Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes)

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Poffertjes are easy and delicious mini Dutch pancakes, perfect for a special breakfast. Serve with butter and powdered sugar.
Recipes Fives Halima
Updated on Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:33:27 GMT
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Poffertjes are delightful Dutch pancakes that resemble tiny, yeasted doughnuts. Leavened with yeast, these mini pancakes have a rich, complex flavor that sets them apart from traditional pancakes. Perfect for a special breakfast or a sweet snack, poffertjes are a treat that both kids and adults will love.

When I first made poffertjes for my family, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to prepare. The yeasted batter comes together quickly and rises while we get ready for the day. The kids love helping flip the poffertjes and enjoy them as a special breakfast treat.

Essential Ingredients

  • Yeast: Provides the leavening for a rich, complex flavor.
  • Flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and texture.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
  • Sugar: A small amount of sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness.
  • Butter: Used for cooking the poffertjes and adding a rich, buttery flavor.
  • Toppings: Powdered sugar, butter, Nutella, bananas, or other sweet toppings of your choice.

Creating the Poffertjes

Prepare the Batter

Mixing the Batter:
In a bowl, combine warm milk, a pinch of sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for a few minutes until the yeast is frothy. Add flour and the remaining sugar to the bowl and mix until a smooth batter forms. Let the batter rise in a warm place for about an hour.

Cook the Poffertjes

Heating the Pan:
Heat a poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan over medium heat and generously butter each divot. Pour batter into each divot, filling them about halfway. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to brown and bubble.

Flip the Poffertjes

Flipping Technique:
Using a chopstick, skewer, or knitting needle, stab the edge of each poffertje and lift it out of the divot. Quickly flip it over and place it back in the divot to cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes. If needed, use a fork to nudge the poffertjes back into the divots.

Serve the Poffertjes

Toppings and Serving:
Transfer the cooked poffertjes to a plate and top with powdered sugar, a pat of butter, Nutella, bananas, or your preferred toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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The yeast in this recipe is a game-changer. It gives the poffertjes a unique, rich flavor that can't be matched with baking powder alone. My kids love helping flip the poffertjes and enjoy them as a special breakfast treat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve poffertjes as a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings. For a simple option, dust them with powdered sugar and add a pat of butter. For a sweeter treat, top them with Nutella and bananas.

Customize Your Poffertjes

Add Fruits: Top with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or other fruits for a burst of freshness. Spice It Up: Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the powdered sugar for added warmth. Savory Options: Experiment with savory toppings like smoked salmon and cream cheese for a unique twist. Make It Vegan: Use a dairy-free milk alternative and vegan butter for a vegan-friendly version.

Storage and Reheating

Poffertjes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

These Poffertjes are a delightful and unique treat that both kids and adults will love. Whether you serve them for breakfast or as a sweet snack, these mini Dutch pancakes are sure to impress with their rich, yeasted flavor and fun, bite-sized shape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What ingredients do I need?
You need yeast, warm milk, flour, sugar, salt, an egg, and butter.
→ How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is 1 hour, and total time is 1 hour 30 minutes.
→ What equipment do I need?
You need an aebleskiver pan or poffertjes pan.
→ Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly.
→ How should I serve the poffertjes?
Serve with butter and powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Easy Poffertjes Dutch Pancakes

Fluffy mini Dutch pancakes perfect for a holiday or weekend breakfast. Serve with butter and powdered sugar.

Prep Time
60 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
90 Minutes
By: Halima

Category: Morning Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Dutch

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 tbsp SAF Instant Yeast
02 1 1/2 cup warm milk (90 to 100 degrees F)
03 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
04 1 tbsp sugar
05 1/2 tsp salt
06 1 egg
07 Butter for generously greasing the pan

Instructions

Step 01

Warm the milk to lukewarm, about 90 to 100 degrees F. Add the dry yeast and allow it to dissolve for a few minutes while you gather the rest of the ingredients.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir to mix.

Step 03

Pour the yeast and milk mixture into the flour mixture and add the egg. Stir until just barely combined, but do not overwork the dough.

Step 04

Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, but preferably an hour.

Step 05

Prepare a poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan by greasing the divots with ample butter and heating it to very hot (but not smoking). Fill each divot about halfway with batter and cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping with a skewer.

Step 06

Allow the poffertjes to cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side before removing them to a serving plate.

Step 07

Serve the poffertjes with butter and powdered sugar, or maple syrup.

Tools You'll Need

  • Aebleskiver Pan/Ebelskiver Pan