Some mornings just call for chocolate. Not a chocolate protein bar, not cocoa-flavored cereal — I mean actual, rich, warm chocolate pancakes sizzling on a hot skillet, the air thick with the smell of cocoa and vanilla, and melty chocolate chips oozing through every bite. If that’s not the definition of a cozy morning, I don’t know what is.
This recipe is pure comfort food. I’ve made these pancakes so many times I could do it in my sleep — and I probably have. They’re my go-to for slow weekends, breakfast-in-bed surprises, or anytime I need a little chocolate therapy without the guilt. And trust me, once you make these once, you’ll never go back to plain pancakes again.
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Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes for Cozy Mornings
These rich and fluffy chocolate pancakes are the ultimate cozy breakfast treat. Made with real cocoa powder and melty chocolate chips, they’re soft, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for slow mornings, weekend brunch, or anytime you crave dessert for breakfast.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 pancakes (about 4 servings) 1x
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (natural, not Dutch-processed)
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1 large egg
2 tbsp melted butter (or oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (plus more for topping, optional)
Instructions
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are okay.
Fold in the mini chocolate chips. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while you preheat your pan.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
Pour about ¼ cup of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until bubbles form on top and edges look set, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.
Serve warm with extra chocolate chips, a pat of butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Notes
No buttermilk? You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Don’t skip the resting time. It helps the flour hydrate and makes the pancakes fluffier.
Storage: Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in a toaster or skillet for best texture.
Freezer-friendly: Flash freeze and store in a zip bag up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 pancakes
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Why You’ll Love These Rich and Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes
These aren’t just “chocolate chip pancakes.” These are double chocolate pancakes that strike the perfect balance between fluffy and fudgy. They’re loaded with real cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor and studded with melty chocolate chips that create pockets of sweetness in every bite.
What makes them stand out?
- Super fluffy texture thanks to buttermilk (or Greek yogurt)
- Deep cocoa flavor that feels indulgent but not overly sweet
- Easy to whip up with pantry staples
- Customizable with endless toppings — whipped cream, berries, syrup, you name it
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or just because
In short? They’re the kind of breakfast chocolate pancakes that feel like dessert but eat like a cozy hug.
The Secret to the Best Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes
It all comes down to quality cocoa and a gentle hand. Use unsweetened natural cocoa powder — not the Dutch-processed kind — for a bold flavor that plays nicely with the baking soda. Add in mini chocolate chips instead of large ones so they melt faster and more evenly into the batter.
But here’s the real trick: don’t overmix your batter. Stir until just combined and let it rest for 10 minutes before cooking. That rest time helps the flour fully hydrate, giving you extra soft, fluffy pancakes that puff up beautifully on the skillet.
Also — cook on medium-low heat. Chocolate burns faster than regular batter, so low and slow is key to golden edges and tender insides.
Pro Tips to Nail the Perfect Chocolate Pancake Stack
- Buttermilk > Milk – It adds tang and makes your pancakes rise higher and stay moist. No buttermilk? Add 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit 5 minutes.
- Sift the cocoa powder – Cocoa can clump. Sifting ensures a smooth, even batter.
- Add espresso powder – Just a pinch deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
- Preheat your skillet right – A drop of water should dance across the surface. Too hot? Your pancakes will scorch. Too cold? They’ll spread and go flat.
- Top strategically – Want toppings like bananas or chips to show? Add them after you pour the batter into the pan.
Fun Variations of Chocolate Pancakes to Try
Triple Chocolate Pancakes
Add white chocolate chips and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for the ultimate indulgence.Chocolate Banana Pancakes
Fold mashed ripe banana into the batter for a sweet, moist twist that pairs beautifully with cocoa.Chocolate Coconut Pancakes
Swap regular milk for coconut milk and top with shredded coconut for a tropical dessert-for-breakfast vibe.Peppermint Mocha Pancakes (Winter Favorite)
Add a drop of peppermint extract and espresso powder for a seasonal, cozy spin.
Each of these builds on the rich chocolate base — just enough change to keep things exciting, without messing with that perfect texture.
If you’re into all things pancakes like I am, you’ll love our Best Sourdough Pancakes — soft, tangy, and made from scratch with that classic homemade vibe.
Final Thoughts
These rich and fluffy chocolate pancakes aren’t just pancakes — they’re an experience. A quiet morning with warm plates, chocolate melting into soft stacks, steam rising from your coffee, and no one rushing you to start the day.
They remind you that breakfast doesn’t have to be rushed or boring. It can be delicious, beautiful, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re serving them to impress someone or just treating yourself, this is the kind of recipe that makes mornings worth waking up for.
So next time you crave a cozy start to your day, skip the cereal — and make these chocolate pancakes instead.
Also — I found this Lemon Blueberry Greek Yogurt Pancakes pin that inspired me to play around with fruity combos. Worth checking out if you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing.
