Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (2024)

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Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (1)

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Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat. Mini, fluffy pancakes, traditionally made with yeast and buckwheat flour. This poffertjes recipe includes these traditional ingredients. This delicious treat is typically eaten topped with butter and confectioners’ sugar.

I’ve loved this Dutch treat since I was a kid. In the Netherlands, poffertjes and pannenkoeken were often served at children’s birthday parties when I was growing up. They’re also always found as street food on fairs and festivals where you can buy them at a ‘Poffertjeskraam’ (Poffertjes booth or stall).

There are a few variations of poffertjes recipes available, some use flour and baking powder or self-rising flour. I personally like to make them the traditional way, with yeast and buckwheat flour.

The Poffertjes Pan

When making poffertjes you’ll need to use a special pan to get the cute little round shapes. It’s simply called a ‘Poffertjes Pan’. It’s easy to find in the Netherlands but harder to find in other countries, you can find several on Amazonif you do a search.Don’t mistake the Scandinavian Aebleskiver for a poffertjes pan though, although it’s similar, it’s not the same. The poffertjes pan has more holes and the holes are more shallow. However, if all you have is an Aebleskiver you can definitely try and make them in it as well. Or use a regular pan you use for pancake and pour little bits of batter on it. I’ve never tried either method, because I have a poffertjes pan available. However, there’s no problem in getting creative and finding another alternative if you don’t have one!

How To Make Poffertjes

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (2)

You’ll need the basics: flour, buckwheat flour, salt, sugar, dry yeast, milk and eggs (a full list of ingredients including measurements can be found in the recipe card below).

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (3)

Add flour, buckwheat flour, salt and sugar to a bowl and give it a light whisk.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (4)

Add the yeast. Slowly add the milk, while whisking continuously, until all milk is poured into a bowl. Once the milk and flour mixture has been incorporated you can add the eggs.At this stage I prefer to switch over to an electric hand mixer to ensure that there are no lumps in the batter. However, you still use the whisk if you prefer.Make sure you mix the batter till everything is smooth and fully incorporated. You shouldn’t have any lumps in the batter.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (5)

Cover the batter with plastic wrap and leave to rest at room temperature for an hour and a half. Once the batter has rested you’ll see the yeast has started to work.Once the batter has rested I like to transfer the batter over to a special dispenser bottle. You can use a little ladle or transfer the batter into something that’ll make it easy to pour little bits of batter into the pan.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (6)

The special dispenser bottle I use has a perfect opening to squirt out enough batter.

Next you’ll need to use the ‘poffertjes pan’.Make sure your pan is nice and hot and butter the holes. Pour in the batter to fill up the holes. Bake the poffertjes till the bottom is starting to brown and turn them over. I like using a skewer for that.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (7)

Sometimes I need a little help of another skewer, or in this case a fork to help turn them over.If they are cooking too fast just turn down the heat a bit.Once they are nice and brown on the outside they’re done. I usually use a skewer take them out.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (8)

Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar, add a knob of butter and enjoy!

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (9)

The poffertjes are best eaten while still warm 🙂

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Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat. Mini, fluffy pancakes made with yeast and buckwheat flour. Typically eaten sprinkled with confectioner's sugar.

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (10)

Votes: 44
Rating: 3.95
You:

Rate this recipe!

Type Other
CuisineDutch
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Passive Time90 minutes
Servings

poffertjes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 150 gram
  • 3/4 cup buckwheat flour 100 gram
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast 7 gram
  • 1 2/3 cup lukewarm milk 400 mililiters
  • 2 eggs medium
Type Other
CuisineDutch
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Passive Time90 minutes
Servings

poffertjes

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 150 gram
  • 3/4 cup buckwheat flour 100 gram
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoon dry yeast 7 gram
  • 1 2/3 cup lukewarm milk 400 mililiters
  • 2 eggs medium

Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (11)

Votes: 44
Rating: 3.95
You:

Rate this recipe!

Instructions

  1. Add flour, buckwheat flour, salt and sugar to a bowl and give it a light whisk.

  2. Add the yeast and slowly add the milk while whisking continuously until all milk is poured into a bowl. Mix until incorporated.

  3. Add the eggs and mix the batter till everything is smooth and fully incorporated. You shouldn't have any lumps in the batter. (you can use an electric hand mixer)

  4. Cover the batter with plastic wrap and leave to rest at room temperature for an hour and a half. Once the batter has rested transfer the batter over to a dispenser bottle.

  5. Heat up a poffertjes pan and butter the holes. Pour in the batter to fill up the holes. Bake the poffertjes till the bottom is starting to brown and turn them over. You can use a skewer or a fork for that.If they are cooking too fast just turn down the heat a bit.Once they are nice and brown on both sides they're done. Take them out of the pan and transfer to a plate.

  6. Sprinkle generously with powdered sugar, add a knob of butter and enjoy!Poffertjes are best eaten while still warm 🙂

Recipe Notes

Please note that the cup measurements in this recipe are approximate. I have added cups for those that prefer using cups. The recipe is most accurate using weights measurements.

  • If you don't have a dispenser bottle you can use a little ladle or transfer the batter into something that'll make it easy to pour little bits of batter into the pan.

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23 comments

  1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (12)

    Donna Vidal

    14 October 2021

    can you make different flavors of the batter, like banana, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, strawberry?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (13)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      15 October 2021

      I’ve never tried, but it could be an interesting experiment. You can also always use different flavors as toppings.

      Reply

  2. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (14)

    Lynette Sue Ashman

    7 April 2021

    Hello. Do you cook these over and electric stove or can gas stove be used? Just make sure the pan you’re using is suitable for the stove you’re cooking on.

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (15)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      7 April 2021

      I’ve cooked them on gas, electric and induction stoves. Just make sure the pan you’re using is suitable for the stove you’re cooking on.

      Reply

  3. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (16)

    Sharon

    16 March 2021

    I noticed you just add the yeast to the flour mixture instead of prepping the yeast with milk first…I like that idea but are there any tricks to that or just make sure the milk is good and warm to activate it in the mixture?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (17)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      17 March 2021

      The lukewarm milk will activate the yeast. I never had any issues with the yeast not activating.

      Reply

  4. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (18)

    Trudi

    16 October 2020

    I have made these and they are easy and delicious – just as good as the ones I’ve had in the Netherlands!

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (19)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      17 October 2020

      I’m happy to hear you enjoyed them!

      Reply

  5. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (20)

    CV

    27 August 2020

    Can poffertjes be frozen? If so, for how long?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (21)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      30 August 2020

      Yes, they can definitely be frozen, you can keep them in the freezer for about 2 months.

      Reply

  6. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (22)

    CV

    22 August 2020

    Can an electric Takoyaki Maker be used to make poffertjes?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (23)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      25 August 2020

      I have never used a Takoyaki maker before so I don’t know if it will work. I looked up the pan on Google and it seems that the holes of a poffertjespan are more shallow. So you could try but don’t fill up the entire hole and see if that works.

      Reply

  7. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (24)

    KATHRIN

    15 September 2019

    Do you suggest using a cast iron poffertjes pan on the stove top or an electric poffertjes machine ?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (25)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      16 September 2019

      I always use a cast iron poffertjes pan on the stove top. I’ve never used an electric poffertjes machine so I can’t say whether or not I would prefer one over the other.

      Reply

  8. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (26)

    Liesbeth Gregory

    4 September 2019

    Okay maybe a dumb question but when you speak of a teaspoon is that the American teaspoon or the Dutch one there is a humongous different in them thank you.

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (27)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      5 September 2019

      I always use the American teaspoon as a measurement for the recipes.

      Reply

  9. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (28)

    Nicole

    30 June 2019

    Which brand of buckwheat do you prefer to use?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (29)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      1 July 2019

      I don’t have a specific brand I use. I just use whatever I have at home at the moment.

      Reply

  10. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (30)

    Melanie

    18 November 2018

    For how long should we put it in the oven and how many degrees

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (31)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      20 November 2018

      Hi Melanie,

      Poffertjes aren’t baked in the oven, but on the stove, like pancakes. You will need to bake the batter on a medium heat and flip them over when they start to brown.

      Reply

    2. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (32)

      Liesbeth Gregory

      4 September 2019

      It doesn’t go in the oven it is on top of the stove.

      Reply

  11. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (33)

    Seena

    17 September 2018

    How long can I leave the batter in the bottle before I bake them? Im asking because im thinking of preparing them at large events and I dont know how much time they last before they are poured and baked. Can I prepare all my dough and put it into bottles ad use them thougought my day or they will ferment?

    Reply

    1. Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (34)

      Rachel (Cakies)

      18 September 2018

      Hi Seena,
      The longest I’ve left the batter in the bottle was about one hour. I’ve not tested it leaving it longer. I suggest you create a small batch and test how long you ideally would like to prepare it in advance and see how it holds up.

      Reply

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Poffertjes Recipe (Dutch Mini Pancakes) | A traditional Dutch treat (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in poffertjes? ›

What is the difference between poffertjes and pancakes? ›

Poffertjes are actually a kind of Dutch mini pancakes, but they are more fluffy. Most children love them, but they are also a tasty snack for adults. The poffertjes are baked in a special poffertjes pan, here they are baked delicious brown, cooked and crispy, but they still remain soft and airy.

What is a poffertjes in Dutch? ›

It doesn't need to be Pancake Day for the Dutch to eat pancakes. We eat them any time of the year, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, as a dessert, tea time treat or even dinner.

How to make poffertjes in the oven? ›

Mini Muffin Pan

Grease the muffin cups with butter and fill them about 2/3 full with batter. Bake them in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown and cooked through.

What is special about Dutch pancakes? ›

They are generally thicker than most pancakes and contain no chemical leavening ingredients such as baking powder. They can be sweet or savory and can be served at any meal. The idea of a Dutch baby pancake may have been derived from the German Pfannkuchen, but the current form originated in the US in the early 1900s.

What is a Dutch baby pancake made of? ›

Dutch Baby Ingredients

Eggs and milk: This light and fluffy Dutch baby recipe starts with two eggs whisked with milk. Flour: All-purpose flour lends structure and helps hold the batter together. Seasonings: These sweet Dutch babies are flavored with nutmeg and a pinch of salt.

What makes Dutch pancakes different? ›

What's the difference between a Dutch pancake and an American pancake? A Dutch pancake is usually larger and much thinner than the thick and fluffy American pancakes. If you order a Dutch pancake at PANCAKES Amsterdam, you will get a delicious thin pancake with a diameter of 32 centimeters.

What is poffertjes in English? ›

poffertjes, small Dutch pancakes, traditionally served with powdered sugar and knobs of butter. They are made of a batter that typically includes yeast and buckwheat flour, yielding a light, fluffy texture.

What is a Dutch baby pancake called? ›

A Dutch baby (or Dutch baby pancake), is also known as a German pancake, a Hootenanny, a Dutch puff, or a Bismarck, and is simply a large American popover. A large Yorkshire pudding shares a lot of similarities with a Dutch baby. A Dutch baby is usually baked in the oven.

What is a fun fact about poffertjes? ›

Like so many beloved national foods, poffertjes were originally seen as a poor man's dish, mainly because they were made from buckwheat flour, considered an inferior substitute for wheat flour, but necessary due to the wheat shortages caused by the French revolution.

What is the history of Dutch poffertjes? ›

A Dutch treasure, these tiny pancakes have a few fabled stories on how they became so popular in Europe over the past three centuries. Some believe that these delectable treats have roots in a Dutch Abbey, where the mini-pancakes were used as a type of host for weekly communion.

What are the interesting facts about poffertjes? ›

Poffertjes are thought to be related to and to have influenced the Indonesian kue cubit. Poffertjes have some similarities with Indian paniyaram and Hong Kong egg waffles, but differ in many aspects. The Danish Æbleskiver pancakes are quite similar.

When to flip poffertjes? ›

Once bubbles start to pop on top (1-2 minutes), flip using a single chopstick or skewer (similar to making takoyaki). Allow to cook for another minute or two, once puffed up and cooked through, then remove from the pan.

What is a poffertjes pan used for? ›

You can use this pan just as well for American-style pancakes, for crêpes, mini-galettes or small meatballs and mini-burgers - and all that from the grill, too, because our poffertjes pan proves itself not only on the gas or electric stove.

Why are poffertjes important to the Netherlands? ›

Freshly baked tiny pancakes ​traditionally called "Poffertjes", have their origins back to the Dutch Abbey, where mini pancakes were used as a type of host for weekly communion. A shortage of wheat flour during the French Revolution meant substituting buckwheat flour which resulted in a plump and delicious offering.

What is Korean seafood pancake made of? ›

This seafood pancake ('Haemul Pajeon' in Korean) is a popular savory pancake in South Korea and it's made of a simple batter featuring shrimp, squid, green onions. The crispy texture makes it one of my favorite appetizers or side dishes to order at the Korean restaurant.

What are Moroccan pancakes made of? ›

Ingredients
For the dough:
100gfine semolina
1 tspcaster sugar
1 tspsalt
1packet of fast yeast
10 more rows

What is the difference between poffertjes and Aebleskiver? ›

Aebleskiver are essentially Danish pancakes that are a bit bigger than Dutch poffertjes. See them as little pancakes that you can fill with whatever you like!

References

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