Gather ingredients: flour, baking powder, salt, sugar (optional), milk, eggs, melted butter (or oil), vanilla (optional)
Mix dry ingredients: whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl
Mix wet ingredients: whisk milk, eggs, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla in a separate bowl
Combine: pour wet into dry and stir until just combined (small lumps are fine)
Rest batter (optional): let sit 5–10 minutes
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease
Cook: pour batter into pan, cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set
Flip: cook the other side until golden and cooked through
Serve: top with butter, syrup, fruit, or whipped cream