Pancakes are the ultimate breakfast food — but what does it take to make the very best ones?

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups

all-purpose flour

3 tbsp

sugar

2 tsp

kosher salt

1 tsp

baking powder

1 tsp

baking soda

2 1/2 cups

buttermilk

8 tbsp

unsalted butter, melted

eggs, whites and yolks separated

1 tbsp

unsalted butter, plus more for serving

Blueberries, optional

Chocolate chips, optional

Maple syrup, for serving