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

There’s something magical about breakfast that screams holiday cheer — and this Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe totally delivers on that. With vibrant green batter and a luscious cream cheese glaze, it’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary morning into a festive celebration. Trust me, once you try them, these pancakes will become a new holiday tradition!

A stack of six thick, green pancakes with slightly uneven edges sits on a white plate. On top, there is a generous swirl of white whipped cream dripping slightly down the sides. Small red heart-shaped sprinkles are scattered on the whipped cream and a few rest on the pancakes and plate. The background features a soft, white marbled texture. 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 genuinely look forward to serving this Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe every year because it feels as joyful as it tastes. The green hue sets such a festive mood, and the cream cheese glaze adds a perfect creamy sweetness — just enough to keep everybody coming back for more.

Festive and Fun: The pancakes’ bright green color instantly fills the table with holiday spirit, making breakfast feel special.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry, so no last-minute shopping stress.
Delicious Cream Cheese Glaze: The glaze gives these pancakes a silky, tangy finish that feels indulgent but balanced.
Kid-Approved: The fun colors and sweet toppings are sure to make these a hit with your little ones or anyone young at heart.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every fresh batch of green Christmas pancakes starts with simple, classic ingredients that come together beautifully. I love how the flour, baking powder, and soda give just the right amount of fluff, while the green food coloring brings the festive touch. Plus, the cream cheese glaze? It’s a game-changer that balances rich and sweet perfectly.

Flat lay of a small pile of all-purpose flour in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing baking powder, another small white bowl with baking soda, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small white bowl filled with whole milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl with light golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl with pale green liquid representing green food coloring, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a block of soft cream cheese on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of whole milk for the glaze, and a tiny pinch of salt displayed as a few crystals on the surface; all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry, fresh and natural, placed 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: The base of your pancakes, making them tender and fluffy.
Granulated sugar: Just a little sweetness to give the pancakes a nice balance.
Baking powder & baking soda: These create lightness and help your pancakes rise beautifully.
Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Milk: Provides moisture and richness to the batter.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure for fluffy pancakes.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Green food coloring: The star that makes these pancakes festive — I prefer gel-based for vivid color without diluting the batter.
Unflavored oil (avocado, vegetable, or canola): Keeps pancakes moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
Cream cheese (for glaze): Brings that luscious tangy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the pancakes.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens the glaze smoothly and dissolves easily.
Whole milk (for glaze): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness and brings out flavor.
Red heart sprinkles, whipped cream, fresh fruit (garnishes): Adds whimsy, texture, and freshness to your presentation.

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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

I love playing around with this Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs — it’s surprisingly versatile! Don’t hesitate to mix in extras or swap out ingredients to fit your holiday vibe.

Variation: Once, I added a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a subtle holiday twist — it made the pancakes smell amazing, like Christmas morning!
Dietary swaps: Coconut milk or oat milk works beautifully for dairy-free, and gluten-free flour blends can substitute regular flour without losing fluffiness if you're gluten-sensitive.
Color alternatives: Instead of green, try a festive red with beet powder or red food coloring for a whole new look.

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

A close-up shows four layered green pancakes stacked on a silver fork. The pancakes have a soft, bubbly texture with a slightly brown edge on the bottom layer. 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: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt in a large bowl. I find this step crucial for an even, fluffy texture — make sure everything is well combined to avoid any clumps or uneven rising.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, green food coloring, and oil with a fork until the color is smooth and even. This step ensures your vibrant green batter won’t have streaks and the eggs are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Combine and Rest the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay! Let your batter rest for about 5 to 10 minutes; it helps the baking powder and soda start working and makes pancakes extra fluffy.

Step 4: Cook Pancakes on a Hot Griddle

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to dollop batter — I usually go for silver dollar size, around 1.5 tablespoons. Wait until bubbles form on the surface before flipping, then cook for another couple of minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While pancakes cook, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and drizzle-worthy. This glaze adds that irresistible creamy topping that keeps everyone coming back for more bites.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Stack your green pancakes, drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze, and sprinkle on red heart sprinkles for that extra festive feel. Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit if you like — it’s the perfect combination of colors and flavors.

Top Tip

Making these pancakes has been a joy, but I learned a few tricks along the way that really helped me perfect the process and results. Here’s what I’d recommend to get you started on the right track!

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined; overmixing can make your pancakes dense instead of light and fluffy.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It’s more concentrated and won’t thin out your batter like liquid coloring might.
Rest the Batter: Letting it sit for a few minutes activates the leavening agents so your pancakes rise nicely.
Watch Your Heat: Medium heat works best — too high and the outside burns before the inside cooks.

How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe

Green Christmas Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top these pancakes with the cream cheese glaze — it’s my absolute favorite part! Then I sprinkle red heart-shaped sprinkles for a pop of color and whimsy. A swirl of whipped cream and some fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, give a fresh, tangy counterpoint that’s just perfect.

Side Dishes

Pair these festive pancakes with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a satisfying contrast, or keep things light with a side of mixed fruit salad. Hot chocolate or spiced cider alongside elevates breakfast to a full holiday feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or special brunch, I like arranging stacks in a circle on a large platter topped with a wreath of fresh rosemary sprigs and cranberries — it looks just like a Christmas wreath! Drizzle the glaze in zigzags and scatter sprinkles last minute for that wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pancakes are completely cool, stack them with parchment paper in between and store in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, which is perfect for quick weekday breakfasts during the holidays.

Freezing

I freeze leftover pancakes by placing them single-layered on a wax paper-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This method keeps them from sticking, and they keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the toaster oven — it keeps them crisp around the edges while warming evenly. Microwaving works too, just be mindful not to overdo it or they get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural green coloring instead of regular food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural green food coloring like spinach or matcha powder, but be aware the green tends to fade or change slightly during cooking.

How do I make the cream cheese glaze thicker or thinner?

To adjust the thickness, add powdered sugar to thicken or a little bit more milk to thin it out until you get your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes fluffy the next day?

Store them in an airtight container and reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet to maintain fluffiness and avoid sogginess.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

Yes! Substitute the eggs for flax eggs or apple sauce, use plant-based milk, and swap the cream cheese glaze for a dairy-free glaze using vegan cream cheese or coconut cream.

Final Thoughts

This Green Christmas Pancakes Recipe really brings something special to my holiday mornings — it’s joyful, tasty, and surprisingly easy to pull together even on busy days. I hope you’ll give it a try and find that same excitement in your own kitchen. Honestly, it turns breakfast into a mini celebration that everyone looks forward to, and that’s what makes it truly worth sharing.