Craving those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth McDonald's Hotcakes but don't want to leave the house? This recipe brings the iconic breakfast treat right to your kitchen! Forget fast-food lines and enjoy a warm, delicious stack of homemade hotcakes, any time you want. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend brunches, offering a quick and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. It's one of those delicious dishes that's surprisingly simple to make. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Beating the egg well before adding it helps create a light and airy batter.
Make the Batter:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes.
Cook the Hotcakes:
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Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
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Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your McDonald's-style hotcakes immediately with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, whipped cream, fruit, or chocolate chips.
Tips for Perfect Hotcakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Letting the batter rest for 5-10 minutes allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're taking too long to cook, increase the heat.
- Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
Variations:
- Buttermilk Hotcakes: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangier flavor.
- Blueberry Hotcakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Hotcakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet treat.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 6-8g
This homemade McDonald's Hotcakes recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic breakfast treat without the fast-food experience. It's a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your quick dinner ideas or weekend brunch repertoire. Try it out and let us know what you think! Happy cooking!