Whisk flour, brown sugar, salt, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl until combined.
In another bowl, vigorously whisk egg, milk, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla until incorporated.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients while whisking until the batter is smooth, then mix in chocolate chips.
Melt ½ tablespoon butter in a 10" or 12" skillet. Pour a quarter cup of the batter into the center of the pan, then cook over low heat until tiny bubbles form on the surface.
Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another minute or two on the other side. Repeat with the remaining batter, then top with maple syrup and serve!.
Notes
I don't like my pancakes too thick, so I prefer to make mine on the thinner side by tilting the pan after pouring the batter to spread it around. If you prefer thicker pancakes, you can add more than ¼ cup of batter per pancake.
If your pancakes are thicker than mine you may need to cook the second side a bit longer.
If you choose to omit the chocolate chips, you may want to add more sugar to compensate.
Although these pumpkin spice pancakes are better when they're fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within a couple of days.
Leftover pancakes can be reheated in the microwave orin a skillet.
If you love nuts, sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on the pancakes before serving.