Fluffy, golden, and studded with melty chocolate chips, these pancakes turn any ordinary morning into something a little extra special. Each bite has that perfect mix of tender crumb and rich chocolate, with just enough sweetness to feel indulgent without being over the top.


Whether you’re fueling a busy weekday or slowing down for a cozy weekend brunch, this stack comes together quickly with pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand. A drizzle of warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips on top, and you’ve got a breakfast everyone will race to the table for.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning
This recipe gives you pancakes that are light and fluffy on the inside while still getting a beautiful, lightly crisped edge on the outside. The batter is simple to whisk together and forgiving, so it’s perfect for sleepy mornings when you don’t want to fuss with anything complicated.
You can easily customize the sweetness and richness by changing up the chocolate, swapping in different milks, or adding fun mix-ins like bananas or berries. Plus, the leftovers reheat surprisingly well, making these pancakes just as handy for meal prep as they are for a relaxed weekend treat.
What Kind of Chocolate Chips Should I Use?
Mini semisweet chocolate chips are ideal because they spread more evenly throughout the batter, giving you a little chocolate in every bite without weighing the pancakes down. Regular-sized chips also work, but you’ll get more distinct pockets of chocolate instead of an even sprinkle.
If you prefer a sweeter pancake, choose milk chocolate chips. For a richer, less-sweet flavor, go with dark chocolate. You can even mix a few types together or use chopped chocolate bars for a more rustic look with little ribbons of melted chocolate running through each pancake.
Ingredients

These chocolate chip pancakes use simple, reliable ingredients that keep the batter light, flavorful, and perfectly tender.
- All-purpose flour – Provides structure and a soft, fluffy base for the pancakes.
- Baking powder – Helps the pancakes rise tall and airy as they cook.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the edges brown.
- Fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Milk – Loosens the batter to a pourable consistency and keeps it moist.
- Large egg – Binds the batter and adds richness and structure.
- Unsalted butter, melted – Adds buttery flavor and a tender, soft texture.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor with a warm, bakery-style aroma.
- Mini semisweet chocolate chips – The star mix-in for melty, chocolatey pockets.
- Butter or neutral oil for the pan – Prevents sticking and helps the pancakes brown evenly.
- Maple syrup and extra chocolate chips – Optional toppings for serving and extra indulgence.
How To Make the Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning
You’ll whisk together a simple batter, fold in plenty of chocolate chips, then cook the pancakes on a gently heated skillet until puffed and golden. No special equipment needed—just a bowl, a whisk, and your favorite pan.
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until everything is thoroughly combined. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening so every pancake rises the same.
Step 2: Whisk the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the egg.
Step 3: Bring the batter together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently whisk or stir with a spatula until just combined. A few small lumps are absolutely fine—overmixing will make the pancakes tough.
Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips
Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips over the batter and fold them in with a spatula so they are evenly distributed. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes while you preheat your pan; this helps the gluten relax and the baking powder start to activate for fluffier pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the pancakes
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Scoop the batter onto the hot surface, leaving space between each pancake so they have room to spread. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
Step 6: Serve warm and enjoy
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm while you finish the rest of the batter. Stack them high, top with a pat of butter, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and a handful of extra chocolate chips, then serve immediately.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning
These pancakes are best served warm right off the griddle while the chocolate is still soft and melty. Pile them onto plates and add classic toppings like butter and maple syrup, or dress them up with sliced bananas, strawberries, or whipped cream for an extra-special morning.
This recipe makes about 8 medium pancakes, which comfortably feeds 4 people for breakfast (or 2 very hungry chocolate lovers if you’re really leaning into the treat-yourself mood).
How to Store Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning
Allow leftover pancakes to cool completely on a wire rack so they don’t trap steam and turn soggy. Once cool, layer them between pieces of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2–3 months. Reheat chilled or frozen pancakes in the toaster, a 300°F (150°C) oven, or an air fryer until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the toaster or oven will keep the edges closer to that freshly cooked texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
You can mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply combine and fold in the chocolate chips right before cooking. If you mix the full batter and store it overnight, the baking powder will start to lose its power and your pancakes may not rise as well.
How do I keep pancakes warm while I cook the rest?
Heat your oven to a low 200°F (95°C) and place a wire rack over a baking sheet. As you finish each batch, transfer the pancakes to the rack in a single layer and keep them in the oven until you’re ready to serve. This keeps them warm without making them soggy.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid and can make the pancakes denser. For the best texture, replace only half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and be prepared to add a splash more milk if the batter seems too thick.
What if my batter feels too thick or too thin?
The batter should be thick but pourable, flowing slowly off a spoon. If it’s too thick and doesn’t spread at all, stir in a tablespoon of milk at a time until it loosens slightly. If it’s too thin and runs all over the pan, mix in a spoonful or two of flour.
How do I know when it’s time to flip the pancakes?
Watch for small bubbles forming across the surface of the pancake and for the edges to look slightly set and matte rather than shiny. Gently lift the edge with a spatula; if the bottom is a deep golden color, flip and cook the other side until puffed and cooked through.
Want More Breakfast Ideas?
If this Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning recipe makes your mornings happier, you’ll love adding these other breakfast favorites to your rotation:
- Sausage Pancake Bites for a sweet-and-savory grab-and-go breakfast.
- Cornbread Waffle when you’re craving something slightly crisp with a cozy corn flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats for a make-ahead option that tastes like apple pie for breakfast.
- Freezer Breakfast Burritos to keep in the freezer for those ultra-busy mornings.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning recipe to your Pinterest breakfast board so you can come back to it anytime you need an easy, chocolatey start to the day.
When you make them, feel free to play with different types of chocolate chips, add a swirl of peanut butter, or toss in some fresh berries. I’d love to hear how you customize your stack—share your twists, questions, and favorite toppings so we can all enjoy better breakfasts together.
For even more sweet breakfast ideas and easy recipe inspiration, follow Life With Livia on Pinterest and discover new treats to brighten your mornings.
Print
Chocolate Chip Pancakes Morning
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These fluffy chocolate chip pancakes are a quick breakfast dream—soft, golden, and packed with melty chocolate chips for a cozy start to the day. They’re an easy recipe to add to your breakfast ideas list, perfect for slow weekend brunch, busy school mornings, or anytime you’re craving comforting food ideas that feel a little bit like dessert but still work as a family-friendly breakfast.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
Butter or neutral oil, for greasing the pan
Maple syrup, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt until well combined and no streaks of leavening remain.
2. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently whisk or stir with a spatula just until the flour is incorporated. Stop mixing when you no longer see dry patches—some small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
4. Fold the mini semisweet chocolate chips into the batter with a spatula until they are evenly distributed. Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes while you preheat your skillet or griddle.
5. Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium to medium-low heat and lightly grease it with butter or neutral oil. Once hot, ladle or pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake onto the surface, leaving space between each one.
6. Cook until small bubbles form across the surface and the edges look set and slightly matte, 2–3 minutes. Carefully flip each pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the centers are cooked through.
7. Transfer cooked pancakes to a plate or a warm oven while you repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed to prevent sticking.
8. Serve the pancakes stacked high with extra chocolate chips sprinkled on top and a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup. Enjoy immediately while they’re hot and fluffy.
Notes
For the fluffiest pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter—stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened, leaving a few small lumps, or the pancakes can turn dense and tough instead of light and airy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 49
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: chocolate chip pancakes, quick breakfast, breakfast ideas, easy recipe, food ideas, weekend brunch, morning pancakes

