Christmas Pancakes

Whether you make these whimsical pancakes today or on Christmas morning, these holiday-themed treats will make the day even more special. Serve them just once and they are likely to become an annual tradition.

 

Christmas Pancakes

 

2 eggs

2 cups (10 oz./315 g) all-purpose flour, sifted

2 Tbs. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. salt

2 1/2 cups (20 fl. oz./625 ml) buttermilk

4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) (2 oz./60 g) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 to 2 Tbs. vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray

Maple syrup for serving

 

In a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs on medium speed until frothy. Add the flour, sugar,
baking powder, baking soda, salt, buttermilk, melted butter and vanilla. Stir just until the batter is smooth and no lumps of flour remain; do not overbeat.

 

Heat a griddle over medium-high heat until a few drops of water flicked onto the surface skitter across it. Lightly grease the griddle and the inside surface of the Christmas pancake molds with vegetable oil, or spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set the molds on the griddle and heat until hot.

 

Pour about 1/3 cup (3 fl. oz./80 ml) of the batter into each mold. Cook until bubbles form on top and the batter is set, about 2 minutes. Remove the molds and, using a spatula, flip the pancakes. Cook until golden brown on the other side, about 2 minutes more. Keep warm until all the pancakes are cooked.

 

Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the griddle as needed. Serve with maple syrup. Makes about 12 pancakes; serves 4.

 

Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen