There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of freshly cooked Chocolate Chip Pancakes wafting through the house. Fluffy, rich, and studded with melty chocolate chips, these pancakes are the perfect way to start your day. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy weekend breakfast, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up batches of these delicious pancakes in no time!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a quintessential breakfast favorite that appeals to both kids and adults alike. The combination of fluffy pancakes and gooey chocolate creates a flavor explosion that makes every bite delightful. They can be enjoyed with traditional toppings like butter and maple syrup, or you can get creative with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of yogurt. No wonder they are a go-to for family brunches and gatherings!

What Goes In

To make these delicious Chocolate Chip Pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk, at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled, plus more for cooking
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

For serving:

Butter
Maple syrup (if desired)

Appliances & Accessories

To achieve pancake perfection, gather the following tools:

Mixing bowls – for combining your dry and wet ingredients
Whisk – to ensure a smooth batter
Griddle or non-stick skillet – for cooking your pancakes
Spatula – for flipping the pancakes
Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements

Stepwise Method: Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Preheat the Griddle

Place a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter to grease the surface.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Using a measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pancakes from the griddle and keep them warm in a low oven while you repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

Seasonal Adaptations

Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Chip Pancakes! Here are a few seasonal adaptations:

Add pumpkin puree and spices in the fall for a pumpkin spice twist.
In the summer, toss in fresh berries along with the chocolate chips for a fruity addition.
During the winter holidays, consider adding a bit of peppermint extract for a festive touch.
For a healthier option, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

When making Chocolate Chip Pancakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Let your batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. This helps create fluffier pancakes.
Make sure your buttermilk is at room temperature for the best results.
Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for varied flavors.
If your pancakes are browning too quickly, adjust the heat to ensure they cook evenly.

Make-Ahead & Storage

These Chocolate Chip Pancakes are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to make them ahead of time:

Prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a gentle stir before cooking.
Cooked pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze cooked pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the microwave or toaster.

Questions People Ask

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but for the best flavor and texture, you may want to add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to mimic buttermilk.

What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?

If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for each egg in the recipe.

How can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

To make Chocolate Chip Pancakes gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour.

Can I add extra ingredients like nuts or fruit?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or even flavored extracts to customize your pancakes to your taste.

See You at the Table

With these easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be able to create the fluffiest, most delicious Chocolate Chip Pancakes that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. So gather your ingredients, heat up that griddle, and let the pancake-making fun begin! Enjoy every bite of these delightful stacks, and don’t forget to share the love with those around you. Happy cooking!

Chocolate Chip Pancakes

These Chocolate Chip Pancakes are fluffy, rich, and studded with gooey chocolate chips! Perfect for a cozy breakfast.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Pancakes:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups buttermilk at room temperature
4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

For Serving:

Butter
Maple syrup (if desired)

Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Griddle or Non-Stick Skillet
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Method

Stepwise Method:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Place a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a little butter to grease the surface.
Using a measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown.
Remove the pancakes from the griddle and keep them warm in a low oven while you repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with butter and maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.