## **Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes: A Delightful Breakfast Treat**
Transform your morning routine with the festive and comforting flavors of our Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes. This delightful breakfast treat will add joy to your mornings and leave you yearning for more.
## **Why make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes?**
Rich, fluffy, and filled with chocolatey goodness, these pancakes bring the joy of holiday flavors to your breakfast table. Apart from being utterly delicious, they are also easy to whip up. Perfect for lazy weekend mornings or brunch gatherings, these pancakes are sure to impress everyone.
## **How to make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes**
This recipe is straightforward, and even beginner cooks can create these taste-bud-tantalizing pancakes. All you need are some basic ingredients and about 35 minutes of your time.
### **Ingredients**
For this recipe, we need:
– All-purpose flour
– Unsweetened cocoa powder
– Granulated sugar
– Baking powder
– Baking soda
– Salt
– Milk
– One large egg
– Melted butter
– Peppermint extract
– Mini chocolate chips
– Whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies for garnish
### **Directions**
**1.** Start by mixing all the dry ingredients together: flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
**2.** In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and peppermint extract.
**3.** Gently stir the wet ingredients into your dry ingredient mixture until they’re combined. Don’t overmix, some lumps are okay!
**4.** Fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter.
**5.** Cook your pancakes on a non-stick skillet over medium heat, flipping them when bubbles start to appear on the surface.
**6.** To serve, stack the pancakes on a plate, and top them with whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies.
## **How to Serve Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes**
These pancakes are a delight on their own, but for a truly indulgent breakfast, pair them with warm hot chocolate topped with marshmallows. The hot chocolate enhances the cocoa flavors of the pancakes, while the marshmallows add a sweet and fluffy touch.
### **How to Store Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes**
If you have some leftover pancakes, pack them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. To reheat, place them in a microwave or warm over low heat on a skillet.
### **Tips to Make Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes**
Make sure not to overmix the batter as it can make the pancakes tough. Also, don’t press down the pancakes while cooking, as this can make them dense. Lastly, use a non-stick skillet or griddle to ensure the pancakes don’t stick to the pan.
### **Variation**
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond milk or oat milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
### **FAQs**
### 1. Can I use peppermint candies instead of peppermint extract?
Yes, you can crush peppermint candies and mix them into the batter. However, the flavor might not be as strong as when using peppermint extract.
### 2. Can I use any other toppings other than whipped cream and crushed peppermint candies?
Yes, you can top your pancakes with anything you desire, such as syrup, fruit, or nuts.
### 3. Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the batter a night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, give the batter a quick stir and start making your pancakes.
Enjoy these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Pancakes any day of the year when you’re in need of special breakfast. With fluffy texture and rich peppermint chocolate flavor, they’re sure to make your day extra delightful.