Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by assembling your ingredients and tools. Ensure your frying pan or griddle is ready for cooking over medium heat. Preheat the pan while you prepare the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly blend these dry ingredients together. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents (baking powder) and flavors.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined. The melted butter adds richness to the batter while the vanilla extract offers a hint of aromatic sweetness.
- Combine Mixtures: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into it. Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine and will contribute to fluffier pancakes.
- Cooking Pancakes: Add a small amount of butter or oil to the preheated pan or griddle. Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the batter onto the cooking surface, creating circles of your desired size. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges start to look set, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: Once the bubbles have formed and the edges appear set, gently flip the pancakes using a spatula. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the pancakes are golden brown and cooked through.
- Keep Warm: As you cook additional batches, place the finished pancakes on a plate and keep them warm by covering with a clean kitchen towel or aluminum foil. This step ensures your pancakes stay warm and fluffy until serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the pancakes on individual plates and top with your favorite toppings. Fresh berries, a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar are delightful choices to enhance the flavor and presentation of your breakfast.
- Variations: Get creative with your pancakes! Add chocolate chips, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or a dash of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
These fluffy pancakes are a fantastic breakfast option, perfect for a leisurely weekend morning or as a special treat any day of the week. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating a homemade breakfast that’s sure to become a family favorite!