Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to a stack of warm, fluffy, and irresistibly melty Chocolate Chip Pancakes, then consider this your invitation to pancake heaven! These pancakes are the ultimate cozy breakfast treat, balancing a soft, cloud-like texture with bursts of gooey chocolate in every single bite. They’re simple to put together, endlessly customizable, and absolutely perfect for everything from lazy weekend brunches to special occasions. Whether you’re whipping them up for family or just treating yourself, Chocolate Chip Pancakes have a way of making any morning feel extra special.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great pancakes start with just a handful of kitchen staples and a few sweet add-ins. Each ingredient plays its part, from lending fluffiness to bringing that decadent chocolatey finish to the table. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some little tips to make each one shine:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for light and fluffy pancakes—measure it carefully for the best result.
• Granulated sugar: Just a touch helps sweeten the batter and encourages golden edges as the pancakes cook.
• Baking powder: Your secret weapon for thick, pillowy pancakes with perfect lift.
• Salt: Don’t skip it! A bit of salt balances sweetness and brings out that rich cocoa flavor.
• Milk: Regular or buttermilk both work beautifully; buttermilk adds a subtle tang and extra tenderness.
• Large egg: Adds structure and helps bind everything together for a soft, cohesive crumb.
• Unsalted butter (melted): This adds both rich flavor and moisture—make sure to let it cool slightly before mixing in.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth and luxury that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips.
• Mini chocolate chips: The star of the show! Minis disperse perfectly for bites of chocolate in every forkful (and save a few for sprinkling on top).
• Butter or oil for the griddle: Prevents sticking and adds just the right amount of crispy, golden edges.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is all about ensuring those leaveners and flavor-makers are evenly distributed, which means every pancake will rise evenly and taste just right.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted (but slightly cooled) butter, and vanilla extract. Taking this extra step ensures the egg gets nicely blended for a smoother, creamier pancake batter later on.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently. The key to fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes is not to overmix—just combine until most of the flour is incorporated, even if you see a few small lumps. Overmixing can make pancakes tough rather than tender.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle in the mini chocolate chips and use a spatula to gently fold them into the batter. Folding, rather than stirring, prevents the batter from deflating and keeps those chocolate bits evenly spread throughout every pancake.

Step 5: Heat and Grease Your Griddle

Place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly coat it with butter or oil. You’ll want it hot enough that a drop of batter sizzles on contact, but not so hot that the pancakes darken too quickly.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Keep an eye out for bubbles forming on the surface and those telltale set edges—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until each side is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Slide your completed Chocolate Chip Pancakes onto a plate, add any toppings you love, and serve while they’re still warm and the chocolate is perfectly gooey. Don’t forget the extra mini chips on top for the full wow factor!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off a stack quite like a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips, a pat of creamy butter, and a generous drizzle of real maple syrup. Feel free to dust on a bit of powdered sugar for that classic pancake diner look, or layer on fresh berries for a pop of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a showstopper all on their own, but pairing them with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a bowl of fresh fruit elevates any breakfast spread. For something lighter, tangy Greek yogurt alongside your pancakes balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking pancakes high and skewering them with a wooden stick for a fun brunch centerpiece, or make mini stacks for a kid-friendly breakfast bar. Turning each pancake into a sandwich with whipped cream or nut butter in the middle is always a playful twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If (against all odds) you have leftover Chocolate Chip Pancakes, let them cool to room temperature before layering with parchment in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, ready for a quick weekday treat.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your pancakes in a single layer on a sheet tray first, then transfer to a zip-top bag once solid. This prevents the pancakes from sticking together, so you can grab just one or two at a time—perfect for busy mornings!

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop pancakes in the toaster for a crisp edge, or warm in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds for that soft, just-cooked texture. You can even reheat them in a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes if feeding a crowd.

FAQs

Can I use regular-sized chocolate chips instead of mini?

Absolutely! Regular chocolate chips work well, though mini chips spread more evenly through the batter, which usually means more chocolate in every bite. If you use regular chips, consider giving them a rough chop before adding.

How can I make these Chocolate Chip Pancakes gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Look for one that includes xanthan gum; this helps mimic the texture of traditional pancakes.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

The batter is best when used right away, but you can whisk together the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. In the morning, just combine and fold in the chocolate chips right before cooking.

What’s the trick for extra fluffy pancakes?

Letting the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking allows the baking powder to activate, giving you taller, fluffier pancakes. Also, avoid overmixing—that’s key!

Can I add anything else to the batter?

Definitely! Try throwing in a handful of chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella for your own signature spin on Chocolate Chip Pancakes.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing like the magic of homemade Chocolate Chip Pancakes to start your day right. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or making a plate just for yourself, this recipe promises smiles, melty chocolate, and that unbeatable cozy breakfast feeling. Give it a try—you’ll see why these are always a favorite!

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