Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Fluffy, golden American-style pancakes studded with melting chocolate chips in every bite. Crisp edges, soft centers, and that irresistible chocolate-vanilla combo — ready in under 30 minutes for a cozy weekend breakfast.
For 4 servings
- mix · ~1 min
Mix the dry ingredients.
1.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.2.Make a well in the center and set aside. - mix · ~1 min
Whisk the wet ingredients.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk the egg until lightly beaten.2.Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended. - mix · ~1 min
Combine wet and dry ingredients.
1.Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.2.Stir gently with a spatula until just combined — a few small lumps are fine.3.Fold in the chocolate chips with a few gentle strokes. Do not overmix.TIPLumps are your friend — overmixing makes pancakes tough and flat. - rest · ~5 min
Rest the batter.
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This relaxes the gluten and lets the leavening agents start working, giving you taller, fluffier pancakes.
- fry · ~2 min
Preheat and grease the griddle.
1.Heat a non-stick griddle or skillet over medium heat.2.Lightly grease with a small pat of butter, spreading it evenly with a paper towel.3.The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates within 2 seconds.TIPMedium heat is crucial — too hot burns the chocolate, too cool makes pale, greasy pancakes. - fry · ~15 min
Cook the pancakes.
1.Ladle about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the hot griddle, spacing them apart.2.Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set (2 to 3 minutes).3.Flip gently and cook the other side until golden brown (1 to 2 minutes more).4.Repeat with remaining batter, wiping the pan and re-greasing with butter between batches.TIPWait for bubbles to pop and leave small craters before flipping — that's how you know the first side is done. - serve
Serve warm.
Stack pancakes on plates and serve immediately while the chocolate chips are still melty. Add a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
TIPKeep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack while finishing the remaining batches.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rest the batter for exactly 5 minutes to let baking powder and baking soda activate for maximum fluffiness.
- 2Use a light hand when folding in chocolate chips to avoid streaky batter and dense pancakes.
- 3Test griddle temperature with a drop of water — it should sizzle and evaporate in 2 seconds for perfect browning.
- 4Flip pancakes only when bubbles pop and leave small craters on the surface to ensure the first side is fully set.
- 5Keep finished pancakes warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack so they stay crisp, not soggy, while cooking batches.
- 6Wipe the pan clean and re-grease with butter between batches to prevent burnt chocolate residue from sticking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Double-chocolate
Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate base that complements the chips — ideal for serious chocolate lovers.
banana chocolate chipBanana-chocolate-chip
Mash 1 ripe banana into the wet ingredients and reduce milk to 1 cup. Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a fruity twist that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
high proteinHigh-protein
Substitute 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with vanilla or unflavored protein powder and increase milk to 1 1/3 cups. Boosts protein content for a more satiating breakfast.
veganVegan
Replace egg with 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Use dairy-free chocolate chips for a fully vegan stack.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Moderate Portion of Carbs
Flour and sugar provide quick energy, making these pancakes a good pre-activity breakfast when balanced with protein or fruit.
Source of Calcium from Milk
The milk in the batter contributes calcium, which supports bone health and muscle function.
Antioxidants from Dark Chocolate
Semi-sweet chocolate chips contain flavonoid antioxidants, which may support heart health when consumed in moderation.
Small Amount of Protein from Egg
The egg adds high-quality protein that helps with satiety and muscle repair, especially important for a breakfast dish.
Frequently asked questions
Flat pancakes usually result from overmixing the batter, which develops too much gluten. Stir until just combined — lumps are fine — and don't skip the 5-minute rest.
