Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe

Chocolate chip pancakes are the ultimate breakfast comfort food that brings together the classic fluffiness of pancakes with the irresistible sweetness of chocolate chips. Whether you’re serving these for a lazy Sunday morning, a special birthday breakfast, or a casual brunch, chocolate chip pancakes are always a hit. The combination of soft, buttery pancakes and melty chocolate chips creates a balance of sweetness and decadence in every bite.

This recipe is perfect for all levels of home cooks and uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it both accessible and convenient. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can adapt it for dietary preferences, customize it with additional flavors like bananas or peanut butter, or even turn it into a dessert by topping it with whipped cream and syrup.

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to make the fluffiest, most delicious chocolate chip pancakes right in your own kitchen. With helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas included, this will quickly become your go-to recipe for perfect pancakes every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Sweet: The chocolate chips melt into the pancakes as they cook, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite.
• Perfect Texture: These pancakes are fluffy on the inside, golden on the outside, and perfectly tender.
• Family Favorite: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, these pancakes are perfect for any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like flour, milk, eggs, and chocolate chips, this recipe is easy to whip up anytime.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, use your favorite type of chocolate chips, or add extra flavors to make it your own.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these pancakes are perfect for busy mornings or when you want a treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll never need to rely on store-bought pancake mixes again. It’s quick, foolproof, and tastes far better than anything out of a box!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 pancakes (serves 4-6 people)
• Serving Size: 2-3 pancakes

Nutritional Information (per pancake)

• Calories: 190
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

To make these chocolate chip pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pancake Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups milk (whole milk is recommended for a richer flavor, but any milk works)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk/dark chocolate chips, based on your preference)

For Cooking:

• Additional butter or oil (for greasing the pan or griddle)

Optional Toppings:

• Maple syrup
• Whipped cream
• Extra chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the melted butter has cooled slightly to avoid scrambling the egg.
• Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a whisk or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are perfectly fine and help ensure fluffy pancakes.
• Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

2. Heat the Griddle or Skillet:

• Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking. Wipe away excess grease with a paper towel for a thin, even coating.
• To test the heat, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the skillet. If they sizzle and evaporate, the skillet is ready.

3. Cook the Pancakes:

• Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter onto the skillet. Space the pancakes a few inches apart to give them room to spread.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on the other side.
• Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while cooking the remaining batter.

4. Serve:

• Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve immediately. Drizzle with maple syrup, top with extra chocolate chips, or add your favorite toppings.

Ingredient Background

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect chocolate chip pancakes:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and the classic pancake texture.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the chocolate.
• Baking Powder: Acts as the leavening agent, making the pancakes fluffy.
• Egg: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: The liquid base that creates the batter’s desired consistency.
• Butter: Adds flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips: The star ingredient that adds gooey, melty bursts of chocolate.

Technique Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are moistened, even if it looks slightly lumpy.
• Control the Heat: Medium heat is key. Too high, and the pancakes will burn before cooking through; too low, and they won’t brown properly.
• Use a Measuring Cup: Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup ensures evenly sized pancakes that cook uniformly.
• Flip at the Right Time: Wait until bubbles form and the edges look dry before flipping to avoid undercooked centers.
• Keep Them Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest of the batch.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Pancake Stacks: Create a tall stack of pancakes and drizzle generously with syrup and toppings for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
• Pancake Skewers: Cut the pancakes into small rounds and thread them onto skewers with fresh fruit and marshmallows for a fun, kid-friendly breakfast.
• Dessert Pancakes: Turn these pancakes into a dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Baking Powder: Old baking powder can lose its potency, resulting in flat pancakes. Check the expiration date to ensure fluffy results.
• Let the Batter Rest: Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the flour to hydrate and the baking powder to activate, improving the texture.
• Customize the Chips: Use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or mini chocolate chips for variety.

Recipe Variations

• Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add 1/2 cup mashed banana to the batter for extra flavor and moisture.
• Whole Wheat Pancakes: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
• Nutty Pancakes: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Pancakes: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster, microwave, or skillet.
• Freezing: Allow pancakes to cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the toaster or oven.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar in half or leave it out if you’re serving with syrup.
• Use Low-Fat Milk: Substitute whole milk with skim or almond milk for a lighter option.
• Add Protein: Mix in 1/4 cup protein powder to boost the protein content.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Chocolate chip pancakes are a fantastic choice for breakfast gatherings or brunch parties. Serve them buffet-style with a toppings bar featuring syrups, fresh fruits, whipped cream, and nuts. Pair them with other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns for a complete meal.

Special Equipment

• Nonstick Skillet or Griddle: Ensures pancakes cook evenly and don’t stick.
• Spatula: For easy flipping without breaking the pancakes.
• Measuring Cups: For consistent pancake sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using.

2. Why are my pancakes sticking to the pan?
Ensure the skillet or griddle is properly greased and preheated before adding the batter.

3. Can I use pancake mix?
You can use store-bought pancake mix as a base, then fold in the chocolate chips for a shortcut.

4. How do I make these pancakes fluffier?
Using cold milk and resting the batter for 5-10 minutes helps create fluffier pancakes.

5. Can I substitute the chocolate chips?
Yes! Try chopped chocolate bars, peanut butter chips, or white chocolate chips for variety.

6. Can I make mini pancakes?
Absolutely! Use a tablespoon or a smaller scoop to make mini pancakes for kids or parties.

7. How do I avoid overcooking the pancakes?
Cook over medium heat and keep an eye on the bubbles—flip as soon as the edges look set.

8. Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Substitute the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, use plant-based milk, and opt for vegan chocolate chips.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip pancakes are a breakfast classic that’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers perfectly fluffy, golden-brown pancakes studded with gooey chocolate chips every time. With tips for variations, storage, and serving, you can easily adapt this recipe to fit any occasion or preference. Try it today, and elevate your pancake game to a whole new level!

Print