There are so many really amazing crafts and recipes you can make during the holidays. But these super simple Christmas pancakes will make the biggest impact on your kids.
A long, long time ago I tried to use a pancake shape maker and it was a total disaster. Although I’m not an artist, I can do basic shapes, like snowman, tree, candy cane, etc.
I realized that instead of an expensive tool I could use a super cheap squirt bottle (pick one up at Walmart for $2) and draw my own shapes.
They aren’t fancy but the kids LOVED them. In fact, they asked for “Christmas pancakes” almost every morning in December.
They also realized that if you can make a shape you can make letters too. This caused the children to request their name and other shapes on their birthdays. I’m glad most of my kids have short names!
Christmas Pancakes
Ingredients
- Pancake batter homemade or box mix
- Squirt bottle – I bought one at Walmart for less than $2
Instructions
- Make your pancakes according to the directions.
- Add a little extra milk or water to the mix to thin out the pancakes. Thick pancakes will clog up the squirt bottle.
- Mix thoroughly to remove all lumps. Lumps also clog the squirt bottle.
- Fill your bottle with pancake batter. I found using a ladle and funnel worked best.
- Using the bottle create designs on a hot buttered griddle. I set mine to 350 degrees. Initially I started out making snowflakes, but they kept looking like spider webs, so I went on to other things. Using the bottle allows you to draw on the griddle. I am not an artist, but it was easy to make snowmen, Christmas trees, stars, gingerbread men, even write the kids’ names.
- You can even add chocolate chips or sprinkles.
- Your kids will absolutely love these pancakes. It doesn’t matter how they taste, somehow eating your name in pancake is the best thing in the world for a six year old.
Shynea says
This is a really neat idea. I never thought about putting the pancake mix in a squirt bottle and making shapes with it that way. This is a really neat idea. Thank you for the tip.
Nancy says
I was wondering how you were making those when I saw your tweet. That is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing!
Aunt T says
Awesome idea!
MNKristy says
What a great idea! I’m going to get a squirt bottle the next time I go to Wal-mart. Thanks! And have a very Merry Christmas!!
Stacey says
What a cute idea! Thanks for sharing!
Merry Christmas!
Noah says
The squirt bottle is a good idea. I’ve made pancake designs using a spoon, which is a bit more difficult. My 4 year old loves having his name as a pancake as well. His other two favorites are mickey mouse and “kid sized” (i.e. dollar sized pancakes).
Somebody's Mimi says
I wish I would have know that pancake squirt bottle idea when my kids were little… all they got was Mickey Mouse… you know the three circles! (lol). Your generation is more creative!
Organizing Mommy says
Love this idea!!! Need to do it soon!
Yesica says
Yummy that looks super GOOOD
LIsa says
Oh, how fun!
Amy says
That is such a great idea!
Rebecca says
What a fun idea! I do cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning but this would be fun to try any time. Thanks for sharing!
Dreamer says
That is such a great idea. My kids (6, 5, 3, 1) would flip for this. And since I got myslef a grddle for Christmas, you know what we’re having for breakfast. What section is the squirt bottle in at Wal-Mart?
TheHappyHousewife says
It was in the kitchen section by the measuring cups, graters, and other gadget type items. You can also buy the red or yellow ketchup or mustard bottles, they work just as well.
Toni
momstheword says
What a great idea! I love it!
Katena says
This is great for any day. i am thinking about doing this today and having breakfast for dinner. thanks again
Fancy Pancakes says
Wow, you put a woman (me) with a blog called “Fancy Pancakes” to shame! Thanks for inspiring me to get even fancier… 🙂
Sharee says
This is an awesome idea! My kids will love this. I’d love to have you share your recipe at Delicious Dishes link party on Balance Today.
Megan says
You can also use metal cookie cutters to make different shapes/letters etc. You can also use the same method with egg’s, just make sure you grease the cookie cutters so nothing sticks to the inside!
Tammy says
you are such a good mommy! your kids will have so many wonderful memories to share with their own kids someday!
Trooppetrie says
I see happy birthday pancakes. oh man what a great idea
Laura @ Homemaking Joyfully says
I have been doing this for about a year and my kids totally love it! Sometimes I divide the batter into a few different bowls and mix in food coloring before funneling it into squirt bottles!!
I also like the squirt bottles b/c you can make perfect circles by just squirting the batter in one spot and letting it spread out into a circle on it’s own.
Beth Anne says
I’m going to have to try this out (even though there are no children in the house) haha
Mel says
Lol oh Happy you are too funny. I love it!
Menda says
I’ve had good luck with using metal cookie cutters too, if you’re really feeling uncreative. My kiddo loves them. I’m betting a squirt bottle would make it even easier to do, though.
Katie says
We have a pancake bottle that we got at William-Sonoma, but I have seen them at target and Walmart also. The nozzle is a little wider for the mix. I do shapes and letters for the kids all the time – and I hear way less “pancakes again?” 🙂 I also do the food coloring sometimes on the holidays..and of course chocolate chips. My hubby likes to joke that it’s my way of sneaking some
Crafting time in while the kids are awake.
Diane says
I make pancake shapes using cookie cutters, will try filling the cutters with the squirt bottle next time. Bigger cookie cutters work better and you have to grease them well. Fun ideas!