There’s just something special about making breakfast on Mother’s Day. You can surprise her with breakfast in bed or plan a more elaborate Mother’s Day brunch once she’s had a chance to wake up a little. Or you can simply gather around the table in your jammies and enjoy eating as a family for once. And because you’re not in that weekday hurry, the morning calls for something extra fun—like these easy pancake and waffle recipes for Mother’s Day.
If you’ve never made homemade pancakes or waffle recipes from scratch, there are a few secrets to success from Ree Drummond that you’ll want to know. The biggest is this: Do not overmix the batter. “You want to stir until the batter is just combined, no more, no less,” Ree has stressed. “Over-mixing leads to tough, chewy pancakes.” The same goes for waffles. Once you master that, the flavor possibilities are endless!
Here, you’ll find both Ree’s perfect pancake recipe as well as her classic waffle recipe if you want to start with the basics. Or if you want to spoil Mom a bit more, you can add chocolate chips, blueberries, lemon, and more. Shape them into hearts to show how much you care, or make a sheet pan version if you’re feeding a crowd. Then all you need is some butter and syrup for slathering, and you’re well on your way to an amazing Mother’s Day morning. Just don’t forget to put on a pot of coffee while you’re at it.
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Perfect Pancakes
C.W. Newell
What makes this the ultimate pancake recipe? “Three key factors: use both milk and buttermilk, add lots of vanilla, and let the batter rest for at least an hour before you fry ‘em,” Ree says.
Give Mom a healthy dose of fruit for breakfast by adding blueberries. They’re actually perfect for pancakes because they stay relatively intact and don’t oversaturate the batter with moisture.
Chocolate lovers know there’s nothing better than this classic twist. Ree’s secret? “I like mini chips so the chocolate is well distributed and you get some in every bite.” Now, that’ll definitely make any mom happy.
Ree tinkered with this recipe for quite a while to get it right. They’re crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just like you want ‘em. The key is to fold in the egg whites gently. Oh, and serve immediately when they come off of the iron!
Many years ago, it was Edna Mae’s recipe that Ree suggested for readers to make for a mom’s breakfast in bed. “They turn out perfect every time, and you can even sub Greek yogurt to make ’em healthier,” she said.
If you’ve never had ricotta in pancakes before, you’re in for a treat! It adds a creamy richness while also keeping them perfectly fluffy. And a bit of lemon adds a fresh zing.
If you want to make a more kid-friendly recipe so they can help, or if you’re feeding a lot of people at once, make one big ol’ sheet pan pancake and simply slice it up into squares to serve.
Think ahead and whip up this batter the night before. It will make breakfast easier and faster, with the final result being fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside with a warm blend of flavors.
What’s not to love about heart-shaped pancakes? You can spoil her even more by making a strawberry sauce from scratch. Mom will feel so special when you present them to her!
Can’t decide between blueberry and lemon? Combine them for a perfect sweet-tart bite. And instead of syrup, serve them with lemon curd for an extra puckery bite.
Another lemon classic combo is to add poppy seeds. They add just the right amount of crunch and contrast. This easy recipe can be used with any waffle maker; just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for timing.
Hello, showstopper! All you have to do is whirl the batter in a blender and then pour it into a preheated pan. Your oven does the rest of the work! Drizzle with Nutella syrup and top with fresh raspberries.
It’s finally berry season, so put them to good use. This buttermilk waffle recipe has a touch of sweetness, but if you want even more, don't forget the whipped cream and maple syrup.