In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using) to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; batter may be slightly lumpy. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with oil or butter.
Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges start to set, then flip and