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Home » Breakfast » Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

1 June, 2016 by Tara 44 Comments

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Recipe for Poffertjes- Dutch mini puffed pancakes topped simply with a little butter and sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) (5 of 5)

Poffertjes are little pancake puffs from the Netherlands formed by pouring a yeast-based batter into the cavities of a Poffertjes Pan. They are cooked on each side until golden and finished off with a few dots of butter and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. They are particularly popular as a street food during holidays and summer festivals (we got to try them at a food stall in the Markthal in Rotterdam). Evan and Claire were fond of their tiny size which was perfect for little hands. Arousing Appetites has a great overview of the history behind the Poffertjes.

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

Poffertjes are traditionally made in a Poffertjes pan (another one). I did not have one available, so I used this Aebleskiver pan (currently unavailable) and only filled the very bottom part with the batter.

The fluffy, spongy texture comes from the yeast and 1 hour rising time. The milk should be lukewarm, just slightly warm to touch to activate the yeast. Traditionally, the pancakes are made with a mixture of buckwheat and wheat flour. I used purely all-purpose since the buckwheat flour available in the United States tends to be darker and stronger than the European version. If you have a lighter quality available, feel free to replace half of the all-purpose flour with it.

To easily fill the pan with batter, I used a piping bag. A ziploc bag with the corner snipped off or even a squeeze bottle would be great too. I used a little appetizer spoon to flip the poffertjes over, but a chopstick or toothpick will also work.

These pancakes are best served right away with butter and powdered sugar. They would also be great with syrup or strawberries and whipped cream.

Looking for more pancake recipes? Try Kanelplättar (Swedish Mini Cinnamon Pancakes), Oladi (Ukrainian Buttermilk Pancakes), and Nutella Stuffed Aebleskiver.

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) (4 of 5)

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe
Adapted from Oh My Dish

Print Pin

Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 7 grams (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 350 milliliters (1 1/2 cups) lukewarm whole milk, 105-115 degrees F
  • 250 grams (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 1 egg
  • Butter for greasing pan

For serving:

  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle yeast over milk, then stir to combine. Allow to sit until the yeast is frothy, 5-10 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix in the frothy yeast with milk and egg until smooth. Cover with plastic or a towel and allow to rest until bubbly and risen, about 1 hour.
  • Place poffertjes pan over medium heat and brush each of the cavities with melted butter.
  • Transfer the risen batter to a piping bag or large ziplock bag with a small edge of the corner snipped off. Pipe a small amount of batter, about 1 tablespoon, into the cavities of the heated pan.
  • Cook until the bottom is golden and bubbles form on the top. Flip to cook the other side. Remove to serving dish and repeat with remaining batter, greasing the cavities as needed.
  • Serve immediately with butter and powdered sugar or syrup.
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Related

Filed Under: Breakfast, European Tagged With: breakfast, dutch, europe, European, netherlands, pancake, poffertjes

Previous Post: « Seasoned Parmesan Potato Wedges
Next Post: Aysh Abu Laham and The Arabian Nights Cookbook »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susan

    1 June, 2016 at 9:04 am

    Does this ever bring back ancient memories! In the late ’60s I had a Danish roommate who had one of these pans and call the pancakes abelskiver. She turned them with a knitting needle (cooking chopstick was also a possibility). I don’t remember if her dough was yeast-based. Wish I had room in my kitchen for one of these pans…

    Reply
    • Tara

      1 June, 2016 at 9:53 am

      I love that she used a knitting needle!

      Reply
  2. Trish @ Rhubarbarians

    1 June, 2016 at 10:10 am

    Oh my gosh, these look SO GOOD! I could eat like, this whole batch. Ha!

    Reply
  3. Lisa | Garlic + Zest

    1 June, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Pretty sure I could eat a whole pile of those little pancakes! They look delicious!

    Reply
  4. Annemarie @ justalittlebitofbacon

    1 June, 2016 at 10:30 am

    These are so adorable! I’d like a dozen. 🙂 I think I could probably make these in a muffin pan (I have a few of those in the house) and my mid-sized cookie scoop for the batter.

    Reply
  5. Jolina - The Unlikely Baker

    1 June, 2016 at 10:44 am

    I so want to make these! I need to get myself one of them poffertjes pans. The pancakes just look so light and delicate and dangerous – I can eat lots of them I think 🙂

    Reply
  