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.
Very inviting idea ! Great bright photos ! Thank you !
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.
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
Want to try these for Christmas. Says serves 4 but does any one know about how many there are if about 4 inches?
Oh my gosh! Looks damn delicious. Do you have a youtube channel? I can’t make it as tasty as you did.
It looks so delicious! I like them!
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!
Wow! Looks great Tessa. Should probably double my workout routine after eating it 🙂 Thanks
Tried it last weekend..it was a hit with my 7year old.Thank you
Do I have to let the batter rest?
Delicious my kids loved them:)
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!
Looks delicious. We need to make a chitmil.
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!!)