Reindeer Breakfast Pancakes for Kids’ Christmas Mornings

Bring some cheer to your December mornings with these Reindeer Pancakes — a whimsical, kid-friendly twist on classic pancakes that transforms your breakfast into a holiday celebration. With just a few creative toppings and a simple pancake batter, you can serve adorable reindeer faces complete with pretzel antlers, fruit features, and a cherry-red nose that would make Rudolph proud.

Perfect for Christmas morning, winter brunches, or a December weekend activity with kids, these pancakes are as fun to assemble as they are to eat. You don’t need fancy tools or special ingredients — just a little imagination and a warm griddle.

Whether you’re fueling up before opening gifts or surprising your family with a joyful breakfast, Reindeer Pancakes are a sweet way to serve up smiles during the holiday season.

Ingredients Overview

This recipe uses a basic pancake batter, with added elements to build the reindeer face. You can use your favorite store-bought mix or a homemade batter.

For the Pancakes

Dry Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Sugar

• Salt

Wet Ingredients:

• Milk (dairy or plant-based)

• Eggs

• Melted butter or oil

• Vanilla extract

Alternative: Use any pancake mix or make them gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps (noted below).

For the Reindeer Decoration

Each reindeer face includes:

• 1 large pancake (the head)

• 2 small pancakes (the ears)

• 2 banana slices (for the whites of the eyes)

• 2 chocolate chips or blueberries (for pupils)

• 1 raspberry, cherry, or strawberry slice (for the red nose)

• 2 mini pretzels (for antlers)

Optional Extras:

• Whipped cream

• Maple syrup

• Powdered sugar dusting

These add extra fun but are not required for the reindeer effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Pancake Batter

Homemade Pancake Batter Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 ¼ cups milk

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp melted butter or neutral oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla, and melted butter.

3. Pour wet into dry ingredients and mix just until combined (a few lumps are fine).

4. Let batter rest for 5–10 minutes while you preheat the griddle.

2. Cook the Pancakes

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil.

To make each reindeer:

• 1 large round pancake (about ¼ cup batter)

• 2 small round pancakes (about 1 tbsp batter each)

Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook 1–2 minutes more until golden brown. Keep warm while making enough sets for your servings.

3. Assemble the Reindeer Faces

Place the large pancake in the center of the plate — this is the head.

Add ears:
Place the two small pancakes at the top sides, tucked under the large pancake slightly.

Add antlers:
Insert a mini pretzel twist above each ear to resemble antlers.

Make the eyes:
Place two banana slices toward the top-center of the face. Top each with a chocolate chip or blueberry for pupils.

Add the nose:
Use a raspberry, cherry, or small strawberry slice in the center-bottom of the face as the “Rudolph” nose.

Serve as-is or with syrup, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use squeeze bottles or ladles to portion out consistent pancakes.

• Preheat your griddle properly to get evenly browned pancakes.

• Keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while you work in batches.

Fun Variations

• Reindeer Family: Make different sizes for a reindeer “family” with large, medium, and mini pancakes.

• Chocolate Pancakes: Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.

• Gingerbread Pancakes: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and a dash of molasses to make them taste like gingerbread.

Dietary Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk and plant-based butter.

• Egg-Free: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water).

Serving Ideas & Occasions

These reindeer pancakes are ideal for:

• Christmas Morning Breakfast: Start the day with something joyful and kid-friendly.

• Holiday Brunches: A festive addition to a seasonal breakfast spread.

• Pajama Parties or Sleepovers: Kids love helping decorate their own reindeer.

• Winter Birthdays: A fun and cozy breakfast treat.

Serve with warm maple syrup, fresh fruit, and hot cocoa or peppermint lattes for a complete holiday breakfast experience.

Nutritional & Health Notes

Reindeer pancakes can be made with whole ingredients and portioned easily. Here are a few health considerations:

• Bananas and berries offer natural sweetness and vitamins.

• Whole grain flour can be used for added fiber.

• Lower Sugar Options: Reduce or skip sugar in the batter and let the toppings do the work.

Each finished plate can range from 250–350 calories, depending on toppings. You can lighten them up by using plain yogurt instead of whipped cream or skipping butter and syrup.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a boxed pancake mix?

A1: Yes! Any pancake mix will work. Just make sure to portion your batter to get one large and two small pancakes per serving.

Q2: Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely. Cook and cool the pancakes, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven before assembling.

Q3: How do I keep the pancakes warm while making batches?

A3: Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

Q4: What can I use instead of pretzels for antlers?

A4: Try breadsticks, halved mini candy canes, or sliced apple sticks for different looks.

Q5: How do I make the face more secure?

A5: Dab a little whipped cream or syrup under the banana slices and fruit to help them stay in place, especially if serving to kids.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

A6: Yes! Stack with parchment between layers and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.

Q7: What fruit works for the red nose if I don’t have raspberries?

A7: Try a cherry, cranberry, grape, or even a red M&M for a playful touch.

Print