Bring extra cheer to your holiday mornings with these Magical Reindeer Pancakes! This whimsical breakfast turns an ordinary pancake stack into a festive reindeer face, complete with chocolate antlers, a strawberry nose, and candy eyes. Kids absolutely adore them, and even the grown-ups can’t resist the charm. Whether it’s Christmas morning or a December weekend treat, these pancakes are guaranteed to light up everyone’s face.
What makes them truly magical isn’t just their look—it’s the warm, buttery pancakes made from scratch and topped with sweet and playful decorations. They come together quickly and offer a creative way to start a cozy winter day. Plus, they double as a fun activity the whole family can enjoy making together.
What Kind of Pancake Batter Should I Use?
You can use your favorite homemade buttermilk pancake recipe or even a reliable boxed mix to keep it simple. The key is a thick, fluffy batter that holds its shape well when cooked—you want those reindeer faces to be sturdy enough for decorating!
Ingredients for the Magical Reindeer Pancakes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing pan)
- Strawberries (for the red nose)
- Candy eyes or mini marshmallows with chocolate chips
- Pretzels or chocolate-dipped pretzels (for antlers)
- Whipped cream (optional)
How To Make the Magical Reindeer Pancakes
Step 1: Prepare the Pancake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until incorporated—don’t overmix.
Step 2: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a lightly buttered non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 3: Decorate Like a Reindeer
Use one large pancake for the face and two small ones for ears. Place two pretzels at the top for antlers. Add two candy eyes, a halved strawberry for the red nose, and whipped cream if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Magical Reindeer Pancakes
Serve immediately while warm for best taste and visual appeal. If you need to make a batch ahead of time, you can keep them warm in a low oven (about 200°F). Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated in the toaster or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes! Freeze undecorated pancakes in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
What if I don’t have candy eyes?
Mini marshmallows with chocolate chips in the center make great DIY eyes.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free blend.
What kind of pretzels work best?
Mini pretzels or chocolate-covered pretzels work well and hold their shape.
Can I make the batter the night before?
Yes, just cover and refrigerate the batter overnight. Stir gently before using.
Want More Breakfast Ideas for Kids?
If you loved these Magical Reindeer Pancakes, you’ll want to try some of these creative and cozy breakfast favorites:
- Nutella French Toast Casserole for chocolate-hazelnut comfort.
- The Ultimate Homemade McGriddle for a savory-sweet breakfast sandwich.
- Cottage Cheese Egg Bake that’s protein-packed and easy to prep.
- Raspberry Crescent Rolls for a fruity and flaky treat.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread for that bakery-style aroma in your kitchen.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this festive pancake idea to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when the holiday spirit strikes!
And if you try these Magical Reindeer Pancakes, leave a comment and let me know how it went. Did your kids help decorate? Did you switch up the toppings?
Follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes for more cozy, creative, and seasonal breakfast ideas.
Magical Reindeer Pancakes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turn your morning into a holiday wonderland with Magical Reindeer Pancakes—soft, golden pancakes decorated with strawberries, candy eyes, and pretzel antlers. These festive flapjacks bring smiles to kids and adults alike and are perfect for Christmas breakfast or winter brunch.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
Strawberries
Candy eyes or mini marshmallows with chocolate chips
Pretzels or chocolate-dipped pretzels
Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter. Combine with the dry ingredients just until mixed.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium and grease lightly with butter.
4. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
5. Use one large pancake for the face and two small ones for ears.
6. Place pretzels at the top for antlers.
7. Add candy eyes and a halved strawberry for the nose.
8. Optionally, top with whipped cream.
Notes
Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while assembling.
For eyes, use marshmallows with chocolate chips if you don’t have candy eyes.
The batter can be made the night before and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: holiday pancakes, reindeer pancakes, Christmas breakfast
