Name: Reindeer Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups pancake batter (homemade or store-bought); 1 tablespoon butter or cooking oil (for greasing pan); 1 banana, sliced (for eyes); 8 chocolate chips or blueberries (for eye centers); 4 strawberries or raspberries (for noses); 8 mini pancakes or pancake semicircles (for ears); 8 small pretzels, halved (for antlers); Optional: whipped cream, syrup, or powdered sugar for serving

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These Reindeer Pancakes are a fun and festive way to start a winter morning, especially around the holidays. Made with simple pancake batter and a few clever toppings, I love turning an ordinary breakfast into something whimsical and delightful. They’re perfect for kids—or anyone young at heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. With just a few extra touches, I transform regular pancakes into adorable reindeer faces using fruit, whipped cream, and pretzels. They’re great for Christmas morning or any day I want to add a little seasonal cheer to breakfast. Plus, I can use homemade or store-bought pancake batter, making it as easy or elaborate as I like.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pancake batter (homemade or store-bought)
Cooking oil or butter (for the pan)
Banana slices (for eyes)
Chocolate chips or blueberries (for eye centers)
Strawberry or raspberry (for the nose)
Mini pancakes or a cut pancake (for ears)
Pretzels (for antlers)
Optional: whipped cream, syrup, powdered sugar for serving

Directions

I start by heating a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly greasing it with oil or butter.
I pour the batter to make one large pancake (about 5–6 inches wide) for the reindeer’s face.
I cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook the other side until golden brown. I repeat with smaller pancakes or use one large pancake cut into semi-circles for ears.
Once the pancakes are cooked, I assemble the reindeer on a plate:
- I place the large pancake in the center for the face.
- I add banana slices for eyes and top them with chocolate chips or blueberries.
- I use a strawberry or raspberry at the bottom center for the nose.
- I place two small pancakes or curved slices at the top for ears.
- I break pretzels in half and insert them at the top of the pancake to make antlers.
I serve immediately with syrup, whipped cream, or any toppings I like.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 reindeer pancakes, depending on size. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use peanut butter or Nutella to “glue” the facial features in place.
Mini chocolate candies make cute noses if I don’t have berries.
I switch out strawberries for maraschino cherries for a bright Rudolph look.
For a healthier version, I use whole wheat pancake batter and skip the whipped cream.
I shape the ears from pancake batter directly on the griddle instead of cutting them out later.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pancakes (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the toaster or warm them in a skillet. If frozen, they keep well for up to a month. I reheat from frozen in the toaster or microwave, then decorate before serving.

FAQs

Can I use boxed pancake mix for this?

Yes, I often use a boxed mix for convenience. Any pancake mix will work—just make sure it yields a thick enough batter to hold the shape.

How do I make the pancakes evenly round?

I pour the batter slowly and use the back of a spoon to gently shape the circle. A squeeze bottle also helps control the shape.

Can I prepare the decorations ahead of time?

Definitely. I slice the bananas and wash the berries just before assembling to keep everything fresh and quick in the morning.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while making batches?

I keep them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until all the pancakes are ready to serve.

Are there gluten-free or dairy-free options?

Yes, I use a gluten-free pancake mix or substitute non-dairy milk and oil in homemade batter for a dairy-free version. The toppings can easily be adjusted as well.

Conclusion

These Reindeer Pancakes are a holiday breakfast favorite I look forward to making every year. They’re festive, fun, and surprisingly easy to put together. Whether I’m entertaining kids or just want to start the day with a smile, these pancakes always deliver a little extra joy to the table.