Old-Fashioned Pancakes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for cooking)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are well combined and that your pancakes will rise evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—don’t overmix! Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.
4. Cook the Pancakes:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Once the pan is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.
5. Serve:
Serve the pancakes hot, stacked high and topped with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a pat of butter.
Tips:
Make them thicker: For even fluffier pancakes, you can use less milk (start with 1 cup), or add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder.
Add-ins: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the batter, like chocolate chips, blueberries, or banana slices, for a fun twist.
Keep them warm: If making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F/90°C) while you cook the rest.
Serving Suggestions:
Toppings: Top your pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Sides: Serve with crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or fresh fruit for a complete breakfast.