Pancakes Recipe

Combine dry ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and fine salt until evenly distributed.

Mix wet ingredients

In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until homogenous.

Combine wet and dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold until just combined. Small lumps are fine — do not overmix or the pancakes will be tough. Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the leaveners to hydrate and the batter to relax.

Adjust consistency (if needed)

After resting, the batter should be pourable but not thin like crepe batter. If it's too thick, stir in up to 2 tablespoons of additional buttermilk. If too thin, add 1 tablespoon flour at a time until the desired thickness is reached.

Preheat skillet or griddle

Set a heavy skillet or electric griddle over medium heat and allow it to come to temperature (about 3–5 minutes). The surface should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly.

Prepare the surface

Brush the skillet lightly with the vegetable oil and melt the tablespoon of unsalted butter, tilting the pan to coat. Wipe out excess so the surface is evenly coated but not greasy.

Cook pancakes

Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup (or an ice cream scoop), pour batter onto the hot skillet, spacing pancakes at least 1 inch apart. Cook until bubbles form across the surface and the edges look set, 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook the second side until golden brown and cooked through, another 1–2 minutes. Adjust heat as needed so pancakes brown evenly without burning. Repeat, brushing the skillet with a little more butter or oil between batches.

Keep warm

If making multiple batches, keep finished pancakes warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish cooking the rest.

Serve

Stack pancakes and serve immediately with maple syrup, fresh berries or fruit if using, and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.