Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts: The Ultimate Breakfast Treat

Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts: Prepare to have your breakfast world turned upside down! Imagine the fluffy, comforting goodness of a chocolate chip pancake, but in the fun, portable form of a donut. Yes, you read that right! We’re taking two beloved breakfast staples and merging them into one utterly irresistible treat.

While the exact origins of pancake donuts are a bit hazy (likely born from a late-night craving and a spark of genius!), the concept draws on the universal appeal of both pancakes and donuts. Pancakes, with their humble beginnings as simple griddle cakes, have evolved into a weekend brunch staple enjoyed worldwide. Donuts, on the other hand, boast a rich history, with variations found across cultures and centuries. Combining these two breakfast titans feels like a natural progression, a delicious evolution of comfort food.

What’s not to love? These chocolate chip pancake donuts offer the perfect balance of textures: a soft, cakey interior with a slightly crisp exterior. The chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weekday breakfast or a fun weekend project with the kids. Forget choosing between pancakes and donuts – now you can have the best of both worlds!

this RECIPE

Ingredients:

• For the Pancake Donut Batter:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (or milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• For the Chocolate Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 4-6 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream for a richer glaze)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• For Frying:
• Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
• Optional Toppings:
• Sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped nuts
• Sea salt flakes

Preparing the Pancake Donut Batter

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the baking powder and soda work properly, giving your donuts a nice rise.
2. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The buttermilk adds a lovely tang and helps to create a tender donut. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes until it slightly curdles.
3. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough donuts. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
4. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference.
5. Rest the Batter (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in a lighter and fluffier donut.

Frying the Pancake Donuts

1. Prepare Your Frying Station: Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil or canola oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Make sure you have enough oil to fully submerge the donuts. Place a wire rack lined with paper towels next to the pot to drain the fried donuts.
2. Heat the Oil: Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Maintaining the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and preventing the donuts from becoming greasy. If the oil is too hot, the donuts will brown too quickly on the outside and remain raw on the inside. If the oil is not hot enough, the donuts will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
3. Fill a Piping Bag (or Use Spoons): Transfer the pancake donut batter to a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a large zip-top bag and snip off a corner. Alternatively, you can use two spoons to carefully drop the batter into the hot oil.
4. Pipe or Drop the Batter: Carefully pipe or drop the batter into the hot oil, forming donut shapes. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature. I usually fry 3-4 donuts at a time, depending on the size of my pot.
5. Fry Until Golden Brown: Fry the donuts for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or spider to carefully flip the donuts halfway through the cooking time.
6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried donuts from the oil and place them on the prepared wire rack to drain excess oil.
7. Repeat: Repeat the frying process with the remaining batter, making sure to maintain the oil temperature. If the oil temperature drops too low, wait a few minutes for it to heat back up before adding more donuts.

Making the Chocolate Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. The salt helps to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
2. Add Milk (or Heavy Cream): Gradually add the milk (or heavy cream), one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the glaze reaches a smooth and pourable consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid depending on the humidity and the consistency of your powdered sugar.
3. Stir in Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.

Glazing and Decorating the Donuts

1. Glaze the Donuts: Dip the warm donuts into the chocolate glaze, coating them evenly. You can dip them halfway or fully submerge them, depending on your preference.
2. Add Toppings (Optional): Immediately sprinkle the glazed donuts with your desired toppings, such as sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sea salt flakes. The glaze will set quickly, so it’s important to add the toppings right away.
3. Let the Glaze Set: Place the glazed and decorated donuts back on the wire rack and let the glaze set completely before serving. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Pancake Donuts

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough donuts. Mix until just combined, leaving a few lumps.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed. The ideal temperature is 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pot, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy donuts.
• Drain Excess Oil: Place the fried donuts on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Glaze While Warm: Glaze the donuts while they are still warm, as the glaze will adhere better.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to create your own unique donut flavors.
• Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh.

Variations and Additions

• Cinnamon Sugar Donuts: Instead of chocolate glaze, toss the warm donuts in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
• Maple Glazed Donuts: Make a maple glaze by substituting maple syrup for some of the milk in the chocolate glaze recipe.
• Add Spices to the Batter: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the batter for a warm and cozy flavor.
• Fruit Flavored Donuts: Add mashed bananas, blueberries, or raspberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
• Savory Donuts: Omit the sugar from the batter and add shredded cheese, herbs, and spices for a savory donut.

Troubleshooting

• Donuts are greasy: The oil temperature was likely too low. Make sure to maintain the correct temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Donuts are browning too quickly: The oil temperature was likely too high. Lower the heat and monitor the temperature.
• Donuts are tough: The batter was likely overmixed. Mix until just combined.
• Donuts are not rising: The baking powder or baking soda may be old or expired. Make sure to use fresh ingredients.
• Glaze is too thick: Add a little more milk.
• Glaze is too thin: Add a little more powdered sugar.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a breakfast revolution! These Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts are a must-try because they perfectly blend the comforting familiarity of pancakes with the fun and indulgence of donuts. Imagine biting into a warm, fluffy donut that tastes exactly like your favorite chocolate chip pancakes – that’s the magic we’ve created here. They’re quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving them to a hungry family on a weekend morning or bringing a unique treat to a brunch gathering.

But the best part? They’re incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to recipe, feel free to experiment and make them your own. For a truly decadent experience, try dipping them in melted chocolate and sprinkling them with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk adds a touch of sweetness and elegance. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.

Serving suggestions are endless. These Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a side of fresh fruit, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. For a more savory twist, consider serving them alongside crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced and satisfying breakfast. They’re also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or enjoying as an afternoon snack.

And don’t forget the coffee! A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect complement to these sweet and fluffy donuts. For the kids (or the young at heart), a glass of cold milk or a refreshing juice is a great option.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a new family favorite. It’s simple enough for even beginner bakers to master, yet impressive enough to wow your guests. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible, and the possibilities for customization are endless.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven (or get your air fryer ready!), and prepare to embark on a delicious culinary adventure. I’m confident that you’ll love these Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts as much as I do.

Once you’ve tried them, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Let’s create a community of donut lovers and inspire each other with our delicious creations. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite! I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on this delightful recipe. After all, the best recipes are the ones that are made with love and a little bit of imagination. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help you along the way. Enjoy!