Christmas Tree Pancakes

Christmas Tree Pancakes are a fun and festive breakfast treat perfect for Christmas morning or holiday brunch. These pancakes are shaped like Christmas trees and decorated with all sorts of fun toppings, making them as delicious as they are festive. Here’s how to make this jolly and delicious holiday treat:

Christmas Tree Pancakes 🎄

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Green food coloring (optional)

For the Toppings:

• Whipped cream (for the “snow”)
• Mini chocolate chips or M&Ms (for ornaments)
• Red fruit (strawberries, raspberries, or cherries for the tree topper)
• Maple syrup or honey (for drizzling)
• Mini marshmallows (for extra decoration)
• Powdered sugar (for a snowy effect)

Instructions:

1. Make the Pancake Batter:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If you want to add green color to your pancakes, stir in a few drops of green food coloring until you reach your desired shade of green. Mix until the batter is smooth, but don’t overmix.
2. Cook the Pancakes:
   • Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
   • Pour about 1/4 cup of pancake batter onto the skillet, spreading it slightly into the shape of a small triangle (you can also use a silicone mold to create a more defined shape).
   • Cook the pancake for about 2-3 minutes or until small bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
   • Repeat with the remaining batter, making about 3 or 4 pancakes to form your tree.
3. Stack the Pancakes:
   • Once all the pancakes are cooked, stack them in a tree shape by placing the largest pancake at the bottom and layering smaller ones on top, forming a triangle shape like a Christmas tree.
   • You can slightly offset the pancakes so that each layer looks like the branches of the tree.
4. Decorate the Christmas Tree:
   • Use whipped cream to create “snow” at the bottom of the tree and drizzle a bit over the top if desired.
   • Add mini chocolate chips, M&Ms, or marshmallows as ornaments on the tree.
   • Place a red fruit like a strawberry or raspberry on top of the stack as the “tree topper.”
   • Dust the entire tree with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted effect.
5. Serve:
   • Drizzle with maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness and enjoy your Christmas Tree Pancakes with family and friends!

Tips:

• Flavored Pancakes: Add a little cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a festive flavor twist.
• Alternative Toppings: You can get creative with other holiday-inspired toppings like crushed candy canes or sprinkles.
• Pancake Molds: If you want more defined tree shapes, you can use Christmas tree-shaped pancake molds or a cookie cutter to guide the batter.

These Christmas Tree Pancakes are sure to make your holiday breakfast extra special, bringing holiday cheer to the table with every bite!