Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

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Hi Bold Bakers!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE: You’ll love this chocolate chip pancake recipe because it’s quick, effortless, and absolutely delicious! Whether for a weekend treat or a make-ahead breakfast, it’s sure to be a hit.

• Fluffy Texture: Light, soft, and perfectly thick pancakes every time.
• Effortless & Quick: Simple steps and ready in no time.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: A sweet breakfast the whole family will love.
• Limited Ingredients: Pantry staples make this easy to whip up.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Store leftovers for a stress-free morning.

After years of perfecting my pancake recipe, I can confidently say this is the ultimate buttermilk chocolate chip pancake! I’ve made it hundreds of times—whether for a catering event in San Francisco serving 80 people or just for my small family of three. It never gets old, and it’s always a delight when I get to enjoy them!

Bold Bakers Loved This!

“These pancakes are absolutely delicious. This is the first recipe I have come across that resulted in perfectly cooked pancakes. Usually, I cook them the same way and they end up burning on the outside and undercooked on the inside, but these turned out amazing. ” — Gayatri

“Perfect easy pancake recipe! Used your buttermilk recipe for this .” — Marina M.

“These chocolate chip pancakes are AMAZING! The texture is so fluffy, and the chocolate chips add the perfect touch. I love how simple the ingredients are, and they freeze so well for busy mornings. Definitely a family favorite!” — Emily

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 2/24/2025, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, what kind of chocolate to use, what toppings to serve with, and Pro Chef  Tips. 

Table of Contents

• What is the Best Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe?
• Tools You Need
• Ingredients and Substitutes
• How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
• Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips
• Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
• What Kind of Chocolate Chips to Use?
• What Toppings to Serve With?
• More Breakfast With Chocolate

What is the Best Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe?

This is hands down the best chocolate chip pancakes recipe! It delivers the perfect fluffy texture with rich chocolate chips in every bite, all while being effortless and delicious.

• Fluffy Perfection: Buttermilk creates light, airy pancakes every time.
• Rich Flavor: The chocolate chipsmelt beautifully, making each bite decadent.
• Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-follow with pantry staples.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Freezes well for quick, tasty mornings.
• Kid-Approved: A treat the whole family will love!

Tools You Need

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Glass measuring jug
• Whisk
• Frying pan or griddle

Ingredients and Substitutes

All-Purpose Flour

• Provides structure and a soft, tender texture.
• Substitute: Use an equal amount of whole wheat flour for more fiber and a nuttier flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend, or my Easy Almond Baking Mix for a gluten-free option.

Buttermilk

• Adds tangy flavor and reacts with baking soda to create fluffiness.
• Substitute: Make your own by combining 1 cup  (240ml) of milk with 2 tablespoons (30ml) of lemon juice or white vinegar then let it sit for 5 minutes before using. Or use yogurt or sour cream.

Eggs

• Bind the batter and contribute to the pancake’s rich texture.
• Substitute: Use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes) for a vegan option.

Baking Soda and Baking Powder

• Ensure pancakes rise, creating a light and airy texture.

Granulated Sugar

• Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tang of the buttermilk.
• Substitute: Check out my Sugar Substitute Chart and use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative like coconut sugar or stevia.

Butter

• Adds richness and flavor to the batter.
• Substitute: Use melted coconut oil, vegetable oil, or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Vanilla Extract

• Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Substitute: Use Homemade Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Paste.

Chocolate Chips

• Provide rich bursts of sweetness and a satisfying melt when cooked, to add flavor and texture, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout each fluffy pancake.
• Substitutes:
  • Chopped Chocolate: For a chunkier texture, use finely chopped bars of your favorite chocolate.
  • Chocolate Chunks: Larger pieces of chocolate create bigger, melt-in-your-mouth bites.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Great for more evenly distributed chocolate in every bite.
  • Cocoa Nibs: For a less sweet, more intense chocolate flavor.
  • Other Chips: Try peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or caramel chips for a different twist.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Make the batter

1. Prepare the butter: First, melt the butter and set it aside to cool.
2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt in a large bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a jug, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk and vanilla extract.

