Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spoon or whisk until the batter just comes together. It’s okay if it’s a little lumpy—overmixing will make the pancakes dense.
Heat the skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter.
Cook the pancakes: Once the skillet is hot, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Cook until bubbles appear on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look set, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve: Stack your pancakes on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a dollop of Nutella!