Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?

Flat pancakes usually mean your baking powder might be expired or you overmixed the batter. Check that your baking powder is fresh (test by putting a little in water—it should bubble vigorously), and remember to mix just until ingredients are combined, leaving some small lumps in the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While it's best to make pancake batter fresh, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The pancakes might not be quite as fluffy, but they'll still be delicious. Give the batter a gentle stir before using, as it will thicken in the refrigerator.

What if I don't have whole milk?

Any milk works in this recipe, though the richness will vary. For the closest substitute, use 2% milk with a splash of cream. Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk also work, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Are these too sweet for breakfast?

Despite the chocolate chips, these pancakes aren't overly sweet—there's just 1 tablespoon of sugar in the batter. The chocolate provides pockets of sweetness rather than making the entire pancake sugary. Balance them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast.

Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

Name: Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 14 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 3 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 ½ cups whole milk; 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup chocolate chips

These decadent Chocolate Chip Pancakes transform an ordinary breakfast into something truly special. Fluffy, tender pancakes studded with melty chocolate chips create the perfect balance of comforting breakfast classic and indulgent treat. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re quick enough for weekday mornings yet special enough for weekend brunches or birthdays!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone from kids to adults goes crazy for these pancakes. They’re the perfect balance of classic breakfast comfort with a touch of indulgence.
Quick and Simple: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have these on the table in about 15 minutes flat—perfect for busy mornings when you still want something special.
Versatile: These pancakes work for everything from everyday breakfasts to special celebrations. They’re also easily customizable with different mix-ins and toppings.
Reliably Perfect: This recipe produces consistently fluffy, tender pancakes with crisp edges and melty chocolate in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our pancakes, providing structure without making them heavy.
Baking powder: The secret to those gloriously fluffy, mile-high pancakes. The recipe calls for quite a bit because it’s what creates those perfect bubbles.
Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Granulated sugar: Adds just a hint of sweetness to the batter, allowing the chocolate to be the star.
Egg: Provides structure and richness, helping to bind everything together for tender pancakes.
Whole milk: Creates a rich, flavorful batter. The fat content helps make pancakes that are both fluffy and tender.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter in the batter gives these pancakes incredible flavor and prevents them from being dry.
Chocolate chips: The star of the show! They create pockets of melty chocolate goodness throughout each pancake.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Mix-in Magic

Berry Bonanza: Add blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries alongside the chocolate chips for a fruity twist.
Banana Split Pancakes: Slice a ripe banana into the batter along with the chocolate chips for a delicious combination.
Nutty Chocolate: Stir in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Chocolate Options

Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chunks for a less sweet, more complex flavor.
White Chocolate: Swap in white chocolate chips for a different kind of sweetness.
Double Chocolate: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for chocolate pancakes with chocolate chips!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. This aerates the mixture and removes any lumps, setting you up for fluffy pancakes.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the egg, milk, and melted butter, then stir until just combined. The key here is not to overmix—those small lumps are actually good! They’ll disappear during cooking, and overmixing leads to tough pancakes.

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures you get chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a tablespoon of butter or oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center. Let it spread naturally into a perfect circle.

Step 5: Flip When Ready

Watch for bubbles to form on the surface and the edges to look set and slightly dry—this takes about 2-3 minutes. Flip with confidence and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Stack them high, add your favorite toppings, and serve while they’re hot and the chocolate is still melty!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room temperature ingredients: Take your egg and milk out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before making the batter for the fluffiest results.
Don’t overmix: A few lumps in your batter are perfect! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough, rubbery pancakes.
Test your first pancake: The first pancake is your test run. Adjust the heat if needed—you want it hot enough to cook through but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.
Customize the chocolate: Mini chips distribute more evenly, while regular chips create pockets of melty chocolate. Choose based on your preference!
Rest the batter: If you have an extra 5 minutes, let the batter rest before cooking. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in even fluffier pancakes.

How to Serve

Sweet Toppings

These pancakes are delicious with classic maple syrup, but don’t stop there! Try a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Fruity Additions

Fresh berries, sliced bananas, or caramelized apples make wonderful companions to chocolate chip pancakes, adding freshness that balances the richness.

Breakfast Spread

For a complete breakfast, serve these pancakes alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage. The sweet-savory combination is unbeatable! A side of fresh fruit adds color and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool pancakes completely, then store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze beautifully! Place cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated pancakes, pop them in the toaster for a quick reheat. For frozen pancakes, either microwave them for 20-30 seconds or reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Tip: If you’re planning to freeze these, consider undercooking them slightly—about 30 seconds less per side—so they don’t dry out when reheated.

FAQs

Why are my pancakes flat instead of fluffy?

Flat pancakes usually mean your baking powder might be expired or you overmixed the batter. Check that your baking powder is fresh (test by putting a little in water—it should bubble vigorously), and remember to mix just until ingredients are combined, leaving some small lumps in the batter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While it’s best to make pancake batter fresh, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. The pancakes might not be quite as fluffy, but they’ll still be delicious. Give the batter a gentle stir before using, as it will thicken in the refrigerator.
What if I don’t have whole milk?

Any milk works in this recipe, though the richness will vary. For the closest substitute, use 2% milk with a splash of cream. Plant-based milks like almond or oat milk also work, though the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Are these too sweet for breakfast?

Despite the chocolate chips, these pancakes aren’t overly sweet—there’s just 1 tablespoon of sugar in the batter. The chocolate provides pockets of sweetness rather than making the entire pancake sugary. Balance them with fresh fruit or yogurt for a well-rounded breakfast.

Final Thoughts

These Chocolate Chip Pancakes strike the perfect balance between everyday breakfast and special treat. They’re incredibly simple to make but deliver big on flavor and comfort. Whether you’re serving them to excited kids on a weekend morning or treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. Give this recipe a try—I promise it’ll become a regular in your breakfast rotation!