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 so joyful about waking up to a stack of vibrant, festive pancakes. This Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe brings a playful splash of holiday color to your breakfast plate, paired with a irresistibly smooth cream cheese glaze that makes every bite feel like a celebration.

A stack of six green pancakes sits on a white plate with ridged edges, each pancake thick and slightly browned on the edges. On top of the stack, a large dollop of white whipped cream flows down the sides, decorated with small red heart-shaped sprinkles scattered over the cream and a few falling onto the plate. The background is a soft focus with a white marbled surface underneath the plate. 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 Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has quickly become a holiday favorite in my kitchen. It’s not just the festive green color that’s fun but how the tangy-sweet glaze elevates these pancakes into something truly memorable.

Festive fun: The bright green color instantly adds holiday cheer to your breakfast table.
Fluffy texture: Perfectly light and tender pancakes that aren’t dense or heavy.
Cream cheese glaze magic: A silky, tangy glaze that complements the pancakes beautifully without being too sweet.
Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can whip these up on a busy holiday morning.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe nails that perfect pancake balance — fluffy with a hint of sweetness, plus that classic creamy glaze. Each ingredient has its role, and I’ll help you understand why they’re there so you can get confident making this your own.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small pile of granulated sugar, two teaspoons of baking powder, a small heap of baking soda, a pinch of kosher salt, a small white bowl of whole milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small white bowl with bright green food coloring, a small white bowl of light golden oil, a block of softened cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of extra whole milk, a small white bowl of red heart sprinkles, a swirl of whipped cream on a white dish, and an assortment of fresh mixed fruit including strawberries and blueberries, all placed symmetrically 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, it provides structure but keeps things light when combined properly.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: These work as the leavening team, making sure your pancakes fluff up nicely.
Kosher salt: A pinch brings out the sweetness and balances the batter.
Milk: Adds moisture and richness, helping to create that tender crumb.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add protein for structure and nourishment.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth - never skip it!
Green food coloring: The festive twist! I prefer gel colors for vibrant, consistent hues without watering down the batter.
Unflavored oil (like avocado or canola): Keeps the pancakes moist and tender, plus helps with nonstick cooking.
Cream cheese: For that creamy, tangy glaze – softened for smooth blending.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze without graininess.
Whole milk: Thins the glaze just enough to drizzle perfectly.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness in the glaze and boosts flavor.

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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 that this Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe invites a little creativity. Whether you like your pancakes super small and dainty or extra fluffy and tall, there’s room to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap green food coloring for a handful of fresh spinach blended into the milk to add natural color plus a subtle earthiness — just remember it changes the flavor slightly.
Dietary tweaks: To make these gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend; for dairy-free glaze, swap cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or oat milk instead.
Seasonal spin: Add festive sprinkles right into the batter or cinnamon for a cozy holiday touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

A close-up image of a silver fork holding four stacked layers of bright green pancakes showing their soft, spongy texture and small air holes; the bottom pancake has a slightly darker browned edge, and there is a small white spot of cream or sauce on the top layers; 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: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Start by measuring the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt into a large bowl. Give them a good whisk to combine everything evenly. This way, when you add the wet ingredients later, you won’t get any clumps or uneven rising.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, green food coloring, and oil. Make sure you mix thoroughly until the eggs and coloring are fully incorporated. I usually use a fork for this part — it’s quick and easy to control.

Step 3: Combine and Rest

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Then, let your batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This pause helps the gluten relax, giving you pancakes that’re tender but hold together well.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. I like using a cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons) to make small silver dollar pancakes — they cook evenly and are fun to stack. Once you pour your batter, wait for bubbles to form on the surface before flipping. That’s your sign they’re ready. Cook until golden and just set on the other side.

Step 5: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the pancakes are cooking, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. The goal is a smooth, pourable glaze you can drizzle. You’ll want it to be thick enough to cling but light enough not to weigh down the pancakes.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Stack those bright green pancakes high, drizzle generously with cream cheese glaze, then finish with red heart sprinkles and a dollop of whipped cream if you like. The contrast of colors is perfect for holiday mornings and guaranteed to make everyone smile.

Top Tip

These pancakes are a real joy, but I’ve learned a few tricks that make them shine even brighter. Here are the tips I always share when friends try this Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe for the first time.

Don’t skip the batter rest: Letting the batter sit for 5-10 minutes is key to fluffy pancakes without tough edges.
Use gel food coloring: It gives a vibrant green without thinning out the batter like liquid coloring can.
Control your heat: Medium heat is best — high heat cooks the outside too fast but leaves the inside undercooked.
Watch the flip timing: Flip when bubbles cover the surface and the edges start looking set; flipping too early makes them fall apart.

How to Serve Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Green Christmas Pancakes - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I keep it simple with the cream cheese glaze–it’s the star here! Then I sprinkle bright red heart-shaped sprinkles for the festive touch and add some fresh whipped cream on the side. Sometimes I like to toss on a few berries or pomegranate seeds for a pop of fresh color and a hint of tartness that pairs beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love serving these pancakes with crispy bacon or a side of sizzling breakfast sausage. A fresh fruit salad is perfect too – bright, juicy, and refreshing next to the rich glaze and fluffy cakes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special holiday brunch, I’ve arranged pancakes in a circular stack topped with a drizzle of glaze and scattered pomegranate seeds to mimic Christmas ornaments. Serving on a festive platter with some fresh rosemary sprigs around the edges adds a cozy, seasonal charm that’s always a hit with guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your pancake feast, be sure to let leftovers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve kept them fresh this way for 3-4 days with no compromise on taste or texture.

Freezing

I’ve found freezing individual pancakes works wonders for busy mornings. Lay them out on a wax-paper-lined baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They stay good for up to 3 months. When you want a festive breakfast, just grab a few to thaw or reheat directly.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop pancakes straight into the toaster oven for a few minutes to get that fresh-off-the-griddle crispness back. The microwave works in a pinch but can make them a little chewy if overdone, so shorter bursts are key.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these pancakes without green food coloring?

You absolutely can! Fresh spinach blended with the milk gives a natural green color, though it will add a mild vegetal flavor. Another option is matcha powder, which can tint the batter light green while adding a subtle earthy note. Just keep in mind that natural coloring might not be as vivid as food coloring.

How do I avoid chewy pancakes?

Avoid overmixing your batter — it’s one of the biggest causes of tough pancakes because it develops too much gluten. Also, letting the batter rest helps relax the gluten for a tender crumb. Finally, cook on moderate heat to ensure pancakes set without burning or drying out.

Can I prepare the cream cheese glaze in advance?

Yes, you can make the cream cheese glaze a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator, and give it a quick whisk before drizzling on your pancakes to restore its smooth texture. If it thickens too much, just add a little milk to thin it out.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover pancakes without losing flavor?

To keep leftovers tasting fresh, reheating in a toaster oven at medium heat works best. It revives the texture and keeps the pancakes from getting soggy. Avoid prolonged microwaving; instead, heat in short bursts to maintain moisture and prevent rubberiness.

Final Thoughts

This Green Christmas Pancakes with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe has brought so much joy to my holiday mornings. It’s vibrant, delicious, and approachable even if you’re new to making pancakes from scratch. I recommend giving it a try next time you want to add a little magic and cheer to breakfast — you might just find it becomes a new family tradition, too!