There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a stack of warm, fluffy chocolate pancakes. Whether you’re treating yourself on a slow weekend morning, making a special breakfast for loved ones, or indulging in a chocolatey pick-me-up, these pancakes are pure comfort in every bite. Rich, soft, and slightly fudgy, they’re the perfect balance of cocoa goodness and fluffy texture.

These chocolate pancakes bring back memories of cozy mornings when the kitchen smells of melted chocolate and warm syrup. They’re ideal for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to turn an ordinary breakfast into something special. Plus, they’re simple to make and require just a few pantry staples. Serve them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup for an irresistible morning treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – With just a few simple steps, you can have a stack of pancakes ready in no time.
• Rich chocolate flavor – The combination of cocoa powder and sugar gives these pancakes a deep, chocolatey taste.
• Soft and fluffy – The texture is light and airy while still being decadent.
• Customizable toppings – Whether you prefer syrup, fruit, or extra chocolate chips, these pancakes are the perfect base for a variety of flavors.
• Perfect for special occasions – A great way to make any breakfast feel extra special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup (60g) chocolate chips (optional)

How to Make Chocolate Pancakes

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients will ensure your pancakes have the right balance of fluffiness and chocolate flavor.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes instead of the light and airy texture we want.

If you’re using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this stage. They’ll melt slightly when cooked, creating little pockets of chocolatey goodness in every bite.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. To test if the pan is ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface—if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, you’re good to go!

Step 3: Cook the Pancakes

Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles begin to form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Then, carefully flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the pancake is cooked through.

Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter or cooking spray as needed. Keep cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a plate covered with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Stack your pancakes high and serve them warm with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup, fresh berries, banana slices, or a dusting of powdered sugar all pair beautifully with the rich chocolate flavor. For an extra treat, add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Helpful Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients – Cold ingredients can prevent the batter from mixing smoothly. Let your milk and egg come to room temperature before starting.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the pancakes fluffy.
• Keep the heat at medium – Cooking at too high a temperature can cause the outside to burn before the inside is fully cooked.
• Grease the pan lightly – Too much butter or oil can make the pancakes greasy instead of golden brown.
• Add chocolate chips for extra indulgence – If you love an extra burst of chocolate, stir in some chocolate chips or sprinkle them onto each pancake before flipping.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 pancakes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer a deeper chocolate flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer taste.
• For dairy-free pancakes, swap the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
• Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)

• Calories: 140
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the batter a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before cooking.

Can I freeze chocolate pancakes?

Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake. Store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.

What can I serve with chocolate pancakes?

These pancakes go well with fresh berries, banana slices, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add a scoop of vanilla yogurt for a balanced breakfast.

How can I make these pancakes healthier?

You can swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or use a sugar substitute. You can also add mashed banana or applesauce for natural sweetness.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place pancakes in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between them. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 30 seconds or in a toaster until heated through.

If you loved these chocolate pancakes, you might also enjoy:

• Easy Homemade Pancakes
• Cinnamon Brown Sugar Pancakes
• 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
• Fluffy Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

Conclusion

There’s something magical about chocolate pancakes—rich, fluffy, and full of comforting sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to bring smiles to the table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is a must-try for all chocolate lovers. So, grab your skillet and start flipping—breakfast just got a whole lot more delicious!

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