If you love the fluffy pancakes from McDonald's, this easy copycat recipe lets you enjoy them at home anytime. With a soft texture, lightly sweet flavor, and golden edges, these pancakes are just like the ones you’d get from the drive-thru—only fresher.
As a child, I loved McDonald’s hotcakes and sausage patties—it was always a special treat. McDonald’s has long been known for its satisfying breakfast menu, and their pancakes are a standout favorite. This copycat version brings that same nostalgic flavor home, making it one of the best pancake recipes to serve your entire family on a cozy morning in.
These pancakes go great with an Iced Coffee or a Cotton Candy Frappuccino! You can also find my other great breakfast recipes for other inspiring ideas.
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Ingredients
This recipe uses simple pantry staples to recreate the flavor and texture of McDonald’s famous hotcakes. Each ingredient plays a role in achieving the signature fluffiness and slight sweetness that makes them so crave-worthy.
- All-purpose flour forms the base of the batter and gives the pancakes structure.
- White sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to mimic McDonald's hotcakes.
- Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, helping the pancakes rise and stay fluffy.
- Salt enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Milk adds moisture and helps create a smooth, pourable batter.
- Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to the rich texture.
- Vegetable oil keeps the pancakes tender and prevents them from drying out.
- Vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the sweetness.
Suggested Toppings
- a pat of butter
- a drizzle of maple syrup
- freshly-cut fruit such as strawberries or bananas
- any of your other favorite toppings for pancakes!
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Start by preheating your griddle or frying pan over medium-low heat so it’s ready when your batter is done.
Step 1
In one bowl, mix together the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 2
In another bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
Step 3
Slowly combine the wet mixture with the dry, stirring just until blended. The batter should be thick but pourable.
Step 4
Grease your hot pan with butter, oil, or cooking spray. Pour about ½ cup of batter into the center and cook until bubbles form and the edges start to set.
Step 5
Flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden. Repeat the process until all the batter is used.
Step 6
Serve warm with your favorite toppings
Hint: If your pancakes are getting too brown or have burnt edges, try turning down the heat. You can also use a different pan (my traditional non-stick works better than my Hexclad), or a different way to grease the pan. I find pancake edges burn more easily if I use butter rather than cooking spray.
Substitutions
To make this copycat McDonald’s pancake recipe a bit healthier, you can try a few simple substitutions:
- Whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour adds fiber and nutrients while still producing fluffy pancakes.
- Honey or maple syrup can replace white sugar for a more natural sweetener—just reduce the liquid slightly to compensate.
- Unsweetened almond milk or skim milk can be used in place of whole milk to lower calories and fat.
- Applesauce can replace some or all of the oil to reduce fat while keeping the pancakes moist.
- Egg whites or an egg substitute can be used to cut down on cholesterol.
These changes may slightly alter the taste and texture but still yield a delicious, lighter version your family can enjoy.
Variations
Adding variations to this recipe is an easy way to keep breakfast exciting and customize it for different tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter. For best results, add them after pouring the batter onto the griddle to avoid streaks.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into each pancake while it cooks on the first side for even distribution and gooey pockets of chocolate.
- Banana Pancakes: Add thin banana slices directly onto the pancakes as they cook, or mash a ripe banana into the batter for added moisture and flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Swirl a simple mix of cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter into the batter while cooking for a fun twist.
- Nutty Pancakes: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a bit of crunch and added protein.
These mix-ins can be used alone or combined to create a breakfast your family will look forward to.
Equipment
To make these pancakes at home, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls – One large mixing bowl for dry ingredients and another for wet.
- Wire Whisk – Helps combine ingredients evenly and adds air to keep the batter light.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
- Hot griddle or nonstick skillet – A flat, even-heating surface is key to golden, evenly cooked pancakes.
- Spatula – For flipping pancakes without tearing them.
These tools make prep and cooking simple, even if you're making pancakes for the whole family.
Serving Suggestions
These pancakes are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with your favorite toppings. A classic option is a pat of butter and a generous drizzle of maple syrup for that traditional diner-style flavor. For a McDonald’s-style breakfast at home, serve them with crispy sausage patties or strips of bacon on the side.
If you're looking to mix things up, try topping the pancakes with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. You can also get creative with flavored syrups, chocolate chips, or a smear of peanut butter for a more filling option. Whether you're serving a weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, these pancakes pair well with just about anything.
Storage
These pancakes store well and can be enjoyed later with minimal effort. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, use the microwave, toaster, or a warm skillet until heated through—no need to thaw first.
Top tip
Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until the ingredients are combined and still a bit lumpy. Overmixing can make the pancakes dense instead of light and fluffy, which is key to getting that classic McDonald’s texture.
FAQ
The addition of baking powder, a leavening agent, contributes to the fluffiness. The thickness of the batter helps as well.
Yep! They are just two different terms for the same breakfast staple we know and love.
Yes, McDonald's uses real butter. You can do the same, or feel free to substitute margarine or your favorite spread.
Recipe
Copycat McDonald's Pancake Recipe
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- griddle or frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place your griddle or frying pan on your stove burner set to medium-low heat. Allow the pan to preheat while you make the batter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to thoroughly combine, then set aside.1 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ cup white sugar
- In the other mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients: milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.2 cups milk, 2 eggs, ¼ cup vegetable oil, ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Slowly pour the liquid ingredients into the mixing bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring as you go. Mix until completely combined, but don't over mix. The batter should still be lumpy.
- The batter should be thick; if it's not, you'll get thin, harder pancakes. However, if it's too thick to pour, you can add a touch more milk. Just don't overdo it!
- Coat your griddle/pan with butter or oil, or use a butter-flavored cooking spray such as Pam. Pour about ½ cup of the batter into the middle of the pan.
- Cook until you begin to see bubbles in the batter. You can check the doneness by lifting the edge of the pancake to look underneath. This should take 1-3 minutes. When ready, use a spatula to flip the pancake.
- Continue cooking for another 30 seconds - 1 minute, to brown the other side of the pancake. Remove to a plate.
- Repeat steps 6-8 until you run out of batter!
Nutrition
Food safety
Following these safety tips can help make breakfast prep safe and stress-free.
- Use caution with hot surfaces. Griddles and frying pans can get very hot, so always use oven mitts if needed and keep handles turned inward to prevent accidental bumps.
- Watch for splatters. When adding batter to a greased pan, do so gently to avoid hot oil or butter from splattering.
- Supervise children. If kids are helping in the kitchen, supervise closely—especially around the stove. Let them assist with mixing or measuring instead of cooking.
- Clean spills promptly. Batter or oil on the floor can be slippery, so clean up any drips right away to prevent accidents.
- Following these tips can help make breakfast prep safe and stress-free.
Making McDonald’s-style pancakes at home is easier than you might think, and the results are just as satisfying. With simple ingredients and a quick prep time, this copycat recipe is perfect for creating a warm, nostalgic breakfast the whole family will love. Drop a comment below to let us know what you think!
Patti
This is a really delicious pancake recipe. (Way better than McDonald's for what it's worth!) I left out the vanilla extract because I don't have any, and it tasted just fine without it.