
Some mornings call for something extra special something warm, comforting, and just a little indulgent. That’s where these Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes come in. They’re soft, pillowy, and deeply chocolatey, almost like enjoying a slice of chocolate cake for breakfast… but even better. Every bite is rich, tender, and perfectly sweet, with that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes homemade pancakes feel like pure love on a plate.
These pancakes are perfect for weekends, holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself or someone you love. Serve them with powdered sugar, chocolate chips, whipped cream, berries, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce — and get ready for smiles at the breakfast table.
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Pancakes
If you’re a chocolate lover, this recipe is going to feel like a dream. The pancakes are fluffy, moist, and packed with cocoa flavor without being too heavy. They rise beautifully, cook evenly, and stay soft long after they leave the pan.
You’ll love this recipe because:
- They’re super fluffy thanks to a mix of baking powder and buttermilk
- The chocolate flavor is rich and satisfying
- They cook quickly in one bowl
- Perfect for kids, guests, or weekend brunch
- You can customize them with toppings or mix-ins
- They taste amazing even without syrup
These pancakes turn an ordinary morning into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, espresso powder, cinnamon
Using buttermilk keeps the pancakes light, fluffy, and tender, while cocoa powder gives that deep chocolate flavor.

How to Make Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes
1. Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure the cocoa is blended evenly — this helps avoid bitter pockets.
2. Add the wet ingredients
Pour in the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Gently whisk until the batter is just combined. A few lumps are normal and actually help keep pancakes fluffy.
3. Rest the batter
Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and make the pancakes even fluffier.
4. Heat the griddle
Warm a nonstick pan over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.
5. Cook the pancakes
Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan. Cook until small bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook the other side for another 1–2 minutes. Avoid pressing down on the pancakes — you want them thick and soft.
6. Serve warm and enjoy
Stack the pancakes high and top them with powdered sugar, chocolate syrup, maple syrup, berries, or whipped cream. They’re delicious any way you serve them.
How to Serve
These chocolate pancakes are delicious on their own, but toppings make them unforgettable. Try serving them with:
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Powdered sugar
- Melted chocolate or chocolate chips
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Peanut butter
- Toasted coconut
- Banana slices
Turn them into a holiday breakfast by adding peppermint whipped cream or festive sprinkles.
Tips for Extra-Fluffy Pancakes
- Don’t overmix the batter — stop as soon as it comes together.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
- Use buttermilk for the fluffiest texture.
- Cook on medium heat so the inside cooks without burning the outside.
- Flip only once and never press down.
- Add chocolate chips for gooey pockets of chocolate inside.
These little steps make a big difference in both flavor and texture.
Variations
- Double Chocolate Pancakes: add 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Mocha Pancakes: add 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- Nutella Pancakes: swirl Nutella into the batter as it cooks
- Healthy-ish Version: swap 1/2 the flour for oat flour
- Spicy Chocolate: add a pinch of cinnamon and chili powder
This recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to personalize.
Storage
- Refrigerator: up to 3 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (layers between parchment)
- Reheat: microwave for 15 seconds or toast to crisp edges
Make extra — these pancakes reheat beautifully and make mornings easier.
Final Thoughts
These Fluffy Chocolate Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast treat — rich, decadent, beautifully soft, and so easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special morning or simply craving something comforting, these pancakes turn breakfast into a moment of joy. With their deep chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re guaranteed to win everyone over. Once you try them, they might just become your go-to weekend tradition.