We have a longstanding tradition in our family of having pancakes on Christmas morning. After all, they are my daughter’s favorite! Usually, we make them in the shape of reindeer (with bacon antlers). This year, I thought I’d make some fun Christmas tree pancakes to go along with them!
When I was growing up, we always opened gifts on Christmas Eve. Our family comes from German roots and this is in keeping with German tradition so I guess that’s why. We’d have dinner (which evolved into a tradition of Tourtiere – a French Canadian meat pie – and birthday cake for Jesus for dessert). Then we’d head to church for the candlelight service.
Other Special Christmas Traditions
On the way home, we’d “take the long way” and take in the Christmas lights around the city. This would ensure that Santa Claus had plenty of time to put our gifts under the tree and fill our stockings. We’d head home, open gifts, and have a late evening smorgasbord of yummy snacks and treats before heading off to bed.
One of the things this meant for us was that Christmas morning was fairly leisurely – well at least for the rest of the family! I do recall Mom getting up before dawn to the get the turkey in the oven. We’d have our special breakfast and spend the day playing with our new gifts. We almost always got a new board game and maybe a jigsaw puzzle and these would become a fun family activity before dinner.
When my daughter was little, Santa alternated each year between delivering our gifts early on Christmas Eve or while we slept. We were in the honored position of being either the first or last delivery of the season! But while a few traditions changed, the special Christmas morning breakfast was one we continued with.
CHRISTMAS TREE PANCAKES RECIPE
Christmas Tree Pancakes
A special idea for Christmas morning breakfast – these Christmas tree pancakes are a simple and fun way to celebrate!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 3 drops green food coloring
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp candy sprinkles optional
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Set aside.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
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Add dry ingredients to the wet, whisking together until just combined.
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Add food coloring, and mix.
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Heat a skillet over medium heat, and spray with non-stick spray.
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Pour pancake batter into the skillet to form 4-5 inch pancakes, slightly larger than the cookie cutter.
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Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes, until edges begin to set and bubbles rise to the surface of the pancakes.
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Flip, and cook a few minutes more, until cooked through.
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If pancakes cook too quickly, or burn, reduce the heat.
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Once the pancakes are cooked, use the cookie cutter to cut the tree shapes from the pancakes.
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Then, in a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
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Drizzle frosting over pancakes, and top with Christmas sprinkles (if desired) for a fun Christmas breakfast treat.
Recipe Notes
You will also need a Christmas tree cookie cutter and some cooking spray.
What will you be having for breakfast on Christmas Day?
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