How to Make Silver Dollar Pancakes

What Are Silver Dollar Pancakes?

Silver dollar pancakes get their name because they’re about the same size as an old-school silver dollar coin, tiny, round, and super cute. Back in the day, those coins were about 1½ inches across, and these little pancakes matched perfectly. They cook up fast, get those slightly crisp edges, and are the perfect size for stacking, dipping in syrup, or just popping in your mouth. Even though we don’t see silver dollars much anymore, the name stuck, and now it’s just a fun way to talk about these mini breakfast treats.

How big are silver dollar pancakes?

Silver dollar pancakes are just mini pancakes, roughly 2–3 inches across, about the size of an old silver dollar coin. You make them the same way you would regular pancakes, but instead of using a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the batter, you use a tablespoon or large spoon. This gives you cute, bite-sized pancakes that are fluffy, cook up quickly, and are perfect for stacking or dipping in syrup.

What you'll need to make Silver Dollars Pancakes

You only need a few simple ingredients to make these fluffy pancakes!

• Flour. We are using all purpose flour for these, but you can use cake flour or self rising flour if preferred.
• Baking powder. This is the leavening agent to make the pancakes light and fluffy. Don't confuse it with baking soda, or your pancakes won't rise properly!
• Pure vanilla extract. For some extra flavor.
• Large egg. You will need two large eggs to keep the pancake batter together.
• Melted butter. Coconut oil or vegetable oil can be used instead.

See printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Silver Dollar Pancakes

Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, and set it aside.
Step 2: In a second large bowl, whisk the wet ingredients until smooth. Then, add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients, and mix until combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps left in the batter!

Step 3: Heat a griddle or large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a pat of butter, and let it melt. Then, add a tablespoon of batter to the pan, and cook until small bubbles begin to form. Flip, and continue to cook until both sides are golden brown.

Step 4: Repeat, cooking all the batter, and adding more butter to the pan as needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Tips to Making the Perfect Pancakes

• Do not push down on the pancakes when you flip them. Just let them hang out and cook in the pan. If you smash the batter, your pancakes will turn out flat and dense. 
• The pancakes are ready to flip when the middle bubbles. Small bubbles will start to come through the batter. The edges of the pancakes will also start to dry out. When you see these two signs, it's time to flip the pancakes.
• Do not cook the pancakes over high heart. Medium-low heat to medium-high heat is the best for cooking pancakes. If the heat is too high, the outside will burn and the center will still be raw. On the other hand, if the heat is too low, the pancakes will take too long to cook and will become dry.

Silver Dollar Pancake variations and substitutions

• Use a mixture of flour! To add a little more fiber to these pancakes, add half cake flour and half whole wheat flour. You can even use whole wheat pastry flour if you can find it. To get the fluffiest pancakes, a little extra liquid might be necessary if you are adding whole wheat flour because the flour will make a thicker batter.
• Add mix-ins to the batter! Chocolate chips and blueberries are classic add-ins to pancake batter, but you can even add sprinkles for a fun pancake breakfast!
• Add some nut butter! Add peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for some more added flavor!
• Add toppings! Butter and pancake syrup or maple syrup are the most common pancake toppings. However, nut butter, fresh fruit, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and whipped cream make tasty options, too.

Silver Dollar Pancakes Recipe storage tips

Store. Place cooked and cooled pancakes in an airtight container, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pancakes in a toaster oven for 1 minute or until warmed through. Or, reheat silver dollar pancakes in a dry pan over medium-low heat on the stovetop.
Freeze. Wrap cooled pancakes with plastic wrap, and transfer them to a Ziploc freezer bag. Freeze for up to 4 months. Reheat from frozen, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Silver Dollar Pancake Recipe FAQs