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    Tasty Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes Recipe

    Updated: July 6, 2025 by 👩‍🍳chef · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Stack of fluffy pumpkin pancakes with melting chocolate chips, drizzled with maple syrup on a rustic wooden table

    Introduction

    Imagine waking up to the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin and melted chocolate wafting from your kitchen. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are the ultimate fall breakfast—fluffy, lightly spiced, and loaded with melty chocolate in every bite. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday morning or a festive brunch, this recipe guarantees smiles (and seconds).

    Best part? They’re easier than you think. No fancy techniques, no weird ingredients—just pure, comforting deliciousness.

    Cross-section of pumpkin chocolate chip pancake showing fluffy interior and gooey chocolate pockets.

    What Are Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes?

    A twist on classic buttermilk pancakes, these feature real pumpkin puree (hello, fiber and vitamins!) and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Studded with gooey chocolate chips, they’re like a cross between pumpkin pie and your favorite childhood breakfast.

    Fun fact: Pumpkin pancakes date back to early American settlers, who used squash and pumpkins in place of scarce wheat. Today, we’ve upgraded them with chocolate—because why not?

    Ready to make the coziest stack of the season? Let’s dive in.

    Here’s Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    1. Better than basic pancakes – Unlike bland diner versions, these are moist, flavorful, and packed with cozy spice.

    2. Kid-approved (but adults swoon too) – The chocolate chips make them irresistible, while pumpkin adds sneaky nutrition.

    3. Meal-prep friendly – Make a double batch and freeze for quick weekday breakfasts.

    4. Versatile for diets – Easily adaptable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan eaters (tips below!).

    Prefer banana pancakes? Try these next—but trust us, pumpkin is the fall upgrade you need.

    Quick Recipe Overview

    • Total Time: 25 minutes

    • Occasion: Weekend brunch, holiday mornings, or "just because" days

    • Key Perk: Uses pantry staples + one bowl (minimal cleanup!)


    Ingredients You’ll Need

    (Makes 12 fluffy pancakes)

    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 blend)

    • 2 tablespoon brown sugar (for caramel-like sweetness)

    • 2 teaspoon baking powder (fluff factor!)

    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger)

    • ½ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)

    • 1 cup milk (any kind—dairy, almond, or oat)

    • ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

    • 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)

    • 2 tablespoon melted butter (or coconut oil)

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (secret flavor booster!)

    • ⅔ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark for contrast)

    Optional add-ins: Chopped pecans, a dash of espresso powder, or white chocolate chips.

    Pouring pumpkin pancake batter onto griddle with chocolate chips scattered in the pan


    Step-by-Step Instructions

    1. Whisk dry ingredients – In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.

    2. Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk milk, pumpkin puree, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.

    3. Fold together – Pour wet mix into dry ingredients and stir just until combined (small lumps are okay!). Overmixing = tough pancakes.

    4. Add chocolate chips – Gently fold in chocolate chips (reserve a few for topping).

    5. Heat the griddle – Warm a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or oil.

    6. Cook to golden perfection – Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top (2–3 minutes), then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes.

    7. Keep warm – Transfer cooked pancakes to a 200°F oven while you finish the batch.

    8. Serve with flair – Stack high, drizzle with maple syrup, and sprinkle extra chocolate chips.

    Pro tip: For extra fluffiness, let the batter rest 5 minutes before cooking.


    Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Pumpkin Pancakes

    1. Whipped cinnamon honey butter – Mix 4 tablespoon softened butter, 1 tablespoon honey, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

    2. Crispy bacon or sausage – Sweet + salty = brunch heaven.

    3. Vanilla Greek yogurt – Adds protein and tangy contrast.

    4. Spiced coffee or chai latte – The ultimate cozy combo.

    5. Fresh apple slices – For a crunchy, refreshing bite.


    Top Tips for Perfection

    ✔ Use real pumpkin puree – Canned is fine (Libby’s is our go-to), but avoid “pumpkin pie filling” (it’s presweetened).
    ✔ Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps keep pancakes tender.
    ✔ Low and slow cooking – Medium heat ensures even browning without burning.
    ✔ Chocolate chip hack – Toss chips in flour before adding to prevent sinking.
    ✔ Make-ahead magic – Freeze pancakes in a single layer, then reheat in the toaster.

    Happy accident: Once, we ran out of chocolate chips and used Reese’s pieces instead—pumpkin peanut butter pancakes were born!

    Pumpkin chocolate chip pancakes served with fresh pecans, cinnamon sticks, and a coffee mug.


    How to Store and Reheat

    • Room temp: Keep covered for up to 2 hours.

    • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3 days.

    • Freezer: Layer between parchment paper; freeze for 2 months.

    • Reheat: Microwave 30 seconds, or toast for crisp edges.


    Final Thoughts

    These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes are the ultimate fall comfort food—easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or treating yourself, this recipe delivers every time.

    Tag us when you make them! We love seeing your stacks. 😊🍁

    Craving more cozy breakfasts? Try our:

    • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes

    • Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles

    Now, go forth and flip the best pancakes of the season!

     

    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Cross-section of pumpkin chocolate chip pancake showing fluffy interior and gooey chocolate pockets.

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes


    • Author: Chef
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 12 pancakes 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian

    Description

    Fluffy, spiced pumpkin pancakes packed with melty chocolate chips - the ultimate cozy breakfast that comes together in just 25 minutes!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 tbsp brown sugar
    • 2 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 cup milk
    • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 tbsp melted butter
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ⅔ cup chocolate chips

    Instructions

    1. Whisk dry ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl.
    2. In another bowl, mix wet ingredients (milk through vanilla).
    3. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until mixed (small lumps are okay).
    4. Fold in chocolate chips.
    5. Heat a greased griddle over medium heat.
    6. Pour ¼ cup batter per pancake. Cook until bubbles form (2-3 minutes), then flip.
    7. Cook 1-2 more minutes until golden.
    8. Serve warm with maple syrup and extra chocolate chips.

    Notes

    • For vegan version: Use flax egg and plant-based milk/butter
    • Freeze extras between parchment paper for quick breakfasts
    • Toss chocolate chips in flour to prevent sinking
    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 15 minutes
    • Category: Breakfast
    • Method: Griddle Cooking
    • Cuisine: American

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 2 pancakes
    • Calories: 280
    • Sugar: 15g
    • Sodium: 320mg
    • Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 7g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 38g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 5g
    • Cholesterol: 45mg

    Keywords: pumpkin pancakes, chocolate chip pancakes, fall breakfast, easy brunch

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

    Find it online: https://simplerecipes.me/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-pancakes/

     

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    💬 Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

    ✅ Absolutely! Roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop the flesh, and puree until smooth. Just make sure to drain excess liquid in a fine-mesh strainer (canned puree is thicker).

    💬 Why did my pancakes turn out dense instead of fluffy?

    ✅ Overmixing the batter is the #1 culprit! Stir until just combined—small lumps are okay. Also, check that your baking powder is fresh (it loses potency over time).

    💬 Can I make these pancakes vegan?

    ✅ Yes! Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoon water, let sit 5 mins), use plant-based milk, and vegan butter or coconut oil.

    💬 What’s the best chocolate for this recipe?

    ✅ Semi-sweet chips balance the pumpkin’s earthiness, but dark chocolate adds sophistication. White chocolate chips or cinnamon chips are fun twists!

    💬 Can I freeze these pancakes for later?

    ✅ 100%! Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave—they’ll taste fresh for up to 2 months.

    💬 My pancakes burn before cooking through—help!

    ✅ Lower the heat! Medium (or even medium-low) is key for golden, evenly cooked pancakes. If using a skillet, let it preheat for 2–3 minutes first.

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