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Made with just 4 ingredients, this Copycat McDonald’s McGriddles Recipe is just like the fast food version – but better. The pancake buns are slightly thicker, incredibly soft, and have delicate pockets of warm maple syrup throughout each bite. They’re so good and so easy to make!
Behind This Copycat McDonald’s McGriddle Recipe
I still remember the first time my friend Annie introduced me to McDonald’s McGriddles. Until then, I had never realized that a McGriddle was PANCAKE BUNS, not just biscuits. It quickly became my go-to fast food breakfast, and, since I rarely go to McDonald’s these days, I had to learn how to make them at home.
It took a few tries to figure out exactly how to get the little pockets of syrup inside the pancake bun, not just on top. The secret is boiling the syrup to make a solid candied “glass” then breaking it up into small pieces and mixing it into the batter. As it warms, it begins to break down and get gooey inside the McGriddles.
This might be one of my favorite fast food copycat recipes, right up there with McDonald’s spicy nuggets and Wendy’s French fries. It’s definitely my favorite breakfast recipe!
Why This McGriddles Recipe Is Better Than McDonald’s
- Only 4 ingredients. Using a box of pancake mix as the base keeps the ingredients list for these McGriddles short and sweet. The entire recipe requires just 4 ingredients – 5, if you add cheese. I don’t know McDonald’s full ingredient list, but I’m sure it’s longer than that!
- Thick, syrup-y buns. These pancake buns are a bit thicker and even more syrup-y than the ones you’d typically order. I feel like this is one of those examples where more is better! The thicker texture is even better for making sandwiches, IMO.
- Store well. The syrup “glass” takes a little time to prepare and cool, so these aren’t necessarily a quick before-work breakfast. BUT, once prepared, they freeze extraordinarily well, so it’s easy to always have some in the fridge for those busy mornings.
Key Ingredients
Here’s an overview of the few ingredients needed to make this McDonald’s copycat recipe. The printable instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Pancake mix – Copycat McGriddles start with regular pancake mix. I used the Krusteaz brand, but other brands should be fine as well.
- Whole milk – Skim milk will make the batter too thin, so stick with whole milk here.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a lightly sweet flavor to the McGriddles.
- Pancake syrup – This is one case where I don’t recommend using real maple syrup. Pancake syrup, like Mrs. Butterworth’s or Aunt Jemima, is the way to go here.
- American cheese – Optional, but if you’re building a sandwich, a slice of cheese is nice to have.
Tips for Making McDonald’s McGriddles at Home
Here are a few helpful tips for making this McGriddles recipe for the first time.
- Use pancake syrup. There are a few recipes that tell you to use 100% pure maple syrup. Well, I am so sorry, but that doesn’t taste anything like a McGriddle. You need pancake syrup, for real.
- Keep an eye on the temperature. When making the syrup glass, the easiest way to make sure it’s hot enough is to use a candy thermometer. If it doesn’t reach the appropriate temperature, it won’t turn to “glass” and getting too hot will burn it.
- Make the syrup glass. As tempting as it may be to skip the first step, you really cannot replicate the appropriate McGriddle texture or flavor by adding syrup to the batter or drizzling it onto the pancake as it cooks. It’s the glass that creates the little pockets and the right texture.
- Use a cookie cutter. McGriddles are much thicker than regular pancakes and the batter will spread too much on its own. A four egg frying pan or a biscuit cutter will also work.
Make It A Breakfast Sandwich
Once you have your homemade McGriddles, you can recreate any McGriddle sandwich you’d like! As you can tell from the photo, I’m partial to the chicken McGriddle, mostly because it’s not usually available at McDonald’s.
But feel free to add bacon or sausage, egg, and cheese as desired. Cook the meat separately, prepare the egg using the same cookie cutter so it’s the same size as the bun, and add then assemble with a slice of American cheese while hot.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge: McGriddle pancake buns can be stored in the fridge for a day or two. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezer: These also freeze very well! Let cool completely then place in ziploc freezer bag. I recommend putting layers of parchment paper between them to prevent sticking.
Looking For More Copycat Recipes?
If you make this copycat McGriddles recipe, leave a comment or rating below and tag me in photos you post on social media (@badbatchbaking). I’d love to hear how it turned out!
{Better Than} McDonald’s Chicken McGriddles – Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
McGriddle
- 2 cups Krusteaz Pancake Mix
- 1 1/3 cup whole milk
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
- Butter for griddle/pan
- 1 cup pancake syrup Mrs. Butterworth’s
- Optional – American cheese slices for sandwich
McChicken
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 chicken breasts cut and pounded to 3×3 chunks
- Oil for frying
Instructions
McGriddle Syrup Glass
- Line a small baking dish with parchment paper and set aside
- In a small saucepan with a candy thermometer attached, add 1 cup of pancake syrup over medium heat. Allow it to come to a boil, stirring occasionally until it calms down. Watch the temp closely and swirl occasionally until it reaches 265 degrees (about 10 minutes total). Remove from the heat and carefully pour into prepared baking dish, spreading it around evenly.
- Set pan aside to cool as you prepare the chicken and McGriddles. You can put it in the freezer to speed up the cooling.
- Once the syrup is set, break it into small shards that are about dime and nickel size. Put a handful of the pieces into a bowl near the stove for later use.
McChicken Fillets
- Heat oil in a fry-safe pot over medium-high heat (about 375 degrees).
- Optional: Turn oven to 220 degrees (to keep chicken warm while you prepare McGriddles)
- Prepare a surface to place the finished fried chicken – a cooling rack beside the stove, lined with layers of paper towels or brown bags.
- In a small bowl, combine the beaten egg and water. Mix well.
- In a ziplock bag or shallow bowl, add all dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch and seasonings)
- Place the prepared chicken fillets into the flour mixture to coat thoroughly, dip into the egg wash, and then back into the flour mixture. Ensure all of the surface area of the chicken fillets are covered in batter.
- Fry the chicken in batches as to not overcrowd the pan, adjusting the temp as needed to maintain temperature.
- When chicken is near cooked (about 6-7 minutes), remove from the pot and place onto prepared surface. Allow it to cool for just a minute or so and place back into the pan for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from the frying oil and allow to cool.
- Optional: place chicken into the oven to stay warm while preparing the McGriddles.
McGriddle Pancakes
- In a bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
- Heat a frying pan over medium low heat, add butter and allow it to brown slightly
- Place the 3-inch round cookie cutter at the bottom of the pan and pour a few spoonfuls of batter into the circle. Spread around for full coverage. Place a few shards of the syrup glass onto the batter (as many or few chunks as you’d like). Top with a few more spoonfuls of batter.
- Once the pancake batter bubbles, carefully remove the ring (it’s hot) and flip the McGriddle. Continue with remaining batter
- Assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!
Notes
Special Equipment Needed:
- Two 3-inch metal round biscuit/cookie cutter are needed to achieve perfect circular McGriddles. You can use just one but it will take a little longer.
- Candy thermometer for the syrup glass and frying
- Parchment paper (not necessary but helpful)
I loved this recipe. easy for me to make “from a wheelchair and one armed” I have sausage patties just for this in the freezer. So, guaranteed I will make this again.
And the maple crack! Forget about saving any from the kids.
I loved this recipe. easy for me to make “from a wheelchair and one armed” I have sausage patties just for this in the freezer. So, guaranteed I will make this again.
Can you make it in the AIRFRYER to make it a bit healthier?
Hi Sam – yes absolutely! You can prepare it per the recipe and then refer to your air fryer instruction for the cook time. You could use the oven as well!
Can you freeze these and rewarm them?
The McGriddles can definitely be frozen and microwaved when ready to eat. When making them ahead, allow them to cool completely and put them in an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. I haven’t attempted to freeze and re-heat fried chicken, but you can freeze it and reheat it in an oven at 375 for about 10-15 minutes. Hope you enjoy these!