Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe – Fluffy, Easy & Loaded with Chocolate
Introduction
Imagine waking up on a slow weekend morning, the scent of melted chocolate and warm batter wafting through the house. You wander into the kitchen, and a tall stack of fluffy, golden pancakes greets you, dotted with gooey chocolate chips that melt in your mouth. That is the magic of chocolate chip pancakes. They are comfort food at its finest, loved by both kids and adults alike.
Unlike plain pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes bring something extra to the table. They are sweet, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying without being overly complicated. Whether you are making them for a family breakfast, a cozy brunch with friends, or a quick weeknight treat, these pancakes never disappoint.
Homemade pancakes always taste better than store-bought mixes, and when chocolate chips get involved, things just get better. This recipe offers a soft, fluffy base with just the right amount of sweetness, punctuated by bursts of rich chocolate in every bite. Best of all, it requires basic pantry ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.
Let’s dive into everything you need to make the perfect chocolate chip pancakes.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients along with their average calorie count per serving. This makes it easier to plan your meals and enjoy your pancakes mindfully.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 ½ cups | 680 |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | 6 |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons | 96 |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon | 0 |
| Whole milk | 1 ¼ cups | 150 |
| Large eggs | 1 | 70 |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 3 tablespoons | 300 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 12 |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | ¾ cup | 600 |
| Additional butter/oil (for cooking) | 1 tablespoon | 100 |
Total Approximate Calories for the Batch: 2,014
Servings: Makes 4 to 6 servings depending on pancake size
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making chocolate chip pancakes is easy if you follow a few simple steps. Consistency and timing are key to getting that perfect golden-brown exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
- Prepare the dry mix
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent so the pancakes rise properly. - Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and fully blended. - Combine wet and dry ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can make the pancakes dense. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is totally normal. - Fold in the chocolate chips
Add the chocolate chips and fold them into the batter using a spatula. Reserve a handful if you’d like to sprinkle some on top while cooking. - Heat the pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil and let it melt completely. Make sure the surface is hot before adding the batter. - Cook the pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to look set. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes on the other side until golden brown. - Repeat and serve
Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed. Serve the pancakes warm with maple syrup, whipped cream, or extra chocolate chips on top.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
Chocolate chip pancakes are highly customizable. A few simple tweaks can make them suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Use buttermilk instead of regular milk
This gives the pancakes a tangy flavor and a softer texture. Buttermilk also reacts better with baking powder to create more fluff.
Add a banana or pumpkin puree
Mix in half a mashed banana or a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree for added moisture and flavor.
Try different chips
Use white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or dark chocolate for a more intense flavor. Mini chips also spread more evenly throughout the batter.
Make it gluten-free
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. Most one-to-one gluten-free flours work well in pancake recipes.
Add spices
Cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor and add warmth to the pancakes.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an overview of the nutritional profile per serving, based on a batch divided into 5 equal portions.
- Calories: 400 to 450
- Protein: 7 to 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 to 55 grams
- Sugars: 18 to 22 grams
- Fat: 18 to 22 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 to 75 mg
- Sodium: 300 to 350 mg
Keep in mind these numbers can vary slightly depending on the brand of ingredients used and the size of your pancakes.
Serving Suggestions
Chocolate chip pancakes can be served in many delicious ways. They work well as a classic breakfast but can also double as dessert.
Classic Breakfast Style
Stack them high and top with real maple syrup, fresh fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream.
Dessert Pancakes
Turn your stack into a decadent dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and chopped nuts.
On-the-go Snacks
Make smaller, silver-dollar-sized pancakes and pack them in a lunchbox. They taste great cold or reheated.
Holiday Treats
Add red and green sprinkles during Christmas or heart-shaped strawberries for Valentine’s Day
Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe – Fluffy, Easy & Loaded with Chocolate
Course: Blog4
servings10
minutes15
minutes~280
kcalIngredients
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing pan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (90g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini or regular)
Directions
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Make the Batter:
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix. A few lumps are okay.
- Add Chocolate Chips:
- Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
- Heat the Pan:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with maple syrup, extra chocolate chips, whipped cream, or fresh fruit if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- For extra fluffiness, let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. To keep pancakes warm while cooking the rest, place them on a baking sheet in a low oven (200°F/95°C).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.
Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between each pancake. Reheat in a toaster or microwave.
What can I use instead of eggs?
Try mashed banana, applesauce, or a flax egg for a plant-based alternative.
Are these pancakes suitable for kids?
Definitely. Kids love the sweet bursts of chocolate. Just keep portion sizes small and use semi-sweet or dark chocolate to cut down on sugar.
Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
Overmixing the batter is the most common reason. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and the pan isn’t too hot.
Conclusion
Chocolate chip pancakes are more than just a breakfast item. They are a heartwarming tradition, a little indulgence, and an easy way to brighten anyone’s day. With a simple batter, a handful of chocolate chips, and a hot skillet, you can create something that tastes like it came from a cozy diner or a cherished family recipe book.
