Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes

There’s something undeniably cozy about a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes in the morning. But when you add a rich espresso flavor and melty chocolate chips? Now we’re talking about a breakfast worth waking up for! These Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes bring together the deep, aromatic notes of coffee with the indulgent sweetness of chocolate, making them perfect for slow weekends, special occasions, or just when you need an extra boost to start your day.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

Imagine sipping your morning coffee while cutting into a warm bite of pancake that’s infused with espresso and studded with gooey chocolate. Sounds like a dream, right? Whether you’re a coffee lover or just someone who enjoys a little twist on a classic pancake, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Coffee and chocolate in every bite – The combination of espresso powder and chocolate chips creates a rich, dessert-like flavor.
• Fluffy yet hearty – These pancakes are perfectly soft and fluffy while still having a satisfying texture.
• Easy to make – No complicated steps or fancy ingredients; just a simple, delicious breakfast that comes together in minutes.
• Perfect for coffee lovers – If you love the taste of a good latte or mocha, these pancakes bring that same comforting flavor to your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• Butter or oil for cooking

How to Make Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and espresso powder. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents any clumps of espresso powder in your pancakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking to prevent it from solidifying.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir everything together just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy!

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. If you love extra chocolate, feel free to sprinkle a few more on top before cooking.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake. Cook until you see small bubbles forming on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Stack your pancakes high and serve them warm with your favorite toppings. A drizzle of maple syrup, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a dollop of whipped cream can take them to the next level.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the pancakes tough.
• Use room temperature ingredients – This helps the batter mix more evenly and creates fluffier pancakes.
• Cook on medium heat – Too high, and the pancakes will burn before they cook through; too low, and they won’t develop that golden-brown color.
• Customize the sweetness – If you like sweeter pancakes, you can increase the sugar slightly or use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Make ahead – You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge for a quick breakfast the next morning.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 pancakes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• If you don’t have espresso powder, you can substitute instant coffee, though the flavor won’t be quite as strong.
• Buttermilk adds a delicious tanginess and helps with fluffiness, but if you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by adding ¾ teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• These pancakes taste amazing with a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra warm, cozy flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 180mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these pancakes without buttermilk?

Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a homemade substitute by adding ¾ teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What’s the best way to keep pancakes warm while cooking?

Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest. This keeps them warm without drying them out.

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

How do I make these pancakes extra fluffy?

For extra fluffy pancakes, separate the egg yolk and white. Beat the egg white until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the batter at the end. This adds extra airiness.

Can I freeze these pancakes?

Yes! Let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them between pieces of parchment paper and store them in a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or microwave when ready to eat.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm in a toaster, oven, or microwave until heated through.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes, here are a few more breakfast favorites to try:

• Easy Pancake Poppers

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like starting your morning with a warm, homemade stack of Espresso Chocolate Chip Pancakes. The combination of coffee and chocolate creates a rich, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with your favorite toppings. Whether you’re making these for a cozy weekend brunch or just a weekday treat, they’re sure to put a smile on your face. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and make your breakfast extra special!

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