There’s something truly magical about cooking during the holidays, isn’t there? The air is filled with warmth, laughter, and delicious aromas that bring everyone together. One of my absolute favorite festive traditions is making Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes with my family. I remember the first time I made them, my little ones squealed with delight as they watched the pancakes transform into adorable Santa hats! It’s such a fun and creative way to start the day, and trust me, they taste just as good as they look. These pancakes are sure to become a cherished part of your holiday celebrations, too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these festive pancakes truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to your taste!)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (whole or your preferred variety)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for that rich flavor)
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (the star of the show!)
- Whipped cream (to create that fluffy Santa hat look)
Make sure to have everything prepped before you start cooking; it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes
Getting ready to whip up these Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes is such a joy! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive breakfast in no time.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until they’re evenly mixed. This step is super important for fluffy pancakes!
Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the egg. You want a nice, smooth mixture that’s ready to combine with the dry ingredients.
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, and we want them light and fluffy!
Cooking the Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once it’s hot, ladle about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Flip them over and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Keep those pancakes warm while you cook the rest!
Assembling the Santa Hats
To create the Santa hats, stack two pancakes on top of each other. Top them with a generous dollop of whipped cream to form the fluffy brim, then place a sliced strawberry on top to complete the look. Isn’t it adorable? Enjoy your festive creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Adorable festive presentation that brings holiday cheer to your breakfast table.
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy mornings or holiday gatherings!
- Deliciously fluffy pancakes that everyone will enjoy, from kids to adults.
- Fresh strawberries and whipped cream create a delightful flavor combination.
- A fun way to involve the whole family in holiday cooking traditions.
Tips for Success
To make your Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, adjust the sugar to match your taste—if you love a sweeter pancake, don’t be shy about adding a bit more! Always use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and presentation; they really make a difference. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra warmth. And remember, keep the heat at medium to ensure those pancakes cook evenly without burning. Happy flipping!
Nutritional Information
These Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes are not only festive but also provide a delightful balance of flavors! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (2 pancakes):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the pancakes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the microwave for about 30 seconds or toast them in a skillet until warmed through. Easy peasy!
What can I substitute for milk?
If you need a milk substitute, that’s no problem! You can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option. If you’re looking for something richer, try buttermilk or even yogurt mixed with a bit of water. They all work wonderfully in this recipe!
How can I make these pancakes healthier?
To make your Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber. You can also reduce the sugar by swapping in mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce for some of the sweetener. It’s a delicious way to keep things light without sacrificing flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have any leftover Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes (which is a big if, trust me!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing them up to avoid any sogginess. When it’s time to enjoy them again, you can reheat the pancakes in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop them in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through. They’ll be just as fluffy and delightful as when you first made them!
For more delicious pancake recipes, check out this buttermilk pancake recipe or these apple maple pancakes!
Print
Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes: 5 Magical Holiday Delights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pancakes shaped like Santa hats, perfect for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients.
- Heat a skillet and pour batter to form pancakes.
- Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook until golden.
- Stack pancakes and top with whipped cream and strawberries to resemble Santa hats.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar for sweetness.
- Use fresh strawberries for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Santa Hat Strawberry Pancakes