4. Combine: Pour the liquid to the dry mix and starting lightly mixing together. The secret to thick, fluffy pancakes is not to over mix. My trick is to stir it enough times to spell P.A.N.C.A.K.E.S, and then stop.
5. Lastly, stir in the chocolate chips and cooled butter. Lumps are ok, resist the urge to mix more.

Cook pancakes

6. Pre-heat the pan: Put a heavy-bottomed large skillet, frying pan or griddle on medium-low heat. Butter if you wish.
7. Spoon ⅓ cup of batter per pancake. Cook for roughly 3-4 minutes on one side. It is time to turn them over when you see bubbles forming on the top of the pancake and the edges turn color (forming bubbles on top is really important because they hold your pancake up and keep it thick, I call them pancake pillars.
8. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, or until brown.

Serve pancakes

9. Enjoy with butter and maple syrup! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cooked pancakes also freeze well for up to 4 weeks.

Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips

• Buttermilk is the key ingredient here! It will make your pancake so incredibly fluffy. If you do not have buttermilk, you can make your own here!
• Melt your butter ahead of time so it has time to cool before you add it into your mix.
• When mixing spell P.A.N.C.A.K.E and then STOP! Over mixing leads to a flat pancake.
• A non-stick pan is essential to get that beautiful even brown coloring.
• Make dollar pancakes to enjoy as a quick snack instead of a heavy breakfast!

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Make Ahead

• Cooked Pancakes: Cook the pancakes and let them cool completely. Stack them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Storage

Let cooked pancakes cool fully before stacking with parchment paper between each one.

• Fridge: Store leftover pancakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Place the stack in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Cooked pancakes also freeze well for up to 4 weeks.

Reheating

• Microwave: Heat pancakes for 20–30 seconds for one or two pancakes or longer for more.
• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven or toaster oven, wrapped in foil, for about 10 minutes.
• Toaster: For crispy edges, toast pancakes straight from the fridge or freezer until heated through.

What Kind of Chocolate Chips to Use?

I love to include bittersweet chocolate in my baking, which is less sugary taste with a deeper chocolate flavor, bittersweet chips are a great choice. Here’s more options:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: These are the most common and offer a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor. They melt beautifully and are ideal for pancakes.
• Milk Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, creamier taste, milk chocolate chips can make your pancakes extra indulgent.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: If you love rich, intense chocolate flavor, dark chocolate chips are the way to go.
• Mini Chocolate Chips: These allow for a more even distribution of chocolate throughout the pancake and melt nicely without overwhelming the texture.

What to Serve With?

These chocolate chip pancakes are delicious on their own, but here are some perfect toppings to make your breakfast even better:

• Whipped Cream: A fluffy topping that pairs perfectly with the richness of the pancakes.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a fresh, slightly tart contrast to the sweetness of the pancakes.
• Maple Syrup: The classic, sweet touch that elevates every bite.
• Peanut Butter: For a creamy, savory balance to the sweetness, try spreading peanut butter on top.
• Banana Slices: Bananas complement the chocolate chips and add a natural sweetness.
• Nuts: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for a crunchy texture that adds depth to the pancakes.
• Ice Cream: For a dessert-like twist, a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream takes these pancakes to the next level!
• Caramel Sauce: Its rich, buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with the chocolate chips, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

More Breakfast With Chocolate

• Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream For Breakfast
• Easy Chocolate Crepe Recipe
• Churro Waffles with Chocolate Sauce
• Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Homemade Chocolate Croissants

IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 2/24/2025, to include NEW step-by-step photography, explanations and substitutes of key ingredients, make-ahead and storage instructions, what kind of chocolate to use, what toppings to serve with, and Pro Chef  Tips. 

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