Cookie Monster Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blue Food Coloring
Whimsical blue whole wheat pancakes designed to look like Cookie Monster's face. The tangy buttermilk-style batter creates fluffy pancakes with a vibrant blue color from food coloring. Apple slices form the eyes while halved blueberries create the iconic expression. Perfect for weekend family breakfasts or kids' birthday parties, these pancakes turn an ordinary morning into a fun Sesame Street adventure.
Ingredients
- 2 cups LACTAID 1% lowfat milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 drops FDA-approved blue gel food coloring
- ½ teaspoon vegetable oil, for greasing
- 1 small Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced into circles
- 1 cup blueberries, halved
Instructions
- 1
Combine milk and lemon juice in large bowl, stir and let sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly
- 2
Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in separate bowl
- 3
Add eggs and vegetable oil to curdled milk mixture, whisk until combined
- 4
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, add food coloring and stir until just combined without overmixing
- 5
Heat nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and grease with vegetable oil
- 6
Drop 1/2 cup batter onto hot pan and cook until bubbles form on edges
- 7
Flip pancake, reduce heat and cook for couple minutes on other side
- 8
Return heat to medium-high and repeat with remaining batter, greasing pan after each pancake
- 9
Cut pancakes into strips and arrange overlapping in circle on plate to mimic fur
- 10
Place apple slices as eyes and halved blueberries as pupils, with remaining blueberries forming mouth
Tips
Don't overmix the batter - lumps are perfectly fine and will create fluffier pancakes
Wait for small bubbles to form on the pancake edges before flipping for best results
Lightly grease the pan after each pancake to prevent sticking and ensure even browning
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled pancakes for up to 2 days, though decoration may soften
Make batter night before and refrigerate, stir gently before cooking
Serve immediately while warm for best texture and appearance
Common Mistakes
Grease pan lightly to avoid excess oil pooling
Keep heat at medium-high to avoid burning before center cooks
Use gentle pressure when flipping to maintain pancake shape
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
use any milk preference
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make these without food coloring?
Yes, the pancakes will taste the same but won't have the blue Cookie Monster effect. You could add vanilla extract for extra flavor instead.
What if I don't have LACTAID milk?
Regular milk works perfectly fine. The LACTAID is just for those who are lactose intolerant but want the creamy texture.
How long will leftover pancakes keep?
Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in toaster or microwave before serving.