These fluffy pancakes are made from scratch using basic pantry staples—flour, baking powder, eggs, and milk—and deliver a light, tender crumb every time. Room-temperature ingredients and proper mixing technique are the keys to maximum height.
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In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar.
Whisk the dry ingredients together.
Add the room temperature eggs, whole milk, cooled melted butter, and vanilla extract to the bowl.
Whisk the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat (around 300°F).
Lightly grease the griddle with neutral oil or clarified butter, wiping off any excess with a paper towel.
Ladle the pancake batter onto the hot griddle to your desired size.
Cook for about 1.5 minutes on the first side, until bubbles start to break on the surface and the edges look set.
Flip the pancakes and cook for another minute until golden brown.
Serve the pancakes warm, stacked with butter, fresh strawberries, maple syrup, and a dusting of confectioners' sugar.
Store cooled pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months; reheat in a 350°F oven or toaster.
Overmixing the batter develops gluten and deflates air bubbles. Mix until just combined with visible lumps remaining. Also ensure baking powder hasn't expired.
Mix dry ingredients ahead, but combine wet and dry ingredients just before cooking. Batter sitting too long will lose leavening power and result in flat pancakes.
Heat your griddle to medium or medium-high until a drop of water beads and rolls. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too cool and pancakes spread flat.
Yes, buttermilk works well and adds subtle tang. Reduce baking powder slightly to 2 tsp to account for buttermilk's acidity.
Wait until bubbles form on the surface and edges look slightly dry before flipping. Flip only once for the fluffiest result.
