In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar (if using), and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Stir gently until just combined. The batter will be lumpy—that’s okay! Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of fluffy.
