I’m excited to share this Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe that I absolutely love making on lazy weekend mornings. These pancakes turn out thick, soft, and loaded with melty chocolate chips—a surefire way to make your whole family go crazy over breakfast. If you’ve struggled with pancakes that are too flat or dry, you’re going to want to stick around because this recipe has some neat tricks that really help make the fluffiest stack possible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Fluffy Texture: The secret folding in of whipped egg whites creates the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever make.
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have these ready in about 10 minutes, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Pantry Staple Ingredients: You probably have everything on hand—no special trips required.
- Chocolate Chip Goodness: That melty chocolate in each bite makes these pancakes utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients here are simple but work beautifully together to give you tender, airy pancakes with just the right amount of sweetness. Just a few pantry basics and fresh eggs are all you need to whip up this treat.

- All-purpose flour: This is your pancake’s foundation—make sure it’s fresh for fluffiest results.
- Sugar: Just a tablespoon adds the perfect hint of sweetness without overpowering.
- Baking powder: The key leavening agent that helps the pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all those delicious flavors.
- Milk: I prefer whole milk for extra richness, but any will do.
- Oil: Adds moisture and helps keep pancakes tender; vegetable or canola oil works best.
- Eggs (separated): The yolk gives flavor and richness, while the whipped whites bring in lightness.
- Chocolate chips: Feel free to use mini or regular size—both are wonderful.
Variations
This Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe is super adaptable, so I always encourage you to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some variations I’ve tried that turned out great.
- Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana into the wet ingredients for a naturally sweet twist that my family loves.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—just be sure to adjust liquid if batter feels too thick.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based milk, replace the egg with a flax egg, and use coconut oil; the texture is a little different but still delicious.
- Add Nuts or Berries: Toss in chopped walnuts or fresh blueberries alongside the chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This ensures everything is evenly distributed so your pancakes rise nicely. I like to sift the baking powder with the flour to avoid any clumps—makes a difference!
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Except Egg Whites
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, oil, and yolk of the egg. You can whisk them together until smooth. This mixture adds richness and moisture to your batter and really helps the pancakes come out tender.
Step 3: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture and stir gently. Don’t overmix—some lumps are totally okay and will keep your pancakes light by not developing too much gluten.
Step 4: Whip Egg Whites Until Stiff Peaks Form
This is the game-changer I discovered after some trial and error: beat the egg white in a clean bowl until stiff peaks form—meaning when you lift your beaters, the whites hold their shape without collapsing. Then carefully fold these into your batter with a spatula. This makes your pancakes amazing and fluffy!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly without knocking out too much air from the batter. Trust me, this part is so satisfying—the pockets of melted chocolate are the best!
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Heat your non-stick pan with a light coating of oil over medium heat. When the pan is hot, scoop large spoonfuls of batter onto it and immediately cover with a lid. Cooking covered traps steam, helping the pancakes rise and stay moist. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove the lid, flip your pancakes, and cook for another 2 minutes. Repeat until all batter is used.
Pro Tips for Making Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: It’s tempting to make a perfectly smooth batter, but lumps keep the gluten from developing too much, which keeps pancakes tender.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Old baking powder loses potency, so fresh ensures good rise and fluffiness.
- Whip Egg Whites Properly: Use a clean, dry bowl and beat to stiff peaks to add incredible airiness to your pancakes.
- Cook Covered: Covering the pan traps steam and helps pancakes cook evenly and puff up beautifully.
How to Serve Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes
I usually top my stacks with a pat of butter that melts perfectly over warm pancakes. Then I drizzle warm maple syrup and sometimes sprinkle extra chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries like strawberries or sliced bananas add a fresh pop and balance the sweetness nicely.
Side Dishes
Some crispy bacon or breakfast sausage pairs wonderfully with these pancakes. If you want something lighter, a simple glass of fresh orange juice or a side of yogurt with honey complements the flavors really well.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I love stacking the pancakes high and decorating with white chocolate shavings and edible flowers for a whimsical touch. Or try layering with whipped cream and fresh fruit between pancakes for a beautiful “pancake cake” that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that rarely happens in my house!), place cooled pancakes in an airtight container. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without drying out if sealed properly.
Freezing
I often freeze extra pancakes individually layered between parchment paper inside a freezer-safe bag. This way you can pull out just what you need anytime. They freeze beautifully and save so much time on busy mornings.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven for a couple of minutes to keep edges crisp. If using a microwave, cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Either way, they heat up quickly and still taste great.
FAQs
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Can I make these pancakes without separating the eggs?
While you can mix the whole egg in, separating the egg whites and whipping them before folding into the batter is what makes these pancakes especially fluffy and light. So if you want that extra fluff, it’s worth the little extra step.
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What’s the best type of chocolate chips to use?
I like using good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips because they balance nicely with the sweet pancake. Mini chips distribute more evenly, but regular size melts into gooey pockets that are delicious too.
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Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?
Absolutely! Buttermilk will add a slight tang and react well with the baking powder to give even more rise. Just keep an eye on the batter thickness and adjust if needed.
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How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
You’ll see bubbles form and start popping around the edges, and the sides will look set but not dry. That’s your cue to carefully lift and flip. Cooking covered helps the top set so flipping is easier.
Final Thoughts
This Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe has been such a game changer in my kitchen. It’s easy to whip up, uses simple ingredients, and reliably produces fluffy, irresistible pancakes every time. I love how the whipped egg whites create that light texture that feels like a little breakfast hug in every bite. I hope you’ll try making these pancakes soon—you really can’t go wrong with a warm stack topped with melted butter and syrup. Trust me, your mornings are about to get a whole lot tastier!
Print
Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 pancakes, serves 8
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Chip Pancakes are thick, fluffy, and packed with melty chocolate chips. Made with simple pantry staples, they come together quickly and cook up golden brown in a non-stick pan. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch treat, they feature a light batter aerated with whipped egg whites for extra fluffiness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 large egg, separated
Other
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- Oil for greasing the pan
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasonings.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and egg yolk until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the pancakes.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form, which will help create light and fluffy pancakes.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Slowly fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a gentle folding motion to keep the mixture airy and light.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the batter.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Once hot, spoon large dollops of batter onto the pan and immediately cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbles form and the underside is golden.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Remove the lid carefully, flip the pancakes using a spatula, and cook for an additional 2 minutes uncovered until the second side is golden and the pancakes are cooked through.
- Repeat and Serve: Repeat cooking steps with the remaining batter. Serve hot with your favorite toppings or syrup.
Notes
- These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- If you prefer crispier edges, cook uncovered for a little longer on each side.
- Use a non-stick pan or lightly greased skillet to prevent sticking without adding excessive oil.
- Whipping the egg whites separately is key to achieving light, fluffy pancakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pancake
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 206 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg


