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If you’re like me and stock up on pumpkin in the fall and on eggnog around the holidays, then this recipe for eggnog pancakes is right up your alley.

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What Do Eggnog Pancakes Taste Like?
Each bite of these eggnog pancakes provides a light hint of spice from the eggnog plus the added nutmeg. They’re slightly sweeter than traditional pancakes since most commercial eggnogs are sweetened.
Eggnog pancakes are the perfect way to enjoy a warm and cozy breakfast in your pjs without having to turn on the oven to make a batch of cinnamon muffins that give you all the feels.
Whether you enjoy eggnog or not, this recipe uses the eggnog you bought to booze up your friends and guests to transform the classic fluffy pancake recipe into a delicious holiday breakfast.
Can You Use Eggnog Instead of Milk in Pancakes?
Yes! In fact, eggnog can be used instead of milk in a 1 to 1 ratio to make pancakes. It’s a better and more delicious option to make pancakes without milk and using water.
Ingredients
The amounts for these eggnog pancake ingredients are below. But, before you make any swaps and your holiday breakfast doesn’t turn out well, here are some substitutes that I’ve tested:
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour for this recipe. You can use this gluten-free pancake recipe and swap the liquid for eggnog if you need these GF.
- Baking powder: essential for fluffy pancakes. If you’re out, don’t omit it, use this recipe without baking powder and swap the liquid amount for eggnog.
- Nutmeg: the same spice that’s used in eggnog, but I like to add a little extra to bring out the holiday flavors. Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice if you’re out.
- Salt: a little to enhance the flavor.
- Sugar: can be omitted if your eggnog is very sweet, otherwise, adds a hint of sweetness to the recipe.
- Eggnog: you can use traditional eggnog without alcohol or a dairy free eggnog made with almond or soy milk.
- Egg: just one to help the ingredients bind together, although it’s possible to make these using one of these egg substitutes for pancakes or follow this eggless pancake recipe using eggnog as the liquid.
- Butter: adds moisture to the pancake batter and gives it a hint of rich buttery flavor.
How to make Eggnog Pancakes
Similar to making your favorite pancake recipes, eggnog pancakes are easy to whip up! Some additional tips in the main steps that ensure an epic stack include:
- Make the batter
Always combine the dry ingredients first and then add the wet ingredients in the middle of the bowl. I recommend using fork first, to break up the egg with some of the eggnog and then whisk the batter until just combined. - Cook the pancakes
Start out with a hot non-stick pan or griddle. Once it’s hot, grease it and immediately pour the batter. This avoids burning the butter or cooking spray which will brown your pancakes. Wait to flip the pancakes over until you see that the edges are defined and bubbles have begun to form. Cook them on the other side for 1 more minute and keep the pancakes warm while you cook the rest. - Stack them high
Serve up your stack of delicious golden pancakes topped with your favorite pancake toppings and syrup.
First time making these? Watch this easy video:
How Thick is Eggnog Pancake Batter?
Eggnog pancake batter tends to be thicker than waffle batter since waffle batter is quite runny, similar to making pancakes with oat milk. Since the thickness of eggnog itself can vary by brand, just like skim milk vs whole milk, you can test one pancake and add one tablespoon of additional eggnog if it’s too thick.
Can You Make Eggnog Pancake Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make eggnog pancake batter the night before in a lidded batter bowl and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, you’ll want to leave it on the counter for 10 minutes or so to come to room temperature since cooking cold batter often leads to undercooked pancakes.
You can also freeze pancake batter in a zip bag and thaw it out overnight in the refrigerator. Both ways, you can make pancake batter ahead and make your breakfast morning easy.

More Christmas Breakfast Recipes
When my kids are home over Christmas break and we can take our time in the mornings, I whip up all their holiday favorites, such as Grinch Pancakes, Eggnog French Toast, Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal, Pumpkin Spice Pancakes, and Apple Pancakes.
Fluffy Eggnog Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 ¼ cups eggnog
- 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.
Cook the pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, grease, spray, or melt butter on the hot surface. When using an electric griddle, heat it somewhere between 300 and 350F.
- Immediately, pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the greased pan. Cook the pancakes for about 2 minutes, until the edges begin to look defined and bubbles form. Flip the pancakes over and cook for another minute 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.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with traditional or dairy-free eggnog.
- Use the right baking powder: Since pancake batter naturally has a mild, neutral flavor, it’s important to use aluminum-free baking powder. The metallic flavor will ruin the taste, especially in fluffy pancake recipes that call for 2 or more teaspoons. Trust me on this one.
Rosann says
I modified the recipe for a family member who needs a lower salt diet, and they still came out fantastic. These are fluffiest pancakes we’ve ever eaten. Thank you!I
The modifications:
I used 1/4 tsp salt (instead of 1/2 tsp) and Rumford Lower Salt Double Acting Baking Powder. Still very tasty!
I also added four tablespoons of eggnog because the batch was pretty stiff, and I cut the sugar in half.
Everyone’s needs and tastes are different, but the recipe is a winner for us. I’m planning on buying more eggnog while it’s available and freezing the batter. Thanks again.
Eva says
I made these eggnog pancakes last Christmas and I promised myself to make then again for special ocassions! So, yesterday was my birthday and I enjoy this recipe again!! Thank you Laura!!
Chris says
we had them today but hubby said they were too light and “airy” and rather drink the eggnog but I enjoyed them!! 🙂
jacqueline says
I made this recipe! Fantastic. It tastes like Eggnog, it’s not heavy taste. It’s very fluffy– I sat the batter aside for 15 minutes (to whip up some Dalgona coffee.) My Beatrice EggNog already has lots of sugar, I thought, “would the pancake burn if I put another tbsp of sugar inside of it?”. I made a pancake without the sugar, then put the recommended amount in, it didn’t burn! Nutmeg would go wonderfully with this recipe, I did not have it. This batter was so easy to make, the ingredient ratios are so perfect and it performed well on the skillet. The ingredients couldn’t have reacted any better than it did. This recipe was more successful than the hundreds of the other traditional flapjack recipes I’ve tested and the eggnog to flour ratio is more accurate than all the other eggnog recipes I’ve tested. THANKS MOMMA!
Laura says
Just made these and they were SO GOOD!
My 2 toddlers dipped them in blueberry syrup and ate SO MUCH
You can really taste the eggnog in them
Ty for the recipe 🙂
(1st time doing pancakes from scratch and so happy)
Laura Fuentes says
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe for Eggnog pancakes!