Sift together first 6 ingredients into a large bowl.
Whisk together buttermilk and next 3 ingredients in another bowl.
Gradually stir buttermilk mixture into flour mixture just until dry ingredients are moistened.
Pour about 1/4 cup batter for each pancake onto a hot buttered griddle or large nonstick skillet
Cook 3 to 4 minutes or until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry and cooked. Turn and cook 3 to 4 minutes or until done.
Place in a single layer on a baking sheet, and keep warm in a 200° oven up to 30 minutes.
Cream Cheese Syrup
Beat cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Gradually add milk, beating until smooth.
If desired, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 10 to 15 seconds or just until warm; stir until smooth.
Notes
Sprinkles: Christmas ones, hearts for valentines day or whatever you have on hand.
Messages with Icing: Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday on top of your pancakes. Or a huge heart!
Add Chips: White or dark chocolate chips in the pancakes are a great surprise.
Fresh: Remember to sift your dry ingredients so that everything is evenly dispersed. Make sure that the dates on all your ingredients are fresh. Especially, baking powder.
Buttermilk: If you do not have buttermilk, do not use regular, you need the chemical reaction. Make your own by adding lemon juice or vinegar.