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There’s so much that goes into the magic of Christmas morning.
The anticipation, the pajamas, the food, the music, the presents, the Christmas tree, and of course, the sense of family and giving. As a kid, unwrapping the last present is sort of depressing. That means it’s almost all over.
But that also meant it was almost time for Christmas breakfast, which made the depressing fact that presents were done with that much easier to accept. Our family tradition was almost always cinnamon rolls. This year, however, I think I’ll be making these Hot Chocolate Pancakes! As a chocoholic, this recipe satisfies all my cravings instantly.
If you make any of my recipes this holiday season, be sure to tag me on Instagram and use the hashtag #handletheheat so I can see them and feature them on the blog.
By the way, if you want to know how to make these pancakes ahead of time, along with cakes, pies, bread, frosting, and so much more be sure to download my free Make Ahead Baking Guide:
For the fudge topping:
-
3/4
cup
(128 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
-
1/2
cup
heavy cream
For the pancakes:
-
1
cup
(127 grams) all-purpose flour
-
1/4
cup
(25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1/3
cup
(66 grams) granulated sugar
-
1
teaspoon
baking powder
-
1/2
teaspoon
baking soda
-
1/4
teaspoon
fine salt
-
1/8
teaspoon
ground cinnamon
-
1
large egg
-
1 1/4
cups
buttermilk or whole milk
-
2
tablespoons
unsalted butter, melted
-
Mini marshmallows, for garnish
Make the topping:
-
In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips and cream until melted. Stir until smooth. Set aside.
Make the pancakes:
-
In a large bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
-
In a medium bowl whisk together the egg, buttermilk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Do not overmix, it’s okay to have lumps. At this point the batter can rest, covered, for up to 30 minutes.
-
Heat an electric griddle to 350°F, or a large nonstick pan to medium heat. Coat with butter. Pour batter by 1/4 cup onto the hot pan, spacing apart. Cook until the edges are set and bubbles have formed on the top, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gently flip and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until done.
-
Keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven while you finish the batter and get ready to serve. Stack pancakes on plates and top with the fudge sauce and mini marshmallows.
The batter was very thin and made flat pancakes. Must you let it rest for awhile?
Hi Suzanne! I’m sorry you had issues with your batter! Did you substitute any ingredients? I would suggest double checking your baking powder and baking soda to ensure they’re fresh. Check out this article HERE for more details on how to do that. The resting period isn’t required but is noted so you have time to heat up your griddle 🙂 I hope you give this recipe another try!
This was a great recipe! My kids absolutely loved it. It was rich though chocolate on chocolate with marshmallow whoa!
The perfect weekend indulgence or holiday breakfast 🙂 Happy to hear they were a hit!
Tried it tasted it and loved it ❣️ The sauce was perfect.. my siblings and their lil ones were over for a slumber party .. a perfect breakfast.. mess free and super yummy (tip: makes some extra always everyone will be wanting more it’s that good!!)
Looks delicious. We need to make a chitmil.
These turned out so fluffy, moist and delicious! I doubled the recipe since there are six of us. I made a couple small changes due to high altitude, decreased baking powder and soda. I made a marshmallow sauce instead of regular marshmallows. My family loved them!
Delicious my kids loved them:)
Do I have to let the batter rest?
Tried it last weekend..it was a hit with my 7year old.Thank you
Wow! Looks great Tessa. Should probably double my workout routine after eating it 🙂 Thanks
had to dive into this recipe from the photo on the front page of your site, what a fund recipe! Christmas, or really any other day works for me, thank you for this and for the tip that you wouldn’t necessarily make this every day but still delicious, kinda like lobster cheesecake, super-rich and crazy but still really good!
It looks so delicious! I like them!
Oh my gosh! Looks damn delicious. Do you have a youtube channel? I can’t make it as tasty as you did.
Want to try these for Christmas. Says serves 4 but does any one know about how many there are if about 4 inches?
Want to know something similar, how many pancakes per serving? The picture shows 5 so will this recipe make 20 pancakes?
Hi Katie! It’s been quite awhile since we made these pancakes, but it only makes about 8 pancakes. If you’re looking to serve a larger crowd, I recommend doubling the recipe. Tessa has lots of other pancake recipes, too, if you wish to check those out 🙂
If I wanted to make plain pancakes instead of the chocolate ones, how would the ingredients change for that? For example, the amount of butter
If you have one, why not give those marshmallows a quick toasting with a crème brulee torch!? I’m definitely going to try this recipe out on my boys this year!
Absolutely! I try not to use mine in too many blog posts since I know most people don’t have one in their kitchen.
Very inviting idea ! Great bright photos ! Thank you !