If you want to bring a dose of festive cheer to your breakfast table, the Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe is the perfect way to do it. These fluffy pancakes, topped with juicy strawberries, chocolate chip eyes, and a fluffy whipped cream beard, transform a simple morning meal into a joyful celebration. Whether you’re cooking for the kids or just want to sprinkle a little holiday magic on your weekend brunch, this recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating fluffy, flavorful pancakes with a festive twist. From the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the batter to the sweet strawberries that add vibrant color and fresh flavor, every item is essential.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your pancakes, providing structure and a light crumb.
- 6 Tbsp Dixie Crystals granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy buttermilk.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the pancakes rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to tenderize the batter and give lift.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the pancakes.
- 2 1/2 cups buttermilk: Brings moisture and a slight tang, giving fluffy texture and depth.
- 1 stick butter (melted): Adds richness and a buttery flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that rounds out the taste.
- 4 eggs: Bind ingredients together and help make the pancakes light and airy.
- 20 Strawberries (sliced in half): Fresh and colorful, perfect for creating Santa’s hat and facial features.
- 12 Chocolate Chips: Convenient and sweet, ideal for making Santa’s eyes.
- 1 Whipped Cream Spray: For the iconic fluffy beard and hat trim that bring Santa to life.
How to Make Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl. This ensures all the rising agents and seasoning are evenly distributed, setting the foundation for perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients and Mix Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined. It’s important not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will keep your pancakes tender.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Using a ladle, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until you see bubbles forming around the edges, signaling the pancakes are ready to flip. Flip and cook for another minute or so until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
Step 4: Assemble Santa’s Face
Place each pancake on a plate, then gently arrange the strawberry halves on top like Santa’s red hat. Use two chocolate chips to form his bright, cheeky eyes, and slice a strawberry to create his cute little nose. This step brings your pancakes from tasty breakfast to festive fun.
Step 5: Add the Whipped Cream Beards and Hats
Finish by using your whipped cream spray to add a fluffy beard around the bottom of the pancake. Then add a line of whipped cream at the base of the strawberry hat and a little dollop on top. This simple decoration makes the Santa come to life with personality and charm.
How to Serve Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Besides the classic strawberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream, you can sprinkle on powdered sugar for a snowy effect or add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green contrast that echoes the festive spirit.
Side Dishes
These pancakes pair wonderfully with simple sides like crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of warm maple syrup also make perfect companions to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Santa pancakes stacked high on a festive platter or each pancake individually decorated on kids’ plates for extra holiday excitement. You could even sprinkle edible glitter or use different colored whipped creams to customize each Santa face uniquely.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to keep any garnishes like whipped cream separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the plain cooked pancakes between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months this way and are easy to grab for a quick festive breakfast later.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes in a toaster or oven to keep them warm and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain their fluffy texture, but microwaving works well if you’re in a hurry—just keep an eye so they don’t get rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While you can substitute regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang, using real buttermilk gives the best rise and tenderness for this Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe.
What if I don’t have whipped cream spray?
You can use freshly whipped cream made from heavy cream or even pipe cream cheese frosting for a festive and stable beard and hat trim alternative.
Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture and fluffiness. Just be mindful cooking times may vary slightly.
Are chocolate chips necessary for the eyes?
Chocolate chips are classic and easy, but you can also use blueberries, raisins, or small candy pieces depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Absolutely! This recipe scales up beautifully for larger groups. Just be sure to mix the batter gently and cook pancakes in batches for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Making the Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe is more than just breakfast—it’s a joyful holiday ritual that lights up faces and brings smiles around the table. Easy to prepare and utterly delightful to eat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. So gather your ingredients, get creative with those decorations, and make some festive magic that your family and friends will adore!
Print
Christmas Santa Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these festive Christmas Santa Pancakes, perfect for a joyful breakfast or brunch. Fluffy buttermilk pancakes are decorated with fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream to create an adorable Santa face that kids and adults alike will love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 Tbsp Dixie Crystals granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1 stick butter, melted (1/2 cup)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
Decorations
- 20 strawberries, sliced in half
- 12 chocolate chips
- 1 can whipped cream spray
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; whisk thoroughly to blend all the dry ingredients evenly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently whisk until just combined, ensuring the batter remains slightly lumpy for fluffy pancakes.
- Cook pancakes: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Using a 1/4 cup measure, ladle the batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles appear around the edges and the surface starts to set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip each pancake and cook on the other side until golden brown and cooked through, another 2 minutes. Remove the cooked pancakes and place them on a plate.
- Decorate pancakes: Arrange the sliced strawberry halves on top of each pancake to form Santa’s hat. Use two chocolate chips as eyes. Cut a small slice of strawberry to create the nose. Spray whipped cream to form the beard below the nose, add a line of cream at the base of the strawberry hat, and top it with a small whipped cream ball to complete Santa’s hat decoration.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor and vibrant color.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
- Adjust skillet heat as needed to prevent burning.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar and use dairy-free butter.
- These pancakes are best served immediately to enjoy the whipped cream decorations at their best.
