I still remember the first time I tasted the most amazing chocolate chip pancakes at First Watch. The fluffy, cake-like texture and oozing chocolate chips took this breakfast staple to a whole new level of deliciousness. Even my two kids love it. So, I knew I had to figure out how to recreate that irresistible flavor at home.
After some trial and error in my kitchen, I’m excited to share my version of the iconic First Watch Chocolate Chip Pancakes recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have dinner-worthy pancakes on your own breakfast table!
How To Make First Watch Chocolate Chip Pancake
To recreate the copycat recipe of their chocolate chip, let’s start with the star ingredients that make this pancake recipe so mouthwatering – the chocolate chips! The chips blend into the batter and create melty pockets of chocolate in each bite. But the chocolate chips are just the beginning.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour – The base of the batter that provides structure. All-purpose flour creates a light and fluffy texture.
1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the pancakes rise tall by creating air bubbles. It reacts with the wet ingredients for lift.
2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the flavors. A small amount keeps the pancakes from becoming too sweet.
Pinch of salt – Brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness. Salt enhances the chocolate.
1 egg – Binds the ingredients together and provides moisture. Eggs help the pancakes cook up tender.
1 cup milk – Adds moisture, tenderness, and richness to the batter. Milk interacts with the baking powder for fluffiness.
2 tablespoons melted butter – Provides extra richness and gives the pancakes a delicious buttery flavor. Butter also promotes browning.
Chocolate chips – The star ingredient! Semi-sweet chocolate chips create pockets of melted chocolate in each bite.
Step by Step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients
First, we are going to start with mixing dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. In the mixing bowl, add 1 cup of all purpose flour. To the flour, add baking powder, granulated sugar and a pinch of salt one by one. After all that, Use a whisk to thoroughly mix everything together.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and crack an egg into it (use whatever milk you want to). Pour in the milk and melted butter. Whisk everything together, I like to start from the center and gradually incorporate the flour until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Adding Chocolate Chips
Now, you can add the chocolate chips directly into the batter, which is what I prefer for my recipe or sprinkle them onto the pancakes once they’re on the griddle. Make sure each scoop of batter includes a generous amount of chocolate chips or you can add some extra if you would like to make the pancake chocolaty.
Step 4: Cooking the Pancakes
Heat a griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Then Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle. When the edges are defined and you see small bubbles beginning to form, flip the pancakes to be cooked on the other side for about 2 minutes
Step 5: Serving
Once they are done, take them one by one onto a plate and Our chocolate chip pancake like the First Watch is ready to be served. You can Serve the pancakes warm with sliced bananas, extra chocolate chips, and syrup on top.
Pancake Perfection Tips
- For best results, let the batter sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to react and gives you the fluffiest pancakes.
- If your first pancake doesn’t come out perfect, that’s ok! The griddle temperature adjusts after cooking the first batch.
- Flip the pancakes gently – don’t press down and squeeze out the air bubbles you worked so hard to achieve!
- Undercooking is better than overcooking. A pale pancake will continue cooking after you flip it. A burnt one can’t be saved!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about pancake batter is that it’s very forgiving. Try these tasty substitutions:
- Dairy-free? Swap the milk for unsweetened almond milk or oat milk.
- No eggs on hand? A “chia egg” made from 1 Tbsp chia seeds + 3 Tbsp water works great.
- Add 1/4 cup peanut butter chips or toffee bits instead of chocolate chips.
- For banana chocolate chip pancakes, mash 1 ripe banana into the batter.
- For a nutty crunch, add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
What to Serve with Chocolate Chip Pancakes
While chocolate chip pancakes are delicious all on their own, here are some tasty companions:
- Maple syrup, honey, or fruit syrups like strawberry or blueberry
- Fresh fruit like bananas, berries, or sliced peaches
- Whipped cream or vanilla yogurt for topping
- Crispy bacon or breakfast sausage
- Scrambled or fried eggs
- Hash browns or breakfast potatoes
With a tall stack of chocolatey pancakes and your favorite accompaniments, you have a breakfast fit for a weekend brunch with friends. Now that’s something worth waking up for!
Storing and Freezing Cooked Pancakes
Pancakes are best fresh, but here are some tips for leftovers:
- Let pancakes cool completely, then place in a zip top bag. Press out excess air before sealing.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or toaster until warmed through.
- For crispy reheated pancakes, place in a hot skillet with butter for 1-2 minutes per side.
FAQs
Can I make these pancakes without eggs for a vegan version?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly option.
What can I serve with these pancakes besides syrup?
With whipped cream, sliced strawberries, or bananas, these pancakes taste great. For extra sweetness, you can cover them with chocolate sauce or peanut butter.
Can I use non-dairy milk for this recipe?
Of course! Any kind of non-dairy milk, like almond milk or oat milk, can be used instead of cow’s milk.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, but the texture might be a little thicker.
First Watch Chocolate Chip Pancake Recipe
Recreate the iconic First Watch chocolate chip pancakes at home! Follow my easy tips for tall, fluffy pancakes bursting with melty chocolate chips. Your family will love this copycat recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Start by combining the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix everything together.
- Create a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and crack an egg into it. Pour in the milk and melted butter. Whisk everything together, starting from the center and gradually incorporating the flour until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Now, you can add the chocolate chips directly into the batter or sprinkle them onto the pancakes once they're on the griddle. Make sure each scoop of batter includes a generous amount of chocolate chips.
- Heat a griddle or pan over medium heat and grease it with butter or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot griddle. Cook until the edges are defined and small bubbles form on the surface.
- Once ready, flip the pancakes and cook for another minute or two on the other side. Serve the pancakes warm with sliced bananas, extra chocolate chips, and syrup on top.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 2Amount Per Serving: Calories: 870Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 145mgSodium: 1050mgCarbohydrates: 105gFiber: 3gSugar: 67gProtein: 14g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Conclusion
Now you can recreate the chocolate chip pancakes of First Watch without leaving the comfort of your PJs. With a few pantry staples, this easy recipe delivers the ideal soft and fluffy texture with melty chocolate in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a sleepy-eyed crew on a weekend morning or hosting a leisurely brunch, this becomes an instant crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll savor these pancakes as much as I do.
Let me know if you have any other recipe requests – I’m always flipping for more ideas!
