In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add milk, melted butter, and egg; whisk until just combined. The batter should have small to medium lumps.
Preheat your skillet over medium heat and brush with 1 1/2 teaspoons butter or oil.
For each pancake, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter onto the skillet, using the back of the spoon to spread the batter into a round shape.
Cook until the surface of the pancakes has some bubbles and a few have burst, 1 to 2 minutes.
Flip carefully with a thin spatula, and cook until browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more.
Transfer to a baking sheet or platter; cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm in the oven.
Continue with the remaining batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed. Serve warm.