If you grew up celebrating Christmas, you probably know exactly what "Christmas magic" means. It isn't tangible; it's something that can only be explained as warm and fuzzy with a touch nostalgia, excitement, love, and joy. It's that feeling you get when Christmas songs flood every radio station, candy canes become ubiquitous again, and you suddenly can't get the lyrics to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" out of your head. For many parents, recreating that same magic for your own little ones is one of the most wonderful parts of the holiday season. And aside from Santa himself, it's none other than Rudolph who deserves the title of most magical Christmas character.

How to make Rudolph reindeer pancakes

This ode to the famous red-nosed reindeer isn't just heartwarming to look at: it's a delicious, unique breakfast perfect for this special time of year. Whether you serve these Rudolph pancakes on Christmas morning or for Christmas Eve brinner (new tradition, anyone?), they're sure to delight all the little ones at your table. Best of all, you don't need make a long grocery list and check it twice: just grab bacon, marshmallows, chocolate chips, and raspberries for assembly and whip up some homemade buttermilk pancake batter with Nellie's Free Range Eggs and Butter for the fluffiest pancakes ever. Once you have your ingredients ready, follow the steps below to assemble each Rudolph pancake in minutes. Just like magic.

Directions

1. Cook bacon until crispy.
2. Cook pancakes in different sizes and shapes depending on how many reindeer you'd like to make. For each reindeer, you'll need a 6" round, a 3" round, and two 2" ovals.
3. Slice large marshmallows into thirds, discarding the middle piece (or better yet, enjoy it in a cup of hot cocoa—chef's treat!).
4. Sprinkle a plate with powdered sugar for snow if desired.

Assembly

Time to bring your Rudolph pancakes to life, shiny red nose and all! Here's how:

Step 1

Place one 6" pancake in the middle of your plate. Add a 3" pancake on top, centered on the bottom edge of the larger round.

To give Rudolph antlers, slide the ends of two pieces of bacon under the large pancake just to the left and right of the center of the top of the plate.

Step 3

For ears, tuck the ends of two oval pancakes next to each bacon strip along the top of the big round.

Step 4

Create eyes by placing the two ends of the cut marshmallow sticky side down above the 3" pancake.

Step 5

Add pupils by placing a chocolate chip on the bottom edge of each piece of marshmallow.

Step 6

For Rudolph's signature red nose, place a raspberry just above the bottom edge of the 3" pancake. Repeat all steps for as many reindeer pancakes as you'd like, then serve with a side of maple syrup and enjoy!

Did you make your own Rudolph pancakes? Let us see by tagging #nelliesfreerange! Photo Credit: MINT + MALLOW Kitchen