McDonald's Hotcakes feature fluffy, golden-brown pancakes made from a soft, buttery batter, served warm and topped with melted butter and sweet maple syrup for a classic, comforting breakfast experience.
Equipments
- Griddle or flat-top grill
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle or measuring cup
- Spatula
- Plate
- Butter knife
- Syrup dispenser
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Butter (for topping)
- Maple syrup (for serving)
Using whole milk and melted unsalted butter in your batter ensures the pancakes stay moist and rich, replicating the creamy texture of McDonald's Hotcakes. Make sure to sift the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda to achieve a light and fluffy consistency. Fresh eggs and vanilla extract contribute to the batter's flavor depth, enhancing the overall taste. You may want to keep the batter slightly thick to form perfect golden-brown pancakes on your griddle without spreading too thin. Your Hotcakes from McDonald's copycat menu will delight with their signature softness and classic maple syrup finish.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat griddle or flat-top grill to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract; whisk to combine.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients; gently whisk until just combined (do not overmix).
- Lightly grease griddle with butter.
- Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour batter onto griddle in 4-5 inch circles.
- Cook until bubbles form on surface and edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip pancakes with spatula and cook another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer pancakes to a plate.
- Top hotcakes with butter using a butter knife.
- Serve immediately with maple syrup from syrup dispenser.
Substitution
McDonald's Hotcakes copycat recipe replicates the soft, fluffy texture and buttery flavor of the iconic pancakes, perfect for a homemade breakfast treat. If you don't have whole milk, you can substitute with any milk variety like 2% or almond milk, though this may slightly affect richness. When melted butter is unavailable, use vegetable oil or melted margarine as a replacement in the batter. Your griddle or flat-top grill should be preheated to medium heat to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. Use a ladle or measuring cup for consistent pancake size, and flip the hotcakes gently with a spatula to maintain their fluffiness.
Tips
Ensure your griddle maintains a consistent temperature of 375degF (190degC) to achieve evenly cooked, golden-brown hotcakes. Mixing the batter gently without overmixing preserves fluffiness by preventing gluten development. Use a ladle for uniform pancake sizes, and wait for bubbles on the surface before flipping to avoid undercooked centers. You can enhance your hotcakes by topping them with butter right before serving, then drizzle with maple syrup for a perfect balance of flavor.
Nutritions
McDonald's Hotcakes provide a source of carbohydrates primarily from the all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, fueling your energy needs. Each serving contains protein from eggs and whole milk, contributing to muscle repair and satiety throughout the morning. The melted butter and maple syrup add fats and sugars, which elevate the calorie content but should be enjoyed in moderation to balance your diet. You can customize toppings to better suit your nutritional goals by opting for alternatives like fresh fruit or reduced-sugar syrup.
Storage
To keep your McDonald's Hotcakes fresh, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place wrapped hotcakes in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on a griddle or microwave to maintain their fluffy texture before serving with butter and syrup.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute whole milk with buttermilk to add a tangy flavor and create even fluffier pancakes, while using baking powder alone can simplify the leavening process. For a richer taste, replace melted unsalted butter with browned butter in the batter. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice twist. If you prefer a healthier option, swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, adjusting the liquid slightly to maintain batter consistency.
Allergies
McDonald's Hotcakes contain common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour, dairy from whole milk and butter, and eggs, which may trigger reactions in sensitive individuals. If you have allergies to gluten, milk proteins, or eggs, it's important to avoid these pancakes or seek allergen-free alternatives. Always check ingredient labels and inform your server to protect your health and safety.
Why this recipe?
McDonald's Hotcakes menu is beloved for its perfect balance of fluffy texture, sweet syrup, and buttery flavor, creating a satisfying breakfast experience. The consistent quality and nostalgic appeal make it a favorite among diverse age groups. Replicating this recipe at home allows you to customize sweetness and toppings while saving money. Enjoying your own version provides a convenient and delicious start to the day tailored to your preferences.