Patriotic Star Shaped Pancakes with an Easy Homemade Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a delicious stack of pancakes. But taking a few extra minutes and creating patriotic star-shaped pancakes can take your breakfast game to a whole new level of fun! Perfect for a festive occasion like Independence Day or any day when you want to add a touch of whimsy to your morning routine, these delightful pancakes are guaranteed to put a smile on everyone's face. So gather your loved ones and let's eat!

Taking an extra 5-10 minutes with activities and meals you are already creating to add that element of fun is a simple mantra to live by and really adds to the core memories you create with your family. Many of my own memories growing up involve the holidays where we were included in the kitchen or there was an extra element of fun.

I know first hand that getting kids excited about meal times can sometimes be a challenge, but with that 5-10 extra minutes you can turn the meal into a fun-filled adventure!

The process of creating these pancakes is an excellent opportunity to engage your children in the kitchen. Let them help with mixing the batter, carefully flipping the pancakes, and then using cookie cutters to shape. This interactive experience not only encourages their creativity but also teaches them valuable skills, such as measuring ingredients and working as a team and if you have teens like I do - just getting them to help is a feat in and of itself.

Once your pancakes are cooked, you and your family can let your imagination run wild as you decorate them with various toppings (this is where the teenagers really shine). From fresh berries and whipped cream to maple syrup and powdered sugar (we call it snow!), the options are endless! Encourage each family member to create their own unique masterpiece, making the breakfast table a canvas of delicious patriotism - charcuterie board options anyone?

In today's fast-paced world, finding quality time to spend with your family can be a challenge. Preparing and enjoying a meal together offers an excellent opportunity for bonding and creating lasting memories. As you cook and decorate your pancakes, engage in conversations, share stories, and laugh together. The joyous atmosphere at the table will bring your family closer, fostering a sense of togetherness and love.

No pancake breakfast is complete without the perfect syrup to complement those delightful star-shaped treats and this homemade syrup recipe is the perfect compliment to just about any flavor combination of fruit, chocolate or nut butter you can think of - it's a family favorite!

EASY CINNAMON (BUTTERMILK STYLE) SYRUP

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup milk

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp baking soda

In a large sauce pot over medium heat, melt butter, add milk and sugar and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients. The baking soda will make the mixture will bubble up and foam - don't be alarmed (this is why you are using a large sauce pot). Let the syrup sit for a few minutes before using to allow the foam to go down and then give it a quick stir and pour on top of pancakes, ice cream, cookies - you name it - it's delicious!

ENJOY!

XOXO,

Kimberly Marie