These cute snowman pancakes are a delightful and festive breakfast idea that’s perfect for winter mornings, holiday brunches, or any time I want to make breakfast a little more magical. With fluffy pancakes stacked and decorated to resemble a cheerful snowman, this recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat—especially for kids or guests during the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, playful, and brings so much joy to the table. Whether I’m making it for a cozy December breakfast or a special Christmas morning treat, these pancakes always get smiles. Plus, they’re fully customizable with toppings and decorations, so I can get creative with how I dress up my snowman. The ingredients are pantry staples, and it’s a great way to get little hands involved in the kitchen too.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Granulated sugar

• Salt

• Milk

• Eggs

• Unsalted butter (melted)

• Vanilla extract

• Cooking spray or oil for the pan

• Chocolate chips (for eyes and buttons)

• Sliced strawberries or raspberries (for scarf)

• Whipped cream or mini marshmallows (for snow effect)

• Pretzel sticks (for arms)

• Orange jelly bean, candy, or carrot sliver (for the nose)

Directions

1. I start by preparing the pancake batter: I whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt), then mix in the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

2. I preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or cooking spray.

3. I pour the batter in three different sizes to form the snowman’s body: small (head), medium (torso), and large (base). I cook each until bubbles form and the edges look set, then flip and cook the other side.

4. I stack the pancakes from largest to smallest on a plate to create the snowman shape.

5. I use chocolate chips for eyes, mouth, and buttons. For the nose, I press in a small piece of orange candy or a carrot sliver.

6. I add a scarf made of sliced strawberries or raspberries across the neck.

7. For the arms, I place pretzel sticks on the sides of the torso pancake.

8. I sprinkle whipped cream or mini marshmallows around for a snowy scene.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 snowman stacks, depending on pancake size.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra holiday flavor.

• For a healthier option, I swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

• Instead of chocolate chips, I’ve also used raisins or dried cranberries for the snowman’s face and buttons.

• I’ve made these gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• To make it extra festive, I use a squeeze of chocolate syrup or maple syrup to draw hats or snowflakes.

Storage/Reheating

If I have leftovers, I let the pancakes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.

To reheat, I pop them in the microwave for about 20–30 seconds or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. I always add the decorations after reheating so they stay fresh and appealing.

FAQs

How can I make the pancakes evenly sized for stacking?

I use measuring cups (about ¼ cup for the base, 2 tablespoons for the torso, and 1 tablespoon for the head) to get consistent sizes. Cooking them slowly helps maintain a round shape.

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the pancakes a day ahead and store them in the fridge. I reheat them gently and decorate just before serving to keep everything fresh.

What can I use instead of chocolate chips for decoration?

I’ve used raisins, cranberries, blueberries, or even dots of icing. The key is to use something small and round that’s easy to press into the pancake.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. I substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use a dairy-free butter or oil instead of regular butter.

How do I keep pancakes warm while making the rest?

I place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (90°C) oven to keep them warm until I’m ready to assemble all the snowmen.

Conclusion

These cute snowman pancakes are a charming and delicious way to celebrate winter mornings. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and bring a cheerful twist to an everyday breakfast. Whether I’m preparing them for my family, guests, or just for myself, they never fail to brighten up the day.