Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes
There’s something undeniably comforting about pancakes. They bring back memories of lazy Sunday mornings and the sweet aroma of breakfast wafting through the air. Today, I want to share an exciting twist on a classic favorite: Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes! These pancakes are fluffy, hearty, and studded with melty chocolate chips, making them the perfect indulgence for any day of the week. Plus, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about treating yourself.
Why I Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes? They combine the delightful chewiness of oats with the sweetness of chocolate, creating a breakfast that’s both satisfying and delicious. The use of white whole wheat flour and ground oats adds a nutty flavor and a hearty texture, making each bite a little more fulfilling. Perfect for a cozy morning, these pancakes will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart.
What You’ll Gather
- 3/4 cup white whole wheat flour: Adds a lovely nutty flavor while keeping the pancakes light.
- 3/4 cup ground oats: Old fashioned oats processed into a fine flour for a wholesome texture.
- 3 1/2 tsp baking powder: Ensure your pancakes rise beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the flavors.
- 1 egg: At room temperature for better mixing.
- 4 tbsp butter: Melted and slightly cooled for richness.
- 1 1/4 cup milk: Whole milk or your preferred variant, keeping an extra 1/4 cup handy.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting flavor.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips: They melt beautifully and create little pockets of sweetness throughout.
Setup & Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To create a smooth batter.
- Griddle or non-stick skillet: For cooking the pancakes evenly.
- Spatula: To flip those pancakes with ease.
- Food processor: To grind old fashioned oats into flour, if needed.
Mastering Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes: How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
Start by processing the old fashioned oats in your food processor until they reach a fine flour-like consistency. This will give your pancakes a lovely texture.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, ground oats, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the egg. Then add the melted butter (make sure it has cooled slightly), milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well mixed.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Cook the Pancakes
Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it. Once hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Stack your pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy the delightful combination of chocolate and oats. These pancakes are perfect for breakfast or even a sweet brunch treat!
Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk. Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative in place of regular butter.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
What Could Go Wrong
Every cook has their off days, and pancakes can be tricky sometimes. Here are a few common pitfalls:
- Overmixing: This can lead to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones. Mix just until combined!
- Too high heat: If your skillet is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside is cooked. Keep the heat at medium.
- Not enough baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Using regular-sized chocolate chips: These can create messy pancakes; mini chips are the way to go!
Leftovers & Meal Prep
If you happen to have leftover pancakes (which is rare in my house), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop them in the toaster or microwave. For meal prep, you can make a batch on the weekend, freeze them, and enjoy a quick breakfast on busy weekdays. Just stack them with parchment paper in between and store them in a freezer-safe container.
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
While it’s best to cook the pancakes fresh, you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance and mix them with the wet ingredients right before cooking. This ensures the pancakes remain fluffy.
Can I use other add-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor.
Why are my pancakes flat?
This could be due to expired baking powder. Always check the expiration date and store it in a cool, dry place for maximum effectiveness.
How can I make my pancakes even fluffier?
You can separate the egg and whip the egg white until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the batter as the final step. This will add extra air and create fluffier pancakes!
Make It Tonight
Now that you have the perfect recipe for Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes, it’s time to gather your ingredients and whip up a batch! Whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, these pancakes are bound to impress. So go ahead, treat yourself to a stack of fluffy, chocolatey goodness tonight. You deserve it!
These Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes are not just a breakfast; they’re an experience. With their delightful texture and the comforting taste of chocolate, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Pancakes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Oats - Process the old fashioned oats in your food processor until they reach a fine flour-like consistency.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the white whole wheat flour, ground oats, baking powder, and sugar until well combined.
- Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, beat the egg. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well mixed.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined.
- Step 5: Add Chocolate Chips - Fold in the mini chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Step 6: Cook the Pancakes - Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat, lightly greasing it. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy! - Stack pancakes high, drizzle with maple syrup, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and butter.
- To make gluten-free, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
