There are pancakes, and then there are fluffy chocolate chip pancakes — the kind that turn an ordinary morning into something unforgettable. Imagine a tall stack, golden brown on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth soft inside, with rich chocolate chips scattered through every bite. Add a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and suddenly your kitchen feels like a little diner serving up pure happiness.
I’ve always believed breakfast sets the tone for the day. When I make chocolate chip pancakes on a quiet weekend morning, I know it’s going to be a good one. They’re cozy, nostalgic, and filled with the kind of comfort that reminds you of childhood breakfasts but with a little upgrade. This recipe for fluffy chocolate chip pancakes is easy enough for a weekday but special enough to serve for birthdays, brunches, or even lazy Sunday mornings.
Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes for the Perfect Morning
Fluffy chocolate chip pancakes that are golden on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with melty chocolate chips in every bite. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these pancakes are quick, easy, and guaranteed to make mornings special.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 teaspoon lemon juice)
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
Butter or oil for cooking
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should look slightly lumpy.
Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top of each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve warm with syrup, butter, or extra chocolate chips.
Notes
For extra fluffy pancakes, let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Mix mini and regular chocolate chips for melty ribbons plus bold chocolate pockets.
Keep pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop / Griddle
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~2 pancakes
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Why You’ll Love These Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Super light and fluffy thanks to just the right mix of leavening and tender batter.
Chocolate in every bite — melty, rich, and satisfying.
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing — nobody can resist them, from kids to adults.
Customizable — whether you want them extra sweet, healthier, or dressed up with toppings, chocolate chip pancakes never disappoint.
If you’re looking for the best breakfast to bring comfort and joy to the table, this is it.
The Secret to Perfectly Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
The key to pancakes that rise high and stay soft is all about the batter. You don’t want to overmix — just whisk until combined so the gluten doesn’t get tough. And here’s my biggest tip: let the batter rest for about 5 minutes before cooking. That little pause gives the baking powder and baking soda time to activate, which translates into pancakes that puff beautifully on the griddle.
As for the chocolate chips, sprinkle them on the pancake right after you pour the batter into the pan. This keeps them evenly spread and ensures they melt into warm, gooey pockets instead of sinking to the bottom. It’s such a simple trick, but it changes everything.
Pro Tips to Nail Your Chocolate Chip Pancakes Every Time
Use buttermilk if you can. It adds tang, balances the sweetness, and gives pancakes that signature diner-style fluff.
Cook low and slow. A medium-low heat prevents the outside from burning while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give each pancake room to spread so they cook evenly.
Mix up your chips. A combo of mini and regular chocolate chips gives you melty ribbons and bold chunks in every bite.
Keep them warm without drying out. Place finished pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
For more inspiration on healthy pancake twists, check out this Coconut Flour Pancakes – Fluffy, Healthy & Simple to Make recipe.
Fun Variations for Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Add thinly sliced banana to the batter for a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Double Chocolate Pancakes – Stir a spoonful of cocoa powder into the dry ingredients, then fold in chips for rich, brownie-like pancakes.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes – Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter to the batter or drizzle on top for a classic flavor combo.
Holiday Twist – Try peppermint chips in December or caramel chips in fall for a seasonal touch.
If you love experimenting with different flavors, don’t miss my Four-Flavor Sheet Pan Pancakes where you can bake a variety all in one pan.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to start the day than with a stack of fluffy chocolate chip pancakes. They’re easy, comforting, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile. Whether you serve them on a cozy weekend morning, whip them up for a special occasion, or simply want to treat yourself, these pancakes are more than just breakfast — they’re a tradition worth repeating.
So heat up your griddle, grab a handful of chocolate chips, and make your morning perfect with the most irresistible pancakes ever.
