If you adore the cozy flavors of fall mixed with a touch of chocolatey goodness, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe. Picture warm, tender pancakes infused with pumpkin spice warmth and dotted with melty chocolate chips in every bite. These pancakes aren’t just breakfast; they’re a celebration on your plate that’s perfect for a weekend brunch, a special holiday morning, or anytime you want a comforting treat that feels like a hug in food form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that work in harmony to create those pillowy pancakes bursting with flavor and color. Each ingredient plays its part, from the fluffy flour base to the rich chocolate chips, making the process simple yet so satisfying.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that keeps your pancakes tender and fluffy.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that deepens the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The rising agent that helps your pancakes fluff up perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives pumpkin pancakes their signature warmth.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and that inviting orange hue.
- 1 1/4 cups milk: Keeps your batter smooth and ensures soft pancakes.
- 2 large eggs: Add structure and richness to your pancake batter.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds taste and helps keep the pancakes moist.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that little extra hint of warmth and sweetness.
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that make each bite irresistible.
How to Make Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together your all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution so every pancake has that perfect balance of flavors and fluffiness.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture not only adds moisture but also infuses those warm pumpkin and buttery notes that turn simple pancakes into something special.
Step 3: Bring the Batter Together
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined. The key here is to avoid overmixing — a few lumps in the batter are totally okay and actually help keep your pancakes light and airy.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips so they are evenly dispersed throughout the batter. These little bursts of sweetness get perfectly melty during cooking, elevating every bite to a new level of deliciousness.
Step 5: Let the Batter Rest
Allow the batter to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. This brief rest lets the baking powder activate fully and the batter thicken slightly, setting you up for perfect pancake texture.
Step 6: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the surface. Cook until you see bubbles form on the top, about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip carefully and cook another 1 to 2 minutes until beautifully golden brown.
Step 7: Repeat and Serve Warm
Continue with the remaining batter, adjusting the heat as needed to avoid burning. Serve your stack warm and watch how quickly these fluffy delights disappear!
How to Serve Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pancakes by topping them with a drizzle of warm maple syrup, a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a little crunch. Each garnish brings a wonderful contrast to the soft, fluffy pancakes and keeps things exciting on your palate.
Side Dishes
Pair these pancakes with fresh fruit like sliced apples, pears, or berries to add a refreshing burst and balance the richness. Crispy breakfast sausages or savory bacon strips also make excellent companions that create a perfectly rounded breakfast spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, stack the pancakes high and dust them lightly with powdered sugar. Alternatively, consider layering with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between each pancake to create a pumpkin pancake cake that will wow your guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps the pancakes moist and ready to enjoy without losing their delightful texture.
Freezing
To enjoy later, lay your pancakes flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and store in a freezer-safe bag. This method lets you grab a quick, delicious breakfast anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes in a toaster or microwave for a quick fix. For best results, the toaster gives you that restored crisp edge, while the microwave keeps them soft and warm—perfect for busy mornings when you need a comforting pick-me-up fast.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually the most common and convenient choice. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can easily create your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice. About one and a half teaspoons cinnamon plus smaller amounts of the others will replicate the flavor beautifully.
Can I substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, dairy-free milks like almond, oat, or soy milk work great here and will not compromise the texture or flavor. Just use the same quantity as the recipe calls for.
How do I make sure my pancakes are fluffy and not dense?
The key is to not overmix your batter and to let it rest before cooking. Mixing just until the ingredients come together and allowing the baking powder to activate results in those soft, airy pancakes everyone loves.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the pancakes?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried cranberries mix wonderfully with pumpkin and chocolate chips. Just fold them in gently along with or instead of the chocolate chips for a tasty twist.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about waking up to a stack of these Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe. The combination of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and melty chocolate chips creates a breakfast treat that feels uplifting and indulgent at the same time. I encourage you to whip up a batch soon — your taste buds and oven will thank you for it!
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Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a delightful fall-inspired breakfast, combining the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Soft, tender, and full of autumn flavor, they are perfect for cozy mornings and can be topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped nuts for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 3/4 cup (130g) chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay to keep the pancakes tender.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter evenly without overworking the mixture.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to hydrate and the baking powder to activate for fluffier pancakes.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook Pancakes: For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Flip Pancakes: Flip the pancake carefully and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
- Repeat: Repeat the cooking process with the remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed to avoid burning.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, whipped cream, or chopped nuts.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure fluffy pancakes; some lumps are normal.
- Resting the batter helps activate the baking powder and creates a tender texture.
- Use a non-stick skillet or griddle for even cooking and easy flipping.
- Adjust heat as necessary to prevent pancakes from burning before fully cooking inside.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream and chopped nuts add texture and flavor elevation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
