Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

If you’re ready to welcome cozy autumn vibes into your breakfast routine, these Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are the perfect treat. With their fluffy texture, warm spices, and pockets of melty chocolate chips, these pancakes blend the comforting flavors of fall with a hint of sweetness that feels like a gentle morning hug. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a special holiday breakfast, Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes bring a touch of magic to your plate that’s simply irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these moist and flavorful pancakes, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how simple yet essential each item is. From the aromatic spices that create that unmistakable fall feeling to the chocolate chips that add bursts of richness, every ingredient plays a starring role in delivering the perfect bite.

• 2 cups pancake mix: The base that ensures your pancakes turn out light and fluffy every time.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet spice that enhances the pumpkin’s natural earthiness.
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg: A subtle, nutty spice that deepens the autumn flavor profile.
• 1/4 tsp cloves: Just a pinch to add a gentle, aromatic touch without overpowering the other spices.
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree: The hero ingredient that gives these pancakes their signature bright orange color and moist texture.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness to the batter.
• 3 Tbsp vegetable oil: Keeps the pancakes tender and prevents sticking during cooking.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a subtle caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spice.
• 1 1/4 cup whole milk: Moisturizes the batter and helps achieve that perfect pancake consistency.
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: Infuses every bite with melty chocolate goodness that’s simply irresistible.

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Start by mixing your pancake mix, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a large bowl. This step builds your base flavor and ensures your spices are evenly distributed for that classic fall taste in every bite.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and whole milk until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend brings moisture, sweetness, and richness that transform ordinary pancakes into a festive delight.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — a few lumps are okay! This helps keep your pancakes fluffier and lighter.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter so they’re evenly scattered throughout, setting you up for sweet pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 5: Cook the Pancakes

Heat a lightly greased nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour the batter in 1/4 cup portions for perfectly sized pancakes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip and cook another 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Remove the pancakes from the skillet and keep warm while you finish cooking the rest. Your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are now ready to bring joy to your breakfast table!

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Garnishes

Top your pancakes with a pat of butter that melts luxuriously over the warm stack. A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds golden sweetness, while a sprinkle of chopped pecans or toasted walnuts adds a delightful crunch that balances the soft texture. For an extra touch of autumn charm, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of spiced whipped cream.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a satisfying contrast that keeps your meal well-rounded. Fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears adds brightness and natural sweetness, making the meal feel fresh and well-balanced. A cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea complements the spices beautifully and rounds out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the pancakes in a tall tower for a dramatic breakfast centerpiece, drizzling syrup in a cascading ribbon. For a fun twist, serve your Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes topped with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream or alongside a warm caramel sauce. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle edible gold glitter or cinnamon sugar on top to impress your guests visually as well as with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep them fresh and ready to enjoy without losing moisture.

Freezing

These pancakes freeze wonderfully! Arrange cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then stack them with parchment paper in between. Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months, so you always have a delicious breakfast option on hand.

Reheating

Reheat frozen pancakes by popping them in the toaster or warming gently on a skillet over medium heat. This restores their texture and lets the chocolate chips get melty again — just like freshly made Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You absolutely can! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out the same quantity as the recipe calls for. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has higher water content, so you might want to slightly reduce the milk to maintain the right batter consistency.

Are mini chocolate chips necessary or can I use regular-sized chips?

Mini chocolate chips work best because they melt evenly throughout the pancakes and create little pockets of chocolate. Regular-sized chips will still taste great but may cause uneven melting or cause larger chocolate chunks.

How do I make these pancakes dairy-free?

Substitute whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter or oil in the pan, and double-check that your pancake mix is free from dairy ingredients for a delicious dairy-free version.

Can I make these pancakes vegan?

You can! Swap the eggs for flax eggs or another egg replacer and use a plant-based milk. Make sure your pancake mix doesn’t contain eggs or dairy. The texture may be slightly different but still enjoyable and packed with that signature Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes flavor.

What’s the best way to prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet?

Using a nonstick skillet and lightly greasing it with oil or butter before heating helps prevent sticking. Make sure your pan is hot enough, but not too hot, so the pancakes cook evenly and flip easily without tearing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about waking up to a stack of warm, fluffy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes filled with cozy autumn flavors and sweet, melty chocolate. This recipe is one I genuinely love sharing because it transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration of comfort and joy. So go ahead, grab that pancake mix and pumpkin puree, and treat yourself to a breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate!

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