Sprinkles Saturday on a Thursday

A little bit ago, Niko had been really sick, battling an on-and-off high fever and Hand, Foot, Mouth Virus, so, I really wanted to do something special for him and surprise him with a special breakfast when he woke up. And, since sprinkles make everything into a tiny celebration, I thought, why not have Sprinkles Saturday on a Thursday and add them to one of my favorite breakfast recipes--Mini Maple Pancake Muffins! 

I first stumbled upon this recipe when Justin and I first started dating and it was actually the first breakfast meal that I had ever made him. These little bites of heaven quickly became one of our Saturday morning go-to's [but, to be honest, we have not had them in quite awhile]. So, it just seemed like the perfect time to pull this old recipe out, add a bunch of sprinkles, and enjoy them on the back deck!  

Just as Justin loved these little bites so much the first time I made them, Niko seemed to love them just as much! Actually, he loved them so much, that as I was pulling away his tray, he quickly snatched one last large crumb up and shoved it in his mouth so quickly, I almost did not catch him! 

Check out the recipe below:

Mini Maple Pancake Muffins.

1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 egg
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup of your favorite mix-in*

     • Generously grease a 24 cup mini muffin pan with non-stick spray.
     • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
     • Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar in a medium bowl. Sift together with a wire whisk.
     • In another bowl, stir buttermilk, egg, maple syrup and melted butter until just combined.
     • Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir with a spoon until combined.
     • Stir in your favorite mix-in. Reserve a few chips to sprinkle on the tops.
     • Bake for 8-9 minutes.

Makes 24 mini pancake muffins.

Let cool slightly and remove from the pan. You may need to use a toothpick around the edges to separate the pancake muffins from the pan.
Serve immediately with warmed butter if you like or even just with maple syrup.

*Recipe calls for Milk Chocolate Chips, but you can use your favorite fruits or other mix-ins [or even leave them plain] to make them your own! 

You can find the recipe with photos here: http://www.bakerella.com/mini-maple-pancake-muffins/

These little guys always seem to be a fan favorite! So, eat up and enjoy! And, if you have left overs, just pop them in the freezer and enjoy another day!