Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe

If you’ve ever wandered through a bustling Dutch street market, you might have come across the irresistible aroma and charming sight of tiny, fluffy pancakes known as poffertjes. These bite-sized delights have a light, airy texture and a subtly sweet flavor that makes them utterly addictive. This Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe captures the magic of this classic treat, using simple ingredients and an easy method that brings a slice of Dutch tradition right into your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weekend breakfast or a fun snack to impress your friends, these poffertjes are guaranteed to bring joy to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples, you’ll create a batter that’s light and fluffy, with just the right balance of sweetness and a slight tang from the yeast. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the perfect texture and taste.

• SAF Instant Yeast (1 tbsp): Kickstarts the batter, giving poffertjes their light, airy lift.
• Warm Milk (1 1/2 cup, 90 to 100 degrees F): Activates the yeast and creates a smooth, creamy base for the batter.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 3/4 cup): Provides structure while keeping the pancakes tender.
• Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
• Egg (1): Binds the batter together and adds richness.
• Butter: For generously greasing the pan, ensuring the poffertjes get that golden, crispy edge and don’t stick.

How to Make Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Start by dissolving the SAF instant yeast in the warm milk. This little step is crucial as it wakes up the yeast, allowing it to bubble and grow, which will make your poffertjes delightfully fluffy. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it’s slightly frothy.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients provide the backbone for your batter, with sugar bringing just the right touch of sweetness and salt enhancing the overall flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Beat the egg lightly and add it to the yeast mixture. Pour this wet mixture gradually into the dry ingredients and stir until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable, almost like a very thick pancake batter. Let it rest covered for about 30 minutes to allow the yeast to work its magic. This resting period is what sets poffertjes apart, making them airy yet tender.

Step 4: Heat and Grease the Poffertjes Pan

Place your poffertjes pan over medium heat and brush each indent generously with butter. The butter not only prevents sticking but also helps create those beautiful golden edges that are signature to poffertjes.

Step 5: Cook the Poffertjes

Fill each little well in the pan about three-quarters full with the batter using a small spoon or piping bag for precision. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until bubbles form on the surface and the bottoms turn golden brown. Use a skewer or fork to flip each poffertje, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked and lightly browned on both sides.

How to Serve Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe

Garnishes

The classic way to enjoy poffertjes is with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a pat of butter melting on top. This simple combo highlights their delicate flavor perfectly. You can also add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a touch of extra sweetness, or fresh berries for a burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

These mini pancakes make a fantastic pairing with creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a more savory twist, serve alongside smoked salmon or a light salad to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, pile poffertjes high on a rustic wooden board, garnished with edible flowers and fresh fruit slices. You could also offer an assortment of toppings on the side—like Nutella, lemon curd, or cinnamon sugar—letting everyone customize their own little stack of Dutch delights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover poffertjes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days without losing much of their softness or flavor.

Freezing

Poffertjes freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy a batch anytime by simply reheating.

Reheating

The best way to bring frozen or refrigerated poffertjes back to life is in a hot skillet with a little butter, flipping them gently until warm and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that irresistible texture.

FAQs

What pan do I need to make poffertjes?

A poffertjes pan has shallow half-spherical indentations. It’s designed specifically for these mini pancakes and helps them cook evenly into their signature round shape. If you don’t have one, a regular nonstick pan can work, but the size and shape will differ.

Can I make poffertjes without yeast?

Yeast is key for authentic poffertjes, giving them their fluffy texture and slight tang. You could try baking powder as a substitute for a quick fix, but the flavor and lightness won’t be quite the same.

How do I know when poffertjes are cooked?

They’re ready to flip when bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set and golden brown. After flipping, cook until the other side is equally golden and the poffertjes feel springy to the touch.

Are poffertjes gluten-free?

Traditional poffertjes use all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you could experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for pancakes, but results may vary in texture and rise.

What’s the best topping for poffertjes?

Classic toppings like powdered sugar and butter are unbeatable, but feel free to get creative with syrups, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The sweet and slightly tangy base of poffertjes pairs wonderfully with many flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe with loved ones. The delicate texture, the warm buttery aroma, and the simple joy of popping those tiny pancakes into your mouth bring a comforting feeling that’s hard to beat. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe—it’s not just making pancakes, it’s creating little moments of happiness that linger long after the last one is gone.

Print