Warm a skillet over medium heat and cook the sausage links until evenly browned and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, melted butter, and optional vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
Preheat a greased skillet or griddle over medium heat.
One at a time, dip each sausage link into the pancake batter, ensuring a uniform coating.
Carefully lay the coated sausages onto the preheated surface. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, turning to achieve a golden brown exterior and ensure the batter is cooked through.
Remove from heat and serve the sausage pancake stacks warm, accompanied by maple syrup for dipping or drizzling.