Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes: The Ultimate Breakfast Indulgence

Soft, rich pancakes marry nutty depth and sweet chocolate for a cozy breakfast treat.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach
Created on

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Pancakes have been a cozy comfort food for generations, but few combinations rival the peanut butter and chocolate chip pancakes for sheer indulgence at the breakfast table. This recipe leverages simple pantry staples—like multigrain pancake mix, all-natural peanut butter, and semi-sweet chocolate chips—to produce fluffy, rich, and decadent pancakes sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Pancakes

  • Effortless Preparation: Uses a ready-made pancake mix for easy, reliable results.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The nutty depth of peanut butter complements the sweet rush of chocolate chips.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults; perfect for weekend brunches or special occasions.
  • Customizable: Swap in mix-ins, toppings, or alternate nut butters to match anyone’s taste.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup multigrain pancake mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup all-natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided

Ingredient Notes

  • Pancake Mix: Multigrain for a hint of nuttiness, but any standard or whole-wheat mix works well.
  • Peanut Butter: All-natural for depth, but creamy or even crunchy may be used for texture variation.
  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet recommended, but milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips are tasty alternatives.
  • Milk: Dairy or unsweetened non-dairy milks both produce excellent results.

Step-By-Step Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 200°F (95°C) to keep cooked pancakes warm between batches.
  2. Mix the Batter:
    • In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, peanut butter, milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
    • Stir just until ingredients are incorporated for tender pancakes—avoid over-mixing.
  3. Prepare the Pan:
    • Heat about 1 teaspoon of butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
    • Swirl the pan to coat.
  4. Cook the Pancakes:
    • Pour three to four 1/4-cupfuls of batter onto the skillet to shape pancakes.
    • Cook until you see bubbles rise to the surface and the edges begin to look set, about 2-3 minutes.
    • Flip each pancake and continue cooking for 2 more minutes until both sides are golden brown.
    • Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning, especially as chocolate can scorch quickly.
  5. Keep Warm: Transfer cooked pancakes to a baking pan and set in the oven to keep warm while you cook the rest of the batter.
  6. Repeat: Add more butter to the skillet as needed and repeat until all batter is used.
  7. Serve Warm: Plate pancakes immediately for the best taste and texture.

Recipe Summary Table

Yield4–6 servings
Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Calories/Serving164

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

  • Don’t Over-Mix: For fluffiest results, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients just until you no longer see dry flour.
  • Check the Pan Heat: Test with a small dollop of batter; it should sizzle but not smoke.
  • Keep Sizes Consistent: Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup for even pancakes that cook uniformly.
  • Wipe Pan Between Batches: Chocolate chips may stick and burn; wipe with a paper towel and re-butter before each new batch.
  • Oven-Warmth for Serving: Keeping them warm in the oven prevents sogginess and lets everyone enjoy pancakes at once.

Delicious Topping Ideas

Dress up your pancakes with some of these classic or creative toppings:

  • Classic maple syrup
  • Fresh berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
  • Greek yogurt or whipped cream
  • Banana slices and a drizzle of honey
  • Additional chocolate chips or shavings
  • Chopped roasted nuts, such as peanuts or almonds

Serving & Storage Suggestions

  • Serve immediately for optimal fluffiness and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chips.
  • Keep Warm: Store cooked pancakes on a foil-lined baking sheet in a 200°F oven for up to 30 minutes.
  • Freezer Friendly: Let pancakes cool completely, layer between parchment, and freeze in a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.

Easy Variations

  • Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seed butter or soy butter for peanut butter and use allergy-friendly chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pancake mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Chunky Peanut Butter: Provides nutty pops of texture in the batter.
  • Swirl in Jam: Gently swirl your favorite berry jam through the batter for a PB&J-inspired bite.
  • Fruit Mix-Ins: Try folding in mashed bananas or diced apples in addition to the chocolate chips.

Pair with These Breakfast Favorites

  • Red Flannel Hash: Root vegetables and corned beef for a hearty, colorful brunch.
  • Candied Bacon: Sweet and savory strips complement the sweetness of the pancakes.
  • Egg-in-a-Hole Buttermilk Biscuits: Another classic made fun for the family table.
  • Chocolate-Stuffed Cream Biscuits: Double up on chocolate for brunch decadence.

More Pancake Inspiration

  • Olive’s Naturally Sweet PB&J Pancakes
  • Chocolate-Clementine Pancakes
  • Overnight Pancakes for extra fluffiness
  • Ricotta Pancakes with Roasted Maple Rhubarb
  • Make-Ahead Whole-Grain Pancake Mix

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular pancake mix instead of multigrain?

Yes, you can use any store-bought pancake mix—white, whole wheat, or even gluten-free. The nutty flavor of multigrain pairs well with peanut butter, but all styles produce tasty pancakes.

Is chunky peanut butter okay to use?

Absolutely. Chunky peanut butter adds bursts of real peanut pieces, creating a crunchier texture within the soft pancakes.

How do I prevent chocolate chips from sinking?

Lightly toss chocolate chips with a tablespoon of the dry pancake mix before folding them into the batter, which helps suspend them while cooking.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

For maximum fluffiness, pancakes are best cooked fresh. If prepping in advance, mix dry and wet ingredients separately and combine just before cooking.

Are these pancakes freezer friendly?

Yes! Cool pancakes completely, freeze between layers of parchment, and reheat in the microwave or toaster for a speedy breakfast.

Expert Tips for Pancake Success

  • Room temperature milk and eggs blend better for smoother batter.
  • Let batter rest 10 minutes before cooking for lighter pancakes.
  • Grease the skillet between batches to ensure nonstick bliss.
  • If pancakes brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly and extend cook time for thorough fluffiness.

Nutrition Information

NutrientPer Serving Estimate
Calories164
Fat9g
Protein6g
Carbohydrates15g
Fiber2g

*Nutrition will vary based on ingredient brand and portion size.

Pancake Troubleshooting

  • Flat Pancakes? Over-mixing batter can deflate air bubbles—mix just until combined.
  • Burned Outsides, Raw Centers? Pan is too hot; lower the heat and cook longer for even doneness.
  • Pancakes Stick? Make sure skillet is properly greased and preheated before adding batter.
  • Too Thick or Too Thin Batter? Add a splash of milk if batter’s too thick, or a spoonful of flour if too runny.

Make It a Family Affair

Get kids involved by letting them stir in the chocolate chips or pour their own batter rounds. Set up a topping bar with fruit, nuts, whipped cream, and syrups for a fun, interactive breakfast or brunch event.

Conclusion: Breakfast Bliss with Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips

When you crave an epic start to your morning, peanut butter chocolate chip pancakes never disappoint. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes make everyday mornings feel like a celebration. Adapt with alternative nut butters and your favorite toppings to make this recipe your own, and enjoy a batch fresh off the skillet—because nothing beats the marriage of warm peanut butter and melted chocolate chips.

Sneha Tete
Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete