Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl until well combined. No clumps—unless you enjoy tiny flour snowflakes, then go wild.
In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla together. This is your liquid dream team.
Pour the wet into the dry. Stir just until the batter comes together. A few lumps are fine; overmixing makes tougher pancakes.
Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of batter sizzles.
Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on top and edges look set, about 2–3 minutes.
Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden. If you hear a dramatic hiss, that’s just you conquering breakfast.
Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with the rest of the batter. Bask in the aroma and pretend you’re a brunch pro.