In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale yellow and airy.
Pour in the buttermilk, oil, vanilla paste, then whisk again until the oil is fully incorporated.
To the same bowl, fold in the all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and the protein powder (if you are using it) with a spatula.
Last, pour in the chocolate chips, then continue to slowly fold and combine. Careful not to over-mix - stop mixing once half of the flour and the chocolate chips are fully incorporated.
Heat up the griddle or frying pan with a tablespoon of butter, then add ½ cup of batter to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until the batter on the griddle or frying pan begins to form bubbles, then flip. Repeat and serve.
Notes
Use a medium to medium-low heat for making pancakes. This will eliminate burning. I also really like having an electric griddle to make pancakes. It's way easier to clean and you can make more pancakes at once.Do not over mix the batter. Over-mixing the batter will cause them to become flat and chewy.Use a spatula when folding in the dry ingredients. A spatula is way less abrasive than using a whisk. Pancake batter, similar to muffin batter, is delicate.Add in the chocolate chips as you are folding in the flour. Take your time to do this slowly, so that you don't overmix.