First Step: PREPARE THE PANCAKE BATTER

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Add the Wet to the Dry: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently as you go. Mix until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense pancakes.
4. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps it thicken slightly and ensures a fluffier texture when cooking.

Second Step: COOK THE DANISH PANCAKES

1. Prepare the Æbleskiver Pan: Danish pancakes are traditionally cooked in a special pan called an Æbleskiver pan, which has round indentations for cooking the pancakes in their signature spherical shape. If you don’t have an Æbleskiver pan, you can use a mini muffin tin or a similar pan with round cups, but the results won’t be exactly the same.

   Lightly grease the Æbleskiver pan with butter or oil. Make sure each indentation is well-greased to prevent sticking.

2. Heat the Pan: Place the Æbleskiver pan over medium heat and let it warm up for a few minutes. You want the pan to be hot, but not smoking.
3. Pour in the Batter: Once the pan is hot, spoon or pour about 1-2 tablespoons of batter into each indentation. If you’re adding a filling, place a small dollop of fruit jam, Nutella, or chocolate chips in the center of each pancake after adding the batter.
4. Cook the Pancakes: Let the pancakes cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges start to set and the bottom is golden brown.
5. Flip the Pancakes: The fun part of cooking Danish pancakes is flipping them. Using a skewer, fork, or chopstick, carefully flip each pancake. Turn them in the pan until they are fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. This typically takes another 2-3 minutes.
6. Repeat: Continue cooking the pancakes in batches until all the batter is used. Make sure to grease the pan lightly between batches to prevent sticking.

Third Step: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve Warm: Once the pancakes are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a serving plate. Dust the Danish pancakes with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
2. Add Toppings: Top your pancakes with whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup, or serve them with additional jam or Nutella for an indulgent treat.
3. Enjoy: These Danish pancakes are best served warm, right after cooking. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior will make every bite a delicious experience.