Chocolate for breakfast? Yeah, it’s happening, and honestly, why not? These recipes ditch the boring stuff and give you the perfect excuse to start your morning with something sweet. Whether it’s muffins, waffles, or even oatmeal, you can sneak in some chocolate without a second thought. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these breakfast ideas are all about starting the day the right way—with plenty of chocolate.
Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oatmeal
Slow cooker steel-cut oats with chocolate and cherries are ready when you wake up. It’s a comforting, chocolate-filled breakfast that feels like a treat but is perfect for those cold mornings when you want something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oatmeal
Chocolate Pancakes
Pancakes loaded with chocolate and protein, these are perfect for a quick breakfast that doesn’t skip out on flavor. Simple ingredients and great for mornings when you need something sweet that’s also good for you.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Pancakes
Triple Chocolate Steel Cut Oats
This creamy steel-cut oatmeal has three kinds of chocolate, so yes, it’s like dessert for breakfast. Rich, chewy, and sure to satisfy any chocolate craving first thing in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Triple Chocolate Steel Cut Oats
Chocolate Baked Oats
Baked oats get a chocolate upgrade with this simple blender recipe. It’s basically cake for breakfast, and the fact that it’s vegan and gluten-free makes it even better. Prepped in minutes and baked to perfection.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Baked Oats
Chocolate Waffles
Crispy on the edges, soft in the middle, and topped with a peanut butter drizzle—these chocolate waffles are a fun way to kick off your day. Whether you’re enjoying them solo or serving them up for family brunch, they’re a perfect chocolate-packed breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Waffles
Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Start your morning with these muffins packed with banana, cocoa, and chocolate chips. They’re perfect for when you need a quick breakfast with a chocolate fix. Soft, moist, and packed with flavor, they make a great excuse to sneak chocolate into your morning routine.
Get the Recipe: Double Chocolate Banana Muffins
Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Chocolate for breakfast? Absolutely. This bread pudding is a breeze to make and is packed with chocolate chips. The crispy top and gooey custard make this feel more like a dessert, but who’s judging when you have a breakfast this good? Ready in 45 minutes, too!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding
Nutella & Dark Chocolate Stuffed French Toast
Nutella and dark chocolate in French toast? Yes, please. This recipe is a must when you need a breakfast that’s not messing around. Chocolate for breakfast never tasted better, especially when paired with a berry compote for a nice kick.
Get the Recipe: Nutella & Dark Chocolate Stuffed French Toast
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas in one loaf? Yep, this is the breakfast dream team. The bread is soft and packed with peanut butter chips, making it perfect for those mornings when you need something sweet to get your day started right.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread
Chocolate Ricotta Cake
Who says cake isn’t for breakfast? This chocolate ricotta cake is rich, creamy, and easy to whip up. Made with ricotta and cacao powder, it’s a great way to enjoy a chocolate-packed start to the day without feeling like you’re having dessert too early.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Ricotta Cake
Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Perfect for busy mornings, these overnight oats let you do all the work the night before. The creamy combo of chocolate and peanut butter makes them a solid choice when you want a breakfast that feels like dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Smooth Blended Chocolate Chia Mousse
Breakfast or snack? You decide. This creamy chocolate chia mousse skips the seed texture but keeps the chocolate goodness. Smooth, rich, and perfect for when you’re craving something a little fancy in the morning but don’t want to work too hard for it.
Get the Recipe: Smooth Blended Chocolate Chia Mousse
Brownie Waffles
Brownies for breakfast? Absolutely. Turn a box of brownie mix into waffles and top them with whatever you’re in the mood for—chocolate syrup, strawberries, or even a scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling bold. Easy to make and a perfect way to justify dessert for breakfast.
Get the Recipe: Brownie Waffles
Chocolate Crepes with Strawberries
These chocolate crepes are a great way to turn breakfast into something special. The combination of chocolate, strawberries, and caramel sauce makes this one of those meals that might just feel a little too good for breakfast—except it isn’t!
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Crepes with Strawberries
Chocolate Chia Pudding
Start your day with a pudding that feels indulgent but is actually breakfast-approved. With just a few simple ingredients, this chocolate chia pudding is quick to prepare and perfect for adding your favorite toppings like berries or coconut.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Chia Pudding
Easy Chocolate Almond Croissants
Turn day-old croissants into something magical with this quick recipe. Stuff them with almond filling and chocolate, bake until they’re golden, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels like it came straight from a bakery. A perfect excuse to have chocolate in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Easy Chocolate Almond Croissants
Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole
This make-ahead French toast casserole is packed with chocolate and strawberries. It’s perfect for holiday mornings or just a lazy weekend when you want to prep something the night before and enjoy a sweet, chocolatey breakfast without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Strawberry French Toast Casserole
Nutella Filled Biscuit Bites
Soft biscuit dough filled with Nutella and dusted in sugar—what’s not to love? These biscuit bites are easy to make and perfect for a breakfast treat that lets you indulge in chocolate first thing in the morning.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Filled Biscuit Bites
Fluffy Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Nutella and cinnamon in fluffy rolls, topped with cream cheese frosting. These gooey cinnamon rolls are perfect for mornings when you want to treat yourself to something a little extra. Great with coffee, and even better when shared (or not).
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Nutella Cinnamon Rolls
Baked Chocolate Donuts
No frying necessary—these baked chocolate donuts are perfect when you’re craving a morning treat. With a rich cocoa base and a smooth chocolate glaze, they’re great for breakfast without all the grease. Pop them in the oven and enjoy your chocolate fix.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chocolate Donuts
Dark Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Parfaits
Layer chocolate avocado pudding and cherry chia pudding into parfait cups for a breakfast that feels a little fancy but is easy to throw together. Great for a chocolate-packed start to your day, and the cherries add a nice touch of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Dark Chocolate Cherry Chia Pudding Parfaits
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pastry
Pastry, caramel, pecans, and melted chocolate—this pastry is everything you want for a sweet breakfast that’s easy to enjoy on the go. Make it when you need a reason to start your morning with dessert-like vibes.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pastry
Healthy Chocolate Chip Muffins
Healthy muffins with chocolate chips? Yes, please. These muffins swap out some traditional sugars for honey, giving you a great reason to enjoy chocolate for breakfast without any guilt. Easy to make, and just as tasty as the classic version.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chocolate Chip Muffins
High Protein Chia Seed Pudding
Packed with protein, this chia seed pudding is great for those mornings when you need something filling but still want a touch of chocolate. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a breakfast win.
Get the Recipe: High Protein Chia Seed Pudding
Nutella Swirl Bread
Whether you’re having it with coffee or as a quick breakfast, Nutella swirl bread brings chocolatey goodness to your morning. The dough is easy to work with, and it freezes well, making it a great choice for a quick, sweet breakfast whenever you want it.
Get the Recipe: Nutella Swirl Bread
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.