Waking up to a tall stack of warm pancakes stuffed with melted chocolate chips sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it? If that’s the kind of morning you want, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into a simple and cozy chocolate chip pancakes recipe that you’ll want to make again and again.
Why These Chocolate Chip Pancakes Are the Best
These pancakes are thick, soft, and packed with pockets of gooey chocolate.
They’re made in one bowl, take less than 30 minutes, and turn even an ordinary morning into something special.
No fancy tools, no hard-to-find ingredients—just real food and real flavor.
What You Need for the Best Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Before you start, a quick pantry check will save you time.
You probably already have most of these ingredients at home.
Simple Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups (300ml) milk
- 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (130g) chocolate chips
- Butter or oil for cooking
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick skillet or griddle
- Spatula
How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes Step-by-Step
Here’s a simple breakdown of how to pull these off without any stress.
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
This helps evenly spread out the rising agents so your pancakes puff up just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or a large measuring cup, beat the egg.
Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Whisk until everything blends smoothly.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Stir gently with a whisk or spoon.
Don’t worry if you see a few lumps—those lumps mean tender pancakes.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Switch to a spatula and fold the chocolate chips into the batter.
Be careful not to overmix or you’ll end up with rubbery pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2–3 minutes.
Flip and cook the other side until golden brown, around 1–2 more minutes.
Tips for Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Want perfect pancakes every time? Keep these tips in mind:
- Use mini chocolate chips for better distribution.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t press down on the pancakes after flipping.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the outside while the inside stays raw.
The Best Toppings for Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Toppings make pancakes even better. Try these:
- Fresh strawberries or banana slices
- A dollop of whipped cream
- A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
- Peanut butter drizzle
- Extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top
Mix and match to find your perfect combo!
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Made too many? No problem.
Storing Leftover Pancakes
- Let pancakes cool completely.
- Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Pancakes
- Microwave individual pancakes for about 20–30 seconds.
- Or reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
Common Mistakes When Making Pancakes
Even simple recipes can trip you up. Avoid these common errors:
- Overmixing: Makes pancakes dense and tough. Stir just until combined.
- High heat: Burns the outside while the inside stays raw. Stick to medium heat.
- Adding chocolate chips too early: Melted chips can turn your batter gray and messy.
Fun Chocolate Chip Pancake Variations
Feeling creative? Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe.
Double Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Mix 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients for an extra chocolate punch.
You’ll get rich, brownie-like pancakes.
Nutty Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Stir in ¼ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
The crunch pairs perfectly with the melty chocolate.
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Mash 1 ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
You’ll get naturally sweet, moist pancakes with an extra flavor boost.
Are Chocolate Chip Pancakes Healthy?
While these pancakes are a treat, there’s a little good news too.
Dark chocolate chips contain antioxidants and may help with heart health and mood.
Balance it with fresh fruit toppings or use whole wheat flour if you want to sneak in some extra nutrition.
Conclusion: A Sweet Start to Your Day
Chocolate chip pancakes are the definition of comfort.
They’re simple, fast, and guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your table.
Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a birthday breakfast, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
So grab a whisk and some chocolate chips—your perfect morning awaits.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Q1: Can I prepare the pancake batter in advance?
It’s best to cook the batter fresh. If you need to prep ahead, store it in the fridge and stir lightly before using.
Q2: Can I freeze chocolate chip pancakes?
Yes. Let them cool, then place in a single layer in the freezer.
Pop them in the toaster or oven straight from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: Can I make these dairy-free?
Definitely. Use almond milk, oat milk, or any plant-based milk instead of regular milk.
Swap the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.
Q4: Which type of chocolate chips are best for pancakes?
Semi-sweet and dark chocolate chips work best because they balance sweetness and don’t melt too fast.
Q5: Why are my pancakes sticking to the skillet?
You might need more butter or oil, or your pan isn’t hot enough. Always preheat and grease lightly before pouring batter.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups 190g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons 25g granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 ¼ cups 300ml milk
- 2 tablespoons 30g melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup 130g chocolate chips
- Butter or oil for cooking