There’s something undeniably comforting about a tall stack of chocolate chip pancakes. Whether you’re waking up on a lazy weekend morning or treating yourself to a midweek indulgence, these pancakes are a timeless classic. They combine the fluffy goodness of traditional pancakes with the rich sweetness of chocolate chips, creating a dish that’s loved by both kids and adults alike.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Classic Flavor with a Chocolate Twist These pancakes taste like your favorite childhood breakfast — soft, warm, and dotted with melted chocolate chips.
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Easy and Foolproof With a simple batter and quick cook time, this recipe is perfect for beginners and busy mornings alike.
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Family-Friendly Chocolate chip pancakes are always a hit with kids and adults, making them ideal for weekend brunch or special occasions.
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Customizable and Versatile Use any chocolate chips you like and add fun toppings to make them your own.
Ingredients List
For the Pancake Batter
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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3 tablespoons granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 ¼ cups milk (whole or 2%)
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1 large egg
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite variety)
Optional Toppings
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Maple syrup
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Whipped cream
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Fresh berries
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Powdered sugar
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Sliced bananas
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Chocolate sauce
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4 (Makes about 8–10 pancakes)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 3: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few lumps are fine.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Reserve a few to sprinkle on top while cooking if you like a gooey top layer.
Step 5: Heat and Cook
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
Step 6: Flip and Finish
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Serve hot with butter and syrup or any of your favorite toppings.
Choosing the Right Chocolate Chips
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Semi-Sweet: A classic choice for balanced sweetness.
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Milk Chocolate: Sweeter and more indulgent.
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Dark Chocolate: Offers a rich, intense flavor.
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Mini Chips: Distribute more evenly in the batter.
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Chunks or Bar Pieces: Create pockets of gooey chocolate.
Flavor Variations to Try
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter and sprinkle chopped peanuts on top.
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Mash a ripe banana and mix it into the wet ingredients for extra sweetness and moisture.
Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for added fiber and a nutty flavor.
Buttermilk Version
Swap milk with buttermilk for a tangier, fluffier result.
Topping Ideas to Elevate Your Stack
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Maple syrup with a pat of butter
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Whipped cream and chocolate shavings
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Strawberries or raspberries
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Sliced bananas with cinnamon sugar
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A drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella
These toppings transform your chocolate chip pancakes into a restaurant-worthy breakfast or brunch treat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
How to Store Leftovers
Let pancakes cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat in a toaster, oven, or microwave until warm.
How to Freeze
Layer pancakes between parchment paper and freeze in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster for best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
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Breakfast in Bed: Serve with coffee and fruit on a tray.
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Brunch Party: Offer a pancake bar with toppings and sauces.
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Kid’s Birthday Breakfast: Add sprinkles to the batter for a fun twist.
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Holiday Morning: Pair with bacon or sausage and warm cider.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Pancakes
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Don’t overmix the batter — it can make pancakes tough.
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Use room-temperature ingredients for better blending.
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Wait for the bubbles before flipping.
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Keep pancakes warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
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Grease lightly — too much butter can burn the pancakes.
Making Them Healthier
Looking to lighten things up? Try these tips:
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Use almond or oat milk.
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Replace some of the flour with oat flour.
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Use dark chocolate chips for less sugar.
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Reduce sugar in the batter — chocolate chips provide plenty of sweetness.
How to Make Pancake Batter in Advance
Mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and store in a sealed container. When ready to cook, mix with wet ingredients and chocolate chips. You can also refrigerate the prepared batter for up to 24 hours.
Kid-Friendly Pancake Fun
Chocolate chip pancakes are a hit with kids! Try:
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Shaping pancakes into hearts, animals, or letters.
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Letting kids add their own toppings.
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Serving with mini chocolate milk or fruit smoothies.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes Around the World
While pancakes are popular worldwide, adding chocolate chips gives them an American flair. You can adapt this recipe to include global influences:
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French-style: Serve thinner with powdered sugar and Nutella.
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Mexican-style: Add a hint of cinnamon and vanilla.
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Italian-style: Top with mascarpone and berries.
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Japanese-style: Try thicker, souffle-style pancakes with chocolate swirls.
FAQs
Can I use pancake mix instead of making the batter from scratch?
Yes! Just follow the instructions on your pancake mix and stir in chocolate chips.
How do I make the pancakes fluffier?
Use fresh baking powder, don’t overmix the batter, and let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking.
What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm?
Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while finishing the batch.
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips.
Are chocolate chip pancakes dessert or breakfast?
They’re traditionally a breakfast item, but with the right toppings, they make a delicious dessert too.
Conclusion
Chocolate chip pancakes are the perfect combination of sweet indulgence and cozy comfort. Whether you’re treating your family to a weekend breakfast or adding a special touch to brunch, these pancakes are guaranteed to please. With countless variations, customizable toppings, and a recipe that’s simple and reliable, you’ll find yourself making them again and again. So grab your spatula, heat up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a stack of fluffy, chocolate-filled goodness.