Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Light, fluffy, and from-scratch Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a childhood favorite! They are made with pantry staples that you already have in your kitchen. Try this recipe, and you will never go back to pancake mix ever again!

This fluffy chocolate chip pancake recipe is made almost every weekend in our house! It’s how I get my family excited about breakfast, it’s like having dessert for breakfast. We always double or even triple the batch, and it’s all gone in minutes.

When I first started this blog, I shared this easy foolproof pancake recipe, and whoever tried it, loved it! It’s the only recipe I use for pancakes as they turn out perfect every time.

This recipe is quite similar, it just combines the classic pancake with melting chocolate chips. Just like the original recipe, they are light and fluffy on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. I use semi-sweet chocolate chips for these pancakes, but you can use any type of chocolate chips that you like. You could even experiment with other add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Looking for more easy breakfast options? These bagel breakfast sandwiches are amazing! You should also try my berry bread pudding, strawberry waffles, vegan coconut pancakes, and this easy quiche recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite Recipe

1. Pantry Ingredients – You only need a few simple ingredients that you already have in your kitchen.
2. Saves Money – Ditch the pancake mix and make your own pancakes from scratch. They taste a million times better and will save you a lot of money.
3. Kid’s Favorite – I’ve never met a kid who doesn’t love a stack of freshly made chocolate chip pancakes!

The Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Flour. Nothing fancy here! Simple all-purpose flour is all you need.
• Milk. Whole milk is recommended for rich and fluffy pancakes, but 2% (semi-skimmed) can also be used.
• Baking Powder. This is our leavening agent that will give the pancakes a nice lift. Make sure that it’s fresh before using it.
• Egg. The egg will also help the pancakes rise, if you can’t have eggs, then substitute with half a banana that is mashed.
• Vanilla. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, avoid imitation vanilla.
• Chocolate Chips are the star of the show! I use Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can also use milk chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and mini-chocolate chips—you get the idea; choose your favorite!

How To Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes

1. Dry Ingredients: Combine the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, sugar, salt) in a bowl.
2. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with milk and melted butter in another bowl. Add vanilla extract, and mix again.
3. Add Wet to Dry: Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, whisk lightly until just combined, and remove big lumps (DO NOT overmix the batter as you will end up with tough pancakes that taste like cardboard). Fold in the chocolate chips.

1. Grease: Lightly brush a flat skillet or a griddle with a piece of butter (or use 1 tablespoon of oil instead) over medium-low heat. Then, using a ¼ measuring cup, spoon the batter and spread it into a circle.
2. Cook & Flip: Cook on the first side until bubbles appear and the edges start to look a bit dry, the bottom of the pancakes should be golden-brown (around 3 minutes). Flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the second sides are golden brown. The pancakes will be fluffy like cake.
3. Serve: Drizzle with maple or warm pancake syrup, add your favorite toppings like extra chocolate chips, strawberries, raspberries, peanut butter, etc – and serve.

Recipe Tips

• Check Your Baking Powder for Freshness: If your baking powder has expired, your pancakes might not rise. To test it, mix half a teaspoon of baking powder with water. If it bubbles, it’s still good. If there’s no reaction, replace it with a new one.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: For soft and fluffy pancakes, be careful not to overmix the batter after mixing the dry and wet ingredients. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in flat, chewy pancakes. I suggest mixing the dry ingredients separately before adding them to the wet ones. This method ensures even distribution without overworking the batter.
• Flip Just Once: While cooking the pancakes, make sure to flip them only once. This helps them cook evenly and stay fluffy.
• Keep Warm: Everyone loves warm pancakes, so as you make them, you can keep them warm in an oven-proof plate at 200°F (90°C) for up to 15 minutes.
• Serving & Reheating: These pancakes are best enjoyed hot off the griddle with a drizzle of maple syrup. But, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge – they reheat really well in the microwave. Simply place them on a plate and heat for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through.
• Freezing Instructions: These pancakes freeze very well. To prevent sticking, place a layer of parchment paper between each pancake. Then, store them in a zip-top bag. Alternatively, you can flash-freeze the pancakes on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
• Storing Leftover Batter: If you have leftover batter, you can keep it in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours for best results. Pancakes made from batter stored longer than 24 hours may not be as fluffy.

Topping Ideas for Chocolate Chip Pancakes

• Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy texture.
• Fresh Berries: Top with strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of freshness.
• Banana Slices: Layer on banana slices for a sweet, fruity addition.
• Nut Butter: Drizzle peanut or almond butter for a nutty flavor.
• Maple Syrup: Can’t go wrong with a classic drizzle of maple syrup.
• Chocolate Sauce: Add a swirl of chocolate sauce for extra chocolate goodness.
• Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent breakfast or dessert.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just add chocolate chips to pancake mix?

Yes whether you are making the pancake batter from scratch, or using a mix, you can add chocolate chips to the batter and mix until combined, then cook them.

How to make chocolate chip pancakes without burning the chocolate chips?

The key is to mix the chocolate chips into the batter rather than sprinkling them on top of cooking pancakes.

Chocolate chip pancakes are a fun and easy way to dress up classic pancakes. This recipe is completely foolproof and you will get the perfect pancakes from the first try. Don’t forget to pin this recipe to save for later!