Add a little sparkle to your mornings with these festive homemade elf pancakes. Brightly colored, beautifully decorated and topped with a delicious cream cheese glaze!
Preheat a griddle to 325°F, or a skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter in the microwave and set aside to cool for 3 minutes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Then add in the milk and butter and stir just until combined. Then mix in the eggs, vanilla and 5-10 drops food coloring. Mix just until most the lumps are gone and the batter is smooth.
Coat the griddle (or skillet) with butter and then pour 1/4 cup batter onto the heated griddle. Cook the pancakes until bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook the other side for 1 minute, or just until lightly browned.
For the glaze, beat the cream cheese and butter in a medium size bowl. Then add the milk, vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until creamy. Add more milk if needed (you want it to be able to fall from a spoon)
Serve immediately or place on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F to keep warm. Then drizzle the cream cheese glaze over top. Add whipped cream and sprinkles if desired.
Notes
Make it easy: If running low on time, make the pancakes from a pancake mix (Krusteaz is my favorite). Freezer tip: Allow to cool and then place in a large ziptop bag. Place in freezer for use within 2 to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for 30 seconds.