular oil.
Fun add-ins: Try folding in mini red and white chocolate chips for a candy cane-inspired twist that dazzles in every bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe

A close-up image of a silver fork holding four stacked layers of bright green pancakes showing their soft, spongy texture and small air holes; the bottom pancake has a slightly darker browned edge, and there is a small white spot of cream or sauce on the top layers; in the blurred background, there is a white plate with more green pancakes topped with white cream and small red sprinkles, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

I start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This helps distribute everything evenly so the pancakes rise uniformly. Make sure there are no lumps—that smooth mix is key.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

In a smaller bowl, I whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla, green food coloring, and oil. Using a fork works wonders to fully incorporate the eggs and evenly distribute the vibrant color so every pancake pops.

Step 3: Gently Mix Wet Into Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry, and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay and actually help keep the pancakes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Set aside the batter for 5-10 minutes. This small wait lets the baking powder and soda work their magic, resulting in those wonderfully airy pancakes.

Step 5: Cook on a Hot Griddle

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop the batter in small, silver-dollar sized pancakes. When you see bubbles forming and edges starting to dry, flip and cook the other side until golden.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the pancakes cook, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This glaze is what really sets this recipe apart, adding a tangy sweetness that’s irresistible.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Stack your pancakes high, drizzle on the cream cheese glaze, sprinkle with red heart sprinkles, and add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit for that extra festive flair. The colors and flavors together bring holiday joy right to your table.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that letting the batter rest and not overmixing are game changers for fluffy pancakes. Also, using gel food coloring helps keep that vivid green color longer—the natural ones tend to fade, especially when cooked.

Rest the Batter: Don’t skip this step—it gives your pancakes a lighter texture and a better rise.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It creates a stronger, richer green without watering down the batter.
Cook Over Medium Heat: Too hot, and the pancakes burn before cooking through; too low and they turn pale and tough.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients come together to keep pancakes tender and soft.

How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe

Green Christmas Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these pancakes with a generous drizzle of the cream cheese glaze, a handful of red heart sprinkles for that festive pop, and a swirl of whipped cream. Fresh berries or sliced kiwi add brightness that balances out the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon or sausage for a savory touch, or whip up some roasted potatoes with rosemary for a cozy, comforting spread. Mulled cider or a hot cocoa on the side really finishes the festive feeling.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try stacking pancakes in alternating layers with whipped cream and fresh fruit filling, then drizzle the glaze over the top. I once made a “Christmas tree” tower by layering them with green sprinkles and a star-shaped cookie on top—it was a hit with the whole family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, I stack leftover pancakes separated by parchment paper in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This keeps them fresh without getting soggy, and they reheat beautifully without losing much texture.

Freezing

I freeze pancakes by first laying them flat on a wax paper-lined tray so they don’t stick together, then transferring them to a freezer bag once solid. They keep well for up to three months, perfect for prepping holiday breakfasts ahead of time!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them in the toaster oven or microwave—if using the microwave, a paper towel helps prevent sogginess. Reheating in the toaster oven crisps up the edges nicely, almost like freshly made!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural food coloring instead of artificial green?

You can use natural green food coloring from spinach or matcha, but keep in mind the green tone often fades during cooking, resulting in less vibrant pancakes. Gel or liquid artificial colors maintain a brighter hue.

How do I prevent pancakes from turning out tough?

The key is to mix your batter gently and just until combined. Over-mixing activates gluten in the flour too much, causing toughness. Also, letting the batter rest helps create tender pancakes. Cooking on medium heat prevents burning and uneven texture.

What can I serve with Green Christmas Pancakes?

Classic sides like crispy bacon or breakfast sausage pair beautifully. For a festive twist, serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup or the cream cheese glaze from this recipe. Hot beverages like cocoa or spiced apple cider also complement the flavors well.

Can I make the cream cheese glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese glaze a day ahead, just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated. Give it a quick whisk before serving to restore its smooth texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe has become a holiday morning favorite in my home—a simple, cheerful way to make ordinary pancakes feel extra special. I hope you find the same joy in making and sharing them with your loved ones. Trust me, once you’ve decked your table with the sunny green stacks and that luscious glaze, you won’t want another Christmas breakfast any other way!