If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the soft, fluffy pancakes served at McDonald’s, you’re in luck! This simple recipe brings the taste and texture of those delicious pancakes right to your kitchen. Made with a handful of ingredients and ready in just 20 minutes, this breakfast is the perfect way to start your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Copycat McDonald's Pancakes offer the perfect balance of fluffiness and flavor. They taste just like the ones you get at the fast-food giant, with a subtle sweetness and a soft, pillowy texture. The best part is, you don’t need a griddle or fancy equipment—just a skillet and a few basic ingredients. Whether you’re making them for a family breakfast or a quick treat, these pancakes are a sure winner. And, they’re ready in no time, meaning you can enjoy a restaurant-quality breakfast at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ½ tablespoon oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should have a few lumps. -
Cook the Pancakes:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease it with oil or butter, spreading it evenly with a paper towel. Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Carefully flip the pancake and cook for another minute or until golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining batter. -
Serve:
Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, or any of your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 pancakes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent breakfast.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use a flax egg instead of a regular egg.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes: Swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a slightly denser texture with more fiber.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Replace the regular milk with buttermilk for a tangier, fluffier pancake.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftover pancakes, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Alternatively, you can reheat them on a griddle or in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes on each side.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pancakes. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave or warm them in a skillet as needed.
FAQs
1. Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pancake batter and store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste!
2. How can I make the pancakes fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine!
3. Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these pancakes gluten-free.
4. Can I add fruit to the pancake batter?
Absolutely! Blueberries, bananas, or even strawberries make excellent additions to the batter. Just fold them in gently before cooking.
5. How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the skillet?
Make sure to preheat your skillet properly and grease it lightly with oil or butter. You can also use a non-stick pan to make flipping easier.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you're serving more people. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you're making a larger batch.
7. What should I do if the pancakes are browning too quickly?
If the pancakes are browning too fast, lower the heat slightly. Cooking on medium-low heat will give them a golden brown color without burning.
8. Can I use a different type of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute white sugar with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
9. How can I make these pancakes dairy-free?
Simply swap the milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.
10. Can I freeze these pancakes?
Yes, these pancakes freeze well. Once cooked and cooled, stack them with parchment paper between each pancake and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
These Copycat McDonald’s Pancakes are the perfect way to recreate a fast-food favorite in your own kitchen. Fluffy, light, and delicious, they are sure to become a breakfast staple. With just a few simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy the classic taste of McDonald's pancakes any day of the week. Whether you’re serving them with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, this recipe will satisfy your cravings for a comforting and indulgent breakfast.
Copycat McDonald’s Pancake Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 pancakes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the soft and fluffy pancakes from McDonald's at home with this simple Copycat McDonald’s Pancake Recipe. These pancakes are just like the ones from your favorite fast-food chain – deliciously light, perfectly sweet, and easy to make in 20 minutes. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or as a treat, these pancakes are sure to impress!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 ½ tbsp oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Batter:
In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined (the batter should still have a few lumps). -
Cook the Pancakes:
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease with oil or butter. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and edges set, then flip and cook for another minute or until golden brown. -
Serve:
Stack the pancakes and serve with butter, maple syrup, whipped cream, or any toppings of your choice.
Notes
- To make the pancakes fluffier, avoid overmixing the batter.
- Add fruits like blueberries or bananas to the batter for a fruity twist.
- For a dairy-free version, swap milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
