Name: Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze 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 truly festive about waking up to a stack of fluffy, vibrant green pancakes drizzled with a tangy cream cheese glaze. This Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is not just colorful but also a delightful way to add a splash of holiday cheer to your breakfast table.

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 with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a little holiday tradition for me. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy morning but stunning enough to impress anyone at the table—kids especially light up over the bright green color and cream cheese drizzle.

Festive Fun: The vibrant green color brings instant Christmas spirit right to your plate.
Fluffy and Tender: The combination of baking powder and baking soda gives you the perfect texture every time.
Cream Cheese Glaze: Adds a lovely tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the subtle vanilla and vanilla yogurt notes in the pancakes.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different toppings or mix-ins to suit your family’s unique tastes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating those soft, fluffy pancakes with a festive green twist. Plus, the cream cheese glaze is delightfully creamy and balances the pancake sweetness beautifully.

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 for sturdy yet tender pancakes—go for fresh, high-quality flour for best results.
Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to the batter without overpowering the glaze.
Baking powder & baking soda: These work together for an airy texture; the baking soda helps react with the acidic elements and keeps the pancakes light.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
Milk: I always use whole milk here because it adds richness and moisture.
Eggs: Bind everything and add to the fluffiness.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to every bite, don’t skip it!
Green food coloring: For that unmistakable holiday vibe; I prefer gel or liquid for more vibrant hues.
Oil (unflavored): Keeps pancakes moist and tender—you can use avocado, vegetable, or canola oil.
Cream cheese (for glaze): Use softened cream cheese for a smooth, creamy finish that isn't too tangy.
Powdered sugar: Gives the glaze the right sweetness and texture.
Whole milk (for glaze): Thin out the glaze perfectly so it drizzles smoothly.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness in the glaze and prevents it from tasting flat.

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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 like to switch up my toppings depending on who’s around. Sometimes I toss in a handful of fresh cranberries or chopped nuts right into the batter for an extra festive crunch. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to get creative with this one.

Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, and you can swap milk for your favorite plant-based alternative if you prefer.
Add-ins: Fold in white chocolate chips or finely chopped pistachios for extra holiday flair — it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Adjusting Sweetness: If you want less sugar, reduce the granulated sugar in the batter and make the glaze a bit sweeter instead.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze 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 the Dry Ingredients with Care

I start by whisking together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. This distributes all that rising magic evenly so your pancakes puff up just right. Taking a minute here sets you up well.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients Until Smooth

In another bowl, I beat the milk, eggs, vanilla, green food coloring, and oil until everything is well combined. This is where those bright greens come to life. Using a fork or whisk, make sure the egg and color are fully blended — no streaks!

Step 3: Gently Combine the Batter

Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix here — a few lumps are fine! Overmixing will make your pancakes tough, which nobody wants on Christmas morning.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Allow your batter to sit for 5-10 minutes. I promise, it’s worth this little wait! Resting helps the baking powder activate and the texture to improve, making for fluffier pancakes.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Heat your griddle or nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease it lightly. Using a cookie scoop, spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of batter per pancake. When you see bubbles forming on the surface and edges look set, flip carefully and cook until the other side is golden.

Step 6: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your pancakes are cooking or resting, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. This glaze is a total game-changer — tangy, sweet, and silky.

Step 7: Plate and Decorate

Stack your green pancakes high, drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze, then add red heart sprinkles and a dollop of whipped cream. If you have fresh fruit on hand, it adds a fresh note and makes the presentation extra special.

Top Tip

I’ve found a few little tweaks that really take this Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe from good to unforgettable. These tips keep the texture perfect and the colors vibrant.

Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives a richer, more consistent green without watering down your batter like liquid food coloring can.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep your pancakes light; I gently fold the batter instead of vigorous stirring.
Rest the Batter: Waiting 5-10 minutes before cooking helps activate the leavening agents and makes pancakes fluffier.
Low and Slow Cooking: Medium heat works best—too hot and your pancakes burn outside but stay raw inside.

How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Green Christmas Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m always partial to adding red heart sprinkles — they create such a lovely contrast and festive look. A little whipped cream on top adds drama and decadence. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed peppermint or a handful of fresh cranberries over the glaze for a tangy pop.

Side Dishes

Fresh orange slices or a simple bowl of mixed berries are my go-to sides; their natural sweetness and acidity cut through the richness perfectly. A warm mug of spiced coffee or hot cocoa rounds out the holiday morning vibe wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, try stacking your pancakes on a large tiered platter and letting everyone drizzle their own glaze and add toppings buffet-style — it’s interactive and fun. You can also serve them with edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of powdered sugar snow for an extra-special holiday touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After letting the pancakes cool completely, I stack them with parchment paper between each one and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They last around 3-4 days and still taste fresh when reheated gently.

Freezing

Freezing is a lifesaver for busy mornings. Lay the pancakes flat on a wax paper-lined baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. This way, you can have Christmas pancake mornings anytime you want!

Reheating

I usually pop stacked pancakes in the toaster oven or microwave wrapped loosely with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. The toaster oven brings back some crisp edges, which I love, but microwave works when you need speed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use natural green food coloring for the pancakes?

Natural green food coloring can work, but be aware it tends to fade or turn a bit dull once cooked, especially when heated. For the brightest, most festive green color, I recommend gel food coloring.

How do I make the cream cheese glaze smooth and pourable?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Whisk the glaze ingredients thoroughly and adjust the milk quantity a little if needed to get a smooth, pourable consistency.

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! These pancakes keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Stack them with parchment or wax paper in between and store in an airtight container. They also freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pancakes?

To keep them moist and delicious, reheat pancakes in the toaster oven or microwave with a damp paper towel covering them. The toaster oven adds a slight crisp, while the microwave is quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

This Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has become my go-to festive breakfast, filled with bright holiday spirit and comfort in every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s such a joyful way to start the day and share something special with your loved ones.