Gather ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda (optional), salt, sugar (optional), eggs, milk, yogurt or buttermilk (optional), melted butter or neutral oil, vanilla extract (optional)
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda (if using), salt, and sugar (if using)
In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk (and buttermilk/yogurt if using), melted butter/oil, and vanilla (if using)
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold just until combined; small lumps are fine
Let batter rest 5–10 minutes
Lightly grease the pan if needed
Scoop batter onto the hot pan (use about 1/4 cup per pancake)
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges look set, 2–3 minutes
Flip once and cook until golden and cooked through, 1–2 minutes more
Serve immediately; keep warm on a low oven rack if making a batch