These chocolate chip pancakes are light, fluffy, and full of melty chocolate chips in every bite. Perfect for a breakfast treat, this recipe is simple to make and is bound to be a favorite with kids and adults alike!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons aluminum-free baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 ¼ cups milk

• 1 egg

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

• ⅓ cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Make the pancake batter:
   In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center and pour in the milk, egg, and melted butter. Mix until smooth. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.

2. Cook the pancakes:
   Heat a non-stick griddle or large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, grease the surface with butter or oil. Pour ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges begin to set and bubbles form. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute on the other side. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining batter.

3. Serve:
   Serve the pancakes warm, topped with your favorite syrup, whipped cream, or fruit.

Nutrients (per pancake)

• Calories: 258 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 34g

• Protein: 7g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 3g

• Trans Fat: 0.2g

• Cholesterol: 44mg

• Sodium: 404mg

• Potassium: 188mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 8g

• Vitamin A: 324 IU

• Calcium: 182mg

• Iron: 2mg

Why These Chocolate Chip Pancakes Are Special

These chocolate chip pancakes are a special treat because of the perfect balance between light and fluffy texture and the sweetness of melted chocolate chips. The batter is simple, yet when cooked to perfection, it turns into golden, airy pancakes that are the ideal canvas for those delicious melty chocolate chips.

Unlike many pancake recipes, these are made without any complicated steps or ingredients, making them accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The chocolate chips add an extra layer of indulgence, turning a classic breakfast dish into something more fun and decadent. With every bite, the combination of a soft, fluffy pancake and rich chocolate flavor creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.

The Key to Fluffy Pancakes

The secret to making perfectly fluffy pancakes lies in a few key ingredients and techniques. First, sifting the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar—ensures that everything is evenly distributed and the flour is light and airy. The baking powder helps the pancakes rise, giving them that soft, fluffy texture we all love.

When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until just combined. Overmixing can cause the pancakes to become dense, and we want them light and airy. The milk and melted butter add moisture and richness, creating a tender pancake that’s still able to rise and hold its shape.

Finally, folding in the chocolate chips gently ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overworking it. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during cooking, creating sweet pockets of chocolate goodness throughout each pancake.

Cooking Perfect Chocolate Chip Pancakes

When it comes to cooking the pancakes, using a non-stick griddle or large pan is essential. A medium-high heat ensures that the pancakes cook through while developing a golden-brown exterior. The pan should be preheated so that the first batch of pancakes sizzles immediately upon contact with the surface.

Grease the pan with butter or oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking. It also helps to give them that golden-brown color on the outside, making them look just as delicious as they taste. For each pancake, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan and cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges start to set. This is the signal to flip the pancake. Cook for another minute on the other side until the pancake is fully cooked through and golden brown.

Serving Your Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Once your pancakes are ready, the possibilities for serving are endless. The most classic option is to drizzle them with maple syrup, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate chips. For an extra indulgent treat, top the pancakes with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.

If you’re looking for something a little fresher, fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, or blueberries can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich pancakes. A handful of nuts or a spoonful of peanut butter can also add an interesting texture and flavor, making your pancake breakfast even more satisfying.

These pancakes are perfect for breakfast, but they also make a great dessert option. You can serve them as a fun treat for a special occasion, a birthday breakfast, or a family brunch.

Nutritional Benefits of Chocolate Chip Pancakes

While chocolate chip pancakes are an indulgent treat, they do provide some nutritional benefits. Each pancake contains 7 grams of protein, thanks to the eggs and milk, which helps keep you feeling full longer. Additionally, the pancakes are rich in calcium, with 182 mg per serving, which contributes to strong bones and teeth.

The 2 grams of fiber in each pancake come from the flour, adding a bit of digestive support to the dish. The chocolate chips, while adding sweetness, also provide small amounts of iron, an important mineral for overall health. While these pancakes are higher in fat due to the butter and chocolate chips, the overall serving is balanced with carbohydrates and protein, making them a filling and satisfying meal.

For those concerned about the sugar content, it’s worth noting that the recipe contains a moderate amount of sugar (8 grams per pancake). If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can opt for dark chocolate chips, which are lower in sugar and also contain beneficial antioxidants.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Pancakes

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned, overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. Stir just until the ingredients are combined—lumps in the batter are fine!

2. Use a Non-Stick Pan or Griddle: This helps to ensure your pancakes don’t stick and cook evenly. It also allows you to use less oil or butter for greasing.

3. Check the Heat: Make sure your pan or griddle is preheated and at the right temperature. If the pan is too hot, the pancakes will burn on the outside before cooking through. If it’s too cool, the pancakes will take too long to cook and may be soggy.

4. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, use room-temperature milk and eggs. This helps the ingredients mix more evenly and creates a smoother batter.

5. Add More Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top of each pancake after pouring the batter onto the pan. This gives you extra pockets of melted chocolate.

6. Experiment with Toppings: While syrup is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Try adding fresh berries, a drizzle of Nutella, or a dollop of yogurt for a more decadent breakfast.

Conclusion

Chocolate chip pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat that combines the soft fluffiness of pancakes with the sweet, melty goodness of chocolate. This simple recipe is a perfect way to start your day with a delicious breakfast that everyone will love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a fun weekend breakfast, these pancakes are sure to be a hit at the table. Serve them with your favorite toppings for an extra special treat, and enjoy every bite of this indulgent yet simple dish.