Fluffy Golden Pancakes — Soft, Thick, and Incredibly Airy

Fluffy Golden Pancakes — Soft, Thick

Table of Contents

These pancakes are the definition of comfort: soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and perfectly risen every single time. The secret lies in the balance of flour, baking powder, and liquid, along with a short resting period that allows the batter to thicken and the leavening to activate. Whether you’re preparing a weekend brunch or a quick morning treat, this recipe guarantees consistent, bakery-style pancakes that never fail.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, but enhances flavor and browning)
  • 1 ¼ cups milk (adjust with 1–2 tablespoons more if batter becomes too thick)
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
This step ensures the baking powder is distributed evenly throughout the batter, helping the pancakes rise uniformly and preventing flat, dense results.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, and melted butter until smooth.
Make sure the butter is warm—not hot—to avoid cooking the egg.

3. Mix Wet and Dry (Gently!)

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently until the batter just comes together.
A few small lumps are completely normal and even desirable; overmixing can make pancakes tough.

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4. Rest the Batter

Allow the batter to sit for 5–10 minutes.
This short rest helps the flour hydrate, thickens the mixture, and activates the baking powder, making your pancakes puffier and softer.

5. Cook the Pancakes

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
  2. Lightly butter the surface to create crisp, golden edges.
  3. Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake.
  4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges begin to set.
  5. Flip carefully and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

6. Serve

Enjoy immediately with butter, maple syrup, honey, berries, bananas, nuts, or any toppings you love.
These pancakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently in a pan or toaster for later.