The Ultimate Chocolate Chip Pancakes: A Fluffy, Melty Breakfast Dream

Craving fluffy chocolate chip pancakes? This easy recipe delivers crispy edges, melty chocolate, and pro tips for the perfect weekend breakfast!

Sunday Mornings & Pancake Magic

The scent of butter sizzling on a griddle. The splat of batter hitting hot metal. The gleeful squeal of my 6-year-old self spotting the first chocolate chip peeking through a golden-brown pancake.

Sunday mornings at my childhood home meant one thing: my dad’s legendary fluffy chocolate chip pancakes. He’d flip them with a spatula worn smooth from decades of use, always declaring, “The secret’s in the bubbles, kiddo.”

The code to golden, airy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes

Years later, after countless rubbery fails and chocolate-less tragedies, I finally cracked the code to golden, airy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes with pools of warm, silky chocolate—crispy edges included. Today, I’m sharing that recipe, along with everything I’ve learned about turning humble ingredients into breakfast magic.

The Building Blocks of Fluff: Ingredients

(Makes 8–10 medium pancakes)

1¾ cups all-purpose flour (swap 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed)
3 tablespoon sugar (for caramelized edges)
2 teaspoon baking powder (the “lift” hero)
½ teaspoon baking soda (for buttermilk tang)
½ teaspoon salt (flavor enhancer)
1¾ cups buttermilk (or 1½ cups milk + 2 tablespoon lemon juice)
1 large egg + 1 yolk (for extra richness!)
4 tablespoon melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond for depth)
¾ cup chocolate chips (mini for even distribution, chunks for gooey pockets)

Pro Tip: Let ingredients reach room temperature! Cold buttermilk = dense pancakes.

Essential Utensils & Equipment

To make these pancakes, you’ll need:

Large mixing bowl (for dry ingredients)
Medium mixing bowl (for wet ingredients)
Whisk (for combining ingredients smoothly)
Measuring cups & spoons (for precise measurements)
Spatula (for gentle mixing and flipping)
Ladle or measuring cup (for pouring batter evenly)
Cast iron skillet or non-stick griddle (for perfect browning)
Pastry brush (for spreading melted butter on the griddle)
Baking sheet & oven (to keep pancakes warm while cooking the rest)

How to Make the Fluffiest Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed, setting the foundation for a perfectly airy batter.

Step 2: Make the Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg + yolk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth, with tiny bubbles forming on the surface.

Step 3: Combine Wet & Dry (But Don’t Overmix!)

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold the batter until just combined—some lumps are totally fine! Overmixing leads to tough pancakes.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in ½ cup of the chocolate chips, saving the remaining ¼ cup for topping. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly.

Step 5: Preheat the Griddle

Heat a cast iron skillet or non-stick griddle over medium-low heat. To test if it's ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface—if they sizzle gently and evaporate, you're good to go.

Step 6: Cook the Pancakes

Lightly grease the skillet with melted butter.
Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake, leaving space between them.
Immediately sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.

Step 7: Watch for the Perfect Flip Timing

After 2–3 minutes, bubbles will rise and pop on the surface.
The edges should look slightly dry.
Carefully slide a spatula underneath and flip when the bottom is golden brown.

Step 8: Finish Cooking

Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the center is fully set. Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you finish the batch.

Pro Tip: Rest the batter for 10 minutes before cooking—this allows the gluten to relax and results in fluffier pancakes!

Pancake Playtime: Fun Variations

Brown Butter Bliss – Brown the butter first for a nutty, caramelized depth.
Berry Bonanza – Add blueberries or raspberries + a touch of lemon zest.
Vegan Vibes – Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate.
Cinnamon Roll Twist – Swirl in cinnamon sugar and drizzle with cream cheese glaze.

Beyond Maple Syrup: Serving Suggestions

Sweet: Whipped mascarpone, caramelized bananas, espresso powder dust.
Savory: Crispy bacon strips or fried chicken (yes, really!).
Beverages: Cold-brew coffee, spicy chai, or a brunch mimosa.

Why These Work: The Science of Fluff

Baking powder + baking soda = the ultimate lift combo.
Buttermilk’s acidity breaks down proteins, making pancakes tender.
Resting the batter allows flour to hydrate and gluten to relax.
Cooking on low-medium heat prevents burnt outsides/raw insides.

FAQs: Pancake Problems Solved

“Why are my pancakes dense?”
Overmixed batter or expired baking powder—both kill fluffiness!

“Can I freeze them?”
Yes! Layer with parchment paper, freeze in zip-top bags. Reheat in the toaster.

“No buttermilk? Help!”
Make your own: Mix 1½ cups milk + 2 tablespoon lemon juice. Let sit 5 mins.

Your Turn to Flip!

There’s something sacred about a stack of fluffy chocolate chip pancakes—crispy edges giving way to custardy centers, chocolate melting into every bite. It’s comfort. It’s joy. It’s the perfect weekend breakfast recipe, no matter the day.

Try this recipe, tweak it, make it yours. Then tell me: Do you hide chocolate chips inside and on top? (Spoiler: I do.) Drop a comment below, and tag me on Instagram [@yourhandle] if you make these!

Other PANCAKE recipes for your enjoyment

Pumpkin Pancake Birthday Cake > Layers of spiced pumpkin pancakes, silky crème pâtissière, and festive sprinkles create the ultimate comfort dessert.
Dutch Baby Pancake > Looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s both impressive and easy to make?
Coconut flour pancakes > Coconut flour is a healthy alternative to traditional wheat flour.