There’s something about a hot stack of pancakes that instantly makes any morning feel special. But when you add chocolate chips and cook them up in a cast-iron skillet, you’re in for something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a pancake novice, this simple and delicious recipe will take your breakfast game to the next level.
Let’s dive into the steps on how to make mouth-watering, perfectly fluffy chocolate chip pancakes from scratch, using the magic of a cast-iron skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 ¼ cups milk (with an extra ¼ cup on hand just in case)
- 2 large eggs
- 2-3 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ to 1 cup chocolate chips
- Butter for greasing the skillet
Step 1: Preheat Your Cast-Iron Skillet
Start by preheating your cast-iron skillet over low heat for about 20 minutes. You want the pan to warm up evenly, which will give your pancakes that perfect golden brown crust without burning. This slow and steady approach ensures the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add your dry ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of flour
- 2 tsp of baking powder
- ½ tsp of baking soda
- ½ tsp of salt
- 2 tbsp of sugar
Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make a little well in the center of your dry ingredients to create space for the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
To the well you created, add the following:
- 1 ¼ cups of milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2-3 tbsp of melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Mix everything together gently. The batter should have a nice consistency that’s not too thick or too runny. If it feels too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches the perfect pancake batter texture.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips (Optional)
Here’s where things get fun. While you can add the chocolate chips directly into the batter and mix them in, we’re going for a slightly different approach. Pour the batter onto your preheated skillet first, and then sprinkle the chocolate chips on top. This allows you to customize the pancakes for different tastes—perfect if you’ve got a mix of chocolate lovers and non-chocolate fans in your house.
Step 5: Cook Your Pancakes
Now for the magic: cooking your pancakes. Add a small amount of butter to the skillet to ensure the pancakes don’t stick. Pour about ¼ cup of batter into the center of the skillet. You can make one or two at a time depending on the size of your skillet.
As the pancakes cook, sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the batter, letting them melt into the pancake. Let it cook until you see bubbles starting to form on the surface—this typically takes about 30 seconds. Check underneath the pancake by lifting gently with a spatula. When it’s golden and crispy, it’s time to flip!
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flipping a pancake can be tricky, but with the right timing, it’s easy. When the pancake is golden on the bottom and the edges are beginning to lift, it’s time to flip. Don’t rush this part—let the pancake cook long enough so that it holds together when flipped.
Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, just enough to set the batter without overcooking. When done, your pancake should have a nice golden brown color on both sides with a slightly crispy edge.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Now that your pancakes are ready, it’s time to stack them up! If you made both chocolate chip and plain pancakes, you can alternate layers or top your plain pancakes with chocolate-chip goodness.
Drizzle some maple syrup over the top, add whipped cream if you like, and don’t forget to serve with your favorite breakfast sides like crispy bacon and eggs. Trust us, this combination will make your breakfast unforgettable.
Pro Tip: Customize Your Pancakes
Want a twist on the chocolate chip pancakes? Add in some fresh berries, banana slices, or even a drizzle of peanut butter between layers for a fun variation. The options are endless!
Conclusion
Making pancakes from scratch in a cast-iron skillet is a game-changer. The even heat distribution of the skillet helps create those perfect golden-brown edges, while the chocolate chips melt in all the right places. So, the next time you’re craving something cozy and indulgent, try these easy chocolate chip pancakes and enjoy the perfect start to your day.
Don’t forget—bacon and eggs are the perfect pairing for these pancakes. If you’re looking to complete your breakfast, check out our guide to making delicious bacon and eggs in a cast-iron skillet as well.
Happy cooking, and enjoy your stack of fluffy, chocolatey goodness!