Pikelets

These golden, pillowy-soft Pikelets are the perfect cross between pancakes and scones. Whether you know them as silver dollar pancakes or drop scones, they’re a staple in Aussie kitchens, typically enjoyed with dollops of cream and fruity jam.

Their charm lies in their simplicity — a humble batter of flour, egg, milk, and a touch of vanilla creates magic in minutes. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, pikelets are the ideal quick-bake treat that brings comfort and joy to any table.

Full Recipe:

• 1 1/4 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 2 tbsp white sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 large egg (50-55g / 2 oz in shell)

• 3/4 cup milk (full fat preferred, but any milk is fine)

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

• 2 tsp butter

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

2. Create a well in the center and add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Batter should be thick but pourable, like honey. Adjust with more milk or flour if needed.

3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tsp of butter, then wipe most of it off using a paper towel.

4. Drop ~2 tbsp of batter per pikelet into the pan, shaping into 3-inch rounds.

5. Cook for 1 1/2 minutes, or until bubbles form and at least four pop on the surface. Flip and cook the other side for 1 minute, or until golden.

6. Remove and repeat until batter is used up. Reapply butter every few batches if needed.

7. Serve warm with jam and cream, or just butter for a simpler version.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 69 kcal per pikelet | Servings: 12 pikelets

The Timeless Charm of Pikelets

Pikelets are a beloved classic in many households, especially in Australia and New Zealand, where they are often considered a childhood staple. Known elsewhere as drop scones, silver dollar pancakes, or mini hotcakes, these delightful little griddle cakes are more than just a recipe — they’re a cultural comfort food. Their simplicity, speed, and adaptability make them a go-to choice for morning teas, brunches, lunchboxes, and unexpected guests.

The pikelet holds a unique place in culinary history. While its exact origins are debated, variations of this mini pancake have been enjoyed for centuries in the UK, and later across the Commonwealth. Traditionally served with lashings of jam and whipped cream, they represent a connection between generations — from grandmother’s kitchens to modern brunch boards.

Why Pikelets Are a Kitchen Staple

What makes pikelets so special is how accessible they are. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have a batch ready in under 20 minutes. They’re the kind of recipe you can make without a grocery trip — flour, eggs, milk, a bit of sugar and baking powder, and you’re set. They don’t require any special techniques or tools, and unlike larger pancakes, you can cook several in the same pan at once without stress.

Another major advantage of pikelets is how forgiving they are. They don’t rely heavily on perfect technique or timing. Whether your batter is slightly too thick or a bit loose, they still turn out delicious. That’s part of their charm — rustic, homemade, and comforting.

Their small size also means they’re easier to flip, less likely to tear, and more suited to serving on platters or packing in lunchboxes. Plus, they reheat beautifully, making them a great make-ahead treat for busy households.

A Versatile Base for Endless Variations

Pikelets are incredibly versatile, both in how they’re served and how they can be customized. Traditionally topped with jam and cream — especially strawberry jam — they also pair beautifully with honey, maple syrup, lemon curd, or a dusting of icing sugar.

For a savory twist, pikelets can be topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon, or turned into mini brunch canapés with bacon, eggs, or avocado. The neutral flavor of the base makes it a great canvas for creativity.

In the batter itself, you can mix in ingredients like mashed banana, grated apple, blueberries, or even cocoa powder to create different flavors. They also lend themselves well to alternative diets — switch to plant-based milk or gluten-free flour, and you’ll still get a great result.

Perfect for All Ages and Occasions

One of the reasons pikelets are loved across generations is how universally appealing they are. For children, they’re small, soft, and easy to eat with fingers. For adults, they bring a sense of nostalgia, often recalling memories of weekend breakfasts or family teatimes.

They’re also a great recipe for involving kids in the kitchen. The batter is easy to mix, and because the cooking process is quick and low-risk, it’s a fun introduction to stovetop cooking. Older kids can learn to flip them, while younger ones can help with mixing or decorating.

For entertainers, pikelets offer a versatile option for platters — stack them high with a swirl of cream and a spoonful of jam, or dress them up for more formal occasions. Their neat, bite-sized shape makes them ideal for buffets, tea parties, or holiday gatherings.

Pikelets vs. Pancakes: What’s the Difference?

While they may look like mini pancakes, there are a few key differences between pikelets and their larger American cousins. Pikelets are typically smaller — around 3 inches in diameter — and slightly thicker. They’re often less sweet than pancakes, with the sweetness coming from the toppings rather than the batter.

Unlike traditional pancakes, which may be made one at a time or in pairs, pikelets can be cooked four or five at once in a large skillet. This makes them faster to prepare when you’re feeding a crowd.

Another difference is cultural: pancakes are often a breakfast centerpiece, whereas pikelets are associated more with snacking, afternoon tea, or light bites. They’re meant to be enjoyed in multiples, shared, and savored with a cup of tea or coffee.

Make-Ahead Magic and Storage Tips

One of the biggest benefits of pikelets is how well they store. While they’re best served warm straight from the pan, they can also be made ahead and kept in an airtight container for up to three days. Store them in the fridge to maintain freshness, and reheat gently in the microwave or oven to revive their softness.

They also freeze exceptionally well. Stack them with parchment paper between layers and freeze in an airtight bag or container. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature or gently warm before topping. This makes them an excellent prep-ahead option for parties, school weeks, or busy mornings.

Tips for the Perfect Pikelets

To achieve that iconic golden-brown finish and fluffy texture, there are a few simple tips to follow:

• Check your baking powder – Ensure it’s fresh and active; old baking powder can result in flat, rubbery pikelets.

• Don’t overmix the batter – A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough pikelets.

• Heat control matters – Medium heat is key. Too hot and the outside burns before the inside cooks; too low and they won’t rise properly.

• Minimal butter in the pan – Use a small amount and wipe excess to avoid splotchy, uneven coloring.

• Wait for the bubbles – Bubbles that rise and pop on the surface indicate the batter is ready to flip.

These small details elevate a good batch of pikelets into a great one.

A Slice of Aussie Tradition

In Australia, pikelets are almost a rite of passage. You’ll find them at school fetes, office morning teas, and weekend family gatherings. They’re sold in supermarkets, yes — but homemade pikelets have a flavor and texture no store-bought version can match. Freshly made, they are tender, slightly springy, and full of warm vanilla and buttery notes.

The cultural identity of the pikelet runs deep. They represent home baking at its finest: humble, wholesome, and joyfully shared. For many Aussies, learning to make pikelets is among the first steps into the world of cooking.

Conclusion: The Joy of a Simple Classic

In an age of complex food trends and gourmet creations, pikelets stand out as a reminder of the beauty in simplicity. They don’t require expensive ingredients or cutting-edge techniques — just a mixing bowl, a hot pan, and a few minutes of your time.

Whether you’re introducing them to your kids for the first time, sharing a batch with friends over tea, or reliving childhood memories, pikelets have a way of making ordinary moments feel a little more special. Their golden rounds and soft texture invite conversation, connection, and comfort — which is, perhaps, the essence of why we cook in the first place.

So next time you’re looking for a quick, reliable, and heartwarming recipe, skip the store-bought treats and whip up a batch of pikelets. You might just find yourself returning to them again and again — for breakfast, tea time, or anytime in between.