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If you've got eggnog in the fridge, pour it into your batter instead. These pancakes taste like cake meets Christmas morning.

Christmas Pancakes with Eggnog
Around the holidays, I always grab a carton of eggnog. Not to spike it, but because it makes an incredible swap for the milk in my fluffy pancakes recipe.
The eggnog adds a hint of spice and sweetness, giving these pancakes an old-fashioned feel with an almost cake batter pancake taste in the best possible way. They're soft, festive, and totally worthy of a Christmas-time weekend breakfast.
Can You Use Eggnog Instead of Milk in Pancakes?
Yes! In fact, eggnog can be used instead of milk in a 1:1 ratio to make pancakes. It’s a delicious swap when you’re out, instead of making pancakes without milk using water.
Ingredients
Eggnog pancakes are made with traditional ingredients you’d expect, like all-purpose flour as the base and baking powder to make them fluffy. Eggnog, dairy or non-dairy, replaces the milk; one egg binds everything together, and butter adds moisture to the batter. Extra nutmeg (or cinnamon or pumpkin spice) to bring out more of the flavor, a little sugar that can be omitted if your eggnog is already very sweet (this varies by brand), and a little salt to balance the flavors.
How to make Eggnog Pancakes
If this is your first time making these, the short video below will help you achieve the perfect batter consistency. Here is an overview:
- Measure and mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl, making sure not to pack the flour into the measuring cup.
- Add the eggnog, egg, and melted butter and mix until smooth. Depending on the type of eggnog used, you may need to add a few extra tablespoons to loosen the batter (more details below).
- Cook the pancakes over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side.
- Serve them with a little butter and pancake syrup, cinnamon syrup, or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
How Thick is Eggnog Pancake Batter?
Eggnog batter tends to be on the thicker side when using full-fat eggnog, while low-fat or non-dairy versions tend to be more liquid.

More Christmas Breakfast Recipes
During Christmas break, we take full advantage of slow mornings with this recipe and other favorites like my Grinch pancakes, gingerbread pancakes, eggnog French toast, cranberry orange baked oatmeal, or my cranberry orange scones.
Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes Recipe

Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 ¼ cups eggnog, see note
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
Make the batter:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Make a well in the middle and pour in the milk, egg, and butter. Break up the egg first with a fork, and then begin to combine the flour, working from the outside of the bowl in, until just combined and mostly smooth. If the batter is too thick, read the note below.
Cook the pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick griddle or large pan over medium heat. Once hot, grease, spray, or melt butter on the hot surface. Immediately, pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake. Cook the first side for 2 minutes, looking out for the edges to be defined and bubbles to form. Flip the pancakes over and cook for almost 2 more minutes on the other side. Remove from the pan onto a plate and keep them warm while you cook the rest of the batter.
- Plate a few pancakes on a plate and top them with your favorite toppings and syrups.











Lisa says
By far the best thing to do with eggnog!