Delightful French Morning Treat

As seen on: Delicious Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

Traditional French thin pancakes mixed from milk, flour, eggs and sugar. They're fast to make and work with any sweet stuffing you like.
emilyscooks.com
Shared By Emily
Last revised on Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:48:19 GMT
A stack of crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, served on a plate. Save this
A stack of crepes drizzled with chocolate sauce and topped with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream, served on a plate. | emilyscooks.com

I'd love to share my go-to crepe method that brings Paris vibes straight to your home. I've whipped these sweet treats up countless times and they always make mornings feel fancy. The cool thing? They're way simpler than most folks think.

What Makes These Stand Out

There's something truly wonderful about watching plain ingredients turn into these thin golden discs. I adore how flexible they are – we might crave them slathered with Nutella and fresh berries for breakfast or dress them up with cream and drizzled caramel for after dinner.

Your Shopping List

  • All-Purpose Flour: Nothing fancy needed, your pantry staple works great.
  • Milk: Whole milk is my pick but whatever you've got works fine, even plant-based for my friends who can't do dairy.
  • Eggs: They're what gives your crepes that lovely soft texture.
  • Sugar: Just a small amount for mild sweetness.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps get that pretty golden color.
  • Vanilla Extract: My hidden trick for that extra bit of yumminess.

Creating Kitchen Wonder

Blend Everything
I dump all ingredients into my blender for the silkiest mix without any pesky lumps.
Prepare Your Skillet
Just a dab of butter in a heated pan does the trick. My faithful non-stick pan never lets me down.
Master The Tilt Method
Now for the fun part – pour and tilt that pan in circles. You might mess up the first few but you'll soon get the hang of it.

Tasty Fillings

My children go wild for Nutella with sliced bananas but I'm all about juicy strawberries topped with whipped cream. Sometimes I mix up ricotta with a drizzle of honey and it's absolutely divine. You can really stuff them with any foods you enjoy.

A stack of delicate thin pancakes covered with a light dusting of sugar powder. Save this
A stack of delicate thin pancakes covered with a light dusting of sugar powder. | emilyscooks.com

Handy Tricks

Take my word for it – a non-stick surface makes everything easier. Look for tiny air pockets before flipping and don't stress if your first attempt isn't great. In my house, we call that one the cook's snack.

Simple Shortcuts

I often mix everything up before bed and it actually turns out better after sitting overnight. You can even cook the whole batch at once and keep them warm in your oven while finishing other breakfast items.

Sweet Alternatives

Give honey a shot instead of sugar for amazing flavor. I found this by chance one morning when my sugar canister was empty and now it's become one of my favorite tweaks.

Storing Extras

If we somehow don't finish them all, they stay good in the fridge. Just warm them up quickly in a skillet or oven and they're nearly as tasty as when fresh. Nearly.

Crowd Pleaser

When friends come for late breakfast, I set out all different toppings buffet-style. Guests love making their own mixes and I enjoy watching them smile with every mouthful.

A serving of golden-brown thin pancakes lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. Save this
A serving of golden-brown thin pancakes lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. | emilyscooks.com

Inclusive Options

My buddy with gluten issues loves that these work great with alternative flours. Just grab a mix that swaps cup for cup with regular flour and you'll be all set.

Flipping Skills

Don't worry about turning them over – it gets better with time. When nobody's watching, I sometimes use my fingertips which works better than any kitchen tool.

Great Combinations

Nothing tops a slow Sunday with freshly made crepes and hot coffee. Though my kids prefer to drink milk and I've been known to sip a mimosa alongside them for birthday breakfasts.

Family Traditions

They've become our must-have birthday morning food. Something feels so right about starting someone's special day with crepes topped with fluffy cream and tiny candles.

Your Perfect Style

Test different batter consistencies until you find what suits you. I like mine super thin but my guy prefers them slightly thicker. It's completely up to what you enjoy.

Thin golden pancakes stacked on a gray dish with bright red strawberries and a coating of white sugar dust. Save this
Thin golden pancakes stacked on a gray dish with bright red strawberries and a coating of white sugar dust. | emilyscooks.com

Fancy Touches

I'll grate some orange peel into the mix or sprinkle in cinnamon sometimes. These small additions make each batch different and fill my home with wonderful smells.

Little Assistants

My kids enjoy joining in when I make crepes. They help pour ingredients and pick their favorite toppings. It can get pretty messy but we're building memories they'll remember forever.

Savory Options

While we usually go sweet, they're fantastic with hearty fillings too. Just leave out the sugar and vanilla, then stuff them with scrambled eggs and melted cheese for an amazing lunch option.

French Memories

Making these always reminds me of my first Paris visit. They might not be exactly like what those street carts sell, but they bring the same happiness into our home.

Widely Adored

I love when guests ask how to make them. It makes me happy knowing other families are starting their own traditions with these crepes just like we have in our house.

Folded thin pancakes dusted with fine sugar served alongside a small container of syrup and fresh red strawberries. Save this
Folded thin pancakes dusted with fine sugar served alongside a small container of syrup and fresh red strawberries. | emilyscooks.com

Common Questions

→ Why should I tilt and spin the pan around?
Moving the pan helps the mixture spread out into a skinny, even circle. This creates the super thin texture that makes these pancakes special and ensures they cook properly.
→ Should I add butter to the pan for every pancake?
You don't need to. Just butter the pan once at the start. That single light coating should work for your whole batch of pancakes.
→ What milk options work in this recipe?
Any milk works fine - skim, 2%, or full-fat. The fat content changes how rich they taste, but they'll turn out good with whatever you've got.
→ How can I tell when it's time to turn the pancake over?
Let it cook about a minute before flipping. You'll notice the edges getting a bit dry and the top won't look wet anymore when it's ready to flip.
→ Can I mix the batter earlier than needed?
Sure! You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge. This actually gives the flour time to soak up the liquid, which can make your pancakes even better.

Wrap-Up

These iconic French thin pancakes work wonderfully for both morning meals and after-dinner sweets. Combining just milk, flour, eggs and sugar, these airy, delicate rounds come together quickly and welcome all kinds of sweet fillings and toppings.

French Thin Pancakes

Airy and tender French pancakes crafted from basic ingredients. They're the ideal canvas for your favorite sweet additions.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
15 Minutes
Overall Time
25 Minutes
Shared By: Emily

Meal Type: Breakfast & Brunch

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Style: French

Makes: 12 Portions (12 crepes)

Special Diet: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

01 items 2 cups of any milk (whole, reduced fat or skim).
02 items 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour.
03 items 4 fresh eggs.
04 items 1/4 cup vegetable oil.
05 items 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
06 items 1/3 teaspoon table salt.
07 items Butter for coating the pan.

Steps To Make It

Step 01

Combine and whisk all ingredients except the butter until smooth.

Step 02

Put your frying pan on medium-high heat and add a thin layer of butter.

Step 03

Add roughly 1/4 cup mixture to the hot pan. Swirl around to create a thin layer.

Step 04

Let it cook about 1 minute before flipping. Do the same for the other side. Continue with remaining mixture.

Extra Notes

  1. You'll only need to grease the pan once before you start cooking.
  2. Try using coconut oil instead of butter if you want a different flavor.

Essential Tools

  • Skillet or pan.
  • Mixing bowl or blender.
  • Cup for measuring.

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Eggs.
  • Dairy (when using cow's milk).
  • Wheat (from flour).

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Keep in mind, this data is an estimate and not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
  • Calories: 101
  • Fat Content: 6 grams
  • Total Carbs: 9 grams
  • Protein Content: 2 grams