Description: These yogurt chocolate chip pancakes are a delightful twist on the classic breakfast staple, offering a light and airy texture thanks to the addition of yogurt. These pancakes are quick, easy, and satisfying, making them perfect for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat. The chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness that kids and adults alike will adore. Get ready for a breakfast experience that’s both delicious and nutritious!
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (approximately 45g)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (8g), or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (approximately 45ml)
- 125g plain yogurt (approximately ½ cup) – full-fat or low-fat works well
- 60ml milk (approximately ¼ cup) – whole milk or 2% milk recommended
- 190g all-purpose flour (approximately 1 ½ cups)
- 10g baking powder (2 teaspoons)
- Chocolate chips (quantity according to your taste, around ½ cup is a good starting point)
- Optional: Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First, gather all your ingredients. Measure out the flour, sugar, vanilla sugar, yogurt, milk, and oil. Have your chocolate chips ready to go. This will ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process. Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as this is crucial for achieving fluffy pancakes.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the egg and add the granulated sugar and vanilla sugar (or vanilla extract). Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy. This process helps to incorporate air, which contributes to the light and airy texture of the pancakes. The sugar should be well dissolved into the egg mixture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Yogurt, Oil, and Milk
Add the vegetable oil, yogurt, and milk to the egg and sugar mixture. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage. The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the pancakes, while the oil helps to keep them tender and prevent them from sticking to the pan.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together. Sifting helps to remove any lumps and aerates the flour, resulting in lighter pancakes. Add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough pancakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips into the pancake batter. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. You can use semi-sweet, milk chocolate, or even dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference. For a fun twist, try using mini chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips.
Cooking:
- Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over low to medium heat. You can lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or cooking spray, but a good nonstick pan usually doesn’t require any additional grease.
- Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the heated skillet for each pancake. Space them apart to allow room for spreading.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip the pancakes carefully with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on the other side.
- Remove the cooked pancakes from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This yogurt chocolate chip pancake recipe is incredibly versatile and appealing for several reasons:
- Fluffy Texture: The addition of yogurt makes these pancakes exceptionally light and fluffy compared to traditional recipes.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of yogurt, vanilla, and chocolate chips creates a delightful flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the amount of chocolate chips to your liking or add other mix-ins like blueberries, chopped nuts, or banana slices.
- Nutritious: The yogurt adds a boost of protein and calcium to the pancakes, making them a more nutritious breakfast option.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pancakes warm with a drizzle of maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar.
- Top with fresh fruit such as berries, bananas, or peaches.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.
- Serve alongside crispy bacon, sausage, or scrambled eggs for a complete breakfast.
- Make it a brunch centerpiece by pairing with mimosas and a side of fresh fruit salad.
Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined, leaving a few small lumps.
- Use a preheated nonstick skillet or griddle for best results.
- Cook the pancakes over low to medium heat to prevent them from burning.
- Flip the pancakes only once, when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Keep the cooked pancakes warm in a preheated oven (at around 200°F) until ready to serve.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, try separating the egg and whipping the egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg white into the batter before cooking.
- Experiment with different flavor combinations by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 2 pancakes):
- Calories: 350-400 (depending on the amount of chocolate chips and toppings)
- Protein: 8-10g
- Sodium: 250-300mg
Conclusion:
These Yogurt Chocolate Chip Pancakes are a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a fluffy, flavorful, and easy-to-make breakfast. The addition of yogurt makes these pancakes exceptionally light and airy, while the chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness that’s sure to please. Whether you’re making them for a weekend brunch or a weekday treat, these pancakes are guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a stack of deliciousness!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
A: Yes, you can definitely use Greek yogurt! Greek yogurt will make the pancakes even richer and slightly denser. Because Greek yogurt is thicker, you might need to add a tablespoon or two more milk to get the batter to the right consistency. The texture you’re looking for is a batter that easily pours but isn’t too runny.
Q2: What if I don’t have vanilla sugar? Can I substitute it with something else?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have vanilla sugar, you can easily substitute it with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Add the vanilla extract along with the other wet ingredients. You could also use a pinch of ground vanilla bean for an even more intense vanilla flavor.
Q3: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: While it’s best to cook the pancakes immediately after making the batter, you can prepare the batter up to an hour in advance. Store it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the baking powder will start to react as soon as it’s mixed with the wet ingredients, so the longer the batter sits, the less fluffy your pancakes might be. Give it a gentle stir before cooking if it has thickened.
Q4: Can I use different types of flour?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other flours. Whole wheat flour will give the pancakes a nuttier flavor and a slightly denser texture. Substitute about half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Q5: How can I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the pancakes?
A: To prevent the chocolate chips from sinking, make sure your batter is not too thin. Also, toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This will help them stay suspended. Finally, add the chocolate chips just before cooking the pancakes.
