Reindeer Pancakes

Published on June 22, 2023

, Updated on November 2, 2023

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Get into the holiday spirit with these adorable Reindeer Pancakes. Delicious and easy to make Christmas morning breakfast.

Reindeer Pancakes with a side of syrup, raspberries, and juice

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Easy Reindeer Pancakes Recipe:

These reindeer Christmas pancakes are the perfect Christmas morning breakfast. Start with a homemade buttermilk pancake mix and cook on a hot griddle. Then create a reindeer face for a fun and festive breakfast on Christmas eve or Christmas day.

My kids are older now, but still love when I make their favorite Rudolph pancakes. These cute reindeer pancakes can be decorated many different ways and always a family favorite.

This is our favorite pancake recipe but you can use what you prefer. Make special memories with the kids this holiday and make this Reindeer Pancakes. The kids will love to decorate the pancakes.

Check out these Reindeer Pretzel Rods for a festive treat.

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

Flour
Brown Sugar
Baking Powder
Salt
Egg
Milk
Vanilla
Melted Butter

To Make Reindeers:

Slices Bacon
Strawberries (sliced)
Chocolate Chips
Whipped Cream

How to Make Pancakes:

Step 1 – Combine Dry Ingredients – Whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder and salt.
Step 2 – Mix Egg, Milk, Vanilla – In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg, milk and vanilla.
Step 3 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Whisk the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, then stir in the melted butter. Combine ingredients in a large bowl.
Step 4 – Heat Griddle – Heat a nonstick griddle or large skillet over medium heat.
Step 5 – Pour Batter – Pour ⅓ cup pancake batter onto the griddle for each pancake. This is to make the faces of the reindeer.
Step 6 – Cook Pancakes – Cook until bubbles form in the middle, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from the griddle.
Step 7 – Continue Cooking – Continue this process to make approximately 12 small oval pancakes. Cook batter as well for the ears of the reindeer.

How to Make Reindeer Pancakes:

Step 1 – Prepare Slices of Bacon – Line a plate with a paper towel. Place the bacon on top.
Step 2 – Microwave Bacon – Microwave for 6-8 minutes (flipping halfway through the cook time). Cook until the bacon is cooked through and crisp.
Step 3 – Begin Make Reindeer Face – Place a larger pancake on each serving plate. Place 2 pieces of bacon and 2 small oval mini pancakes on the top for the antlers and the ears.
Step 4 – Add the toppings – Make the faces of the reindeer with the whipped cream, chocolate chips and sliced strawberries.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy – Then the pancakes are ready to serve and enjoy with maple syrup.

Substitutions and Additions:

Reindeer Eyes – We used chocolate chips for the reindeer eyes. But you can make the candy eyes using blueberries, large marshmallows, raspberries.
Bacon – We used bacon slices for the bacon antlers for reindeer shaped pancakes. But you can use candy cane or other types of bacon. You can use leftover bacon or turkey bacon.
Topping – We love to top with whipped cream but feel free to use what you prefer.
Pancake Batter – Feel free to add in pancake batter. We have added in chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

Pancake Topping Ideas:

There are many ways to enjoy these pancakes and we love making these Reindeer Pancakes. These are some of our pancake toppings.

Fruit – We love serving these pancakes with fresh fruit. Strawberries, blueberries and bananas are my favorites.
Chocolate Spread – My kids love Nutella as a spread for their pancakes. So I always have that available for a topping.
Powdered Sugar – Sprinkle the top with powdered with a side of fruit.
Peanut Butter – My son loves peanut butter as a topping. It doesn’t matter if I make pancakes or waffles, peanut butter is his topping of choice.

Reindeer Pancakes with a side of syrup, raspberries

Recipe Tips:

Pancake Sizes – When preparing the pancakes to make the red nose reindeer head you will need a large pancake. Then a smaller oval shaped pancake to top the larger pancake.
Mixing Pancake Batter – Combine the dry and wet ingredients until the mixture is combined. This is the perfect pancake mix to make for the holiday season and ahead of time.
Prepare Pan – Make sure to preheat skillet or griddle and melt butter on the skillet before adding pancake batter.
Hot Skillet – Prior to adding the batter on the skillet, make sure it is hot. We like to wait until the butter is sizzling.
Ready to Flip – Once bubbles start appearing on the top of the pancake, then it is ready to flip. It usually takes about 2 minutes before it is ready to flip.