# Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Butter or oil, for greasing the skillet or griddle
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Skillet or Griddle**: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want it to be hot enough to cook the pancakes evenly but not too hot that they burn.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
3. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using) until well combined.
4. **Combine**: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps in the batter are okay.
5. **Rest the Batter (Optional)**: Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and helps the pancakes become even fluffier.
6. **Grease the Skillet or Griddle**: Lightly grease the preheated skillet or griddle with butter or oil.
7. **Cook the Pancakes**: Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet or griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
8. **Flip the Pancakes**: Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. **Serve**: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep warm while you cook the remaining pancakes. Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
10. **Enjoy**: Enjoy your homemade fluffy pancakes as a delicious breakfast or brunch treat!
### Tips:
- Avoid pressing down on the pancakes with the spatula while they cook, as this can deflate them and make them less fluffy.
- For extra fluffy pancakes, you can separate the egg and whip the egg white to stiff peaks before folding it into the batter. This will add air to the batter and make the pancakes even lighter.
- You can customize the pancakes by adding mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the batter before cooking.
With this recipe, you'll be able to make perfectly fluffy pancakes every time. Enjoy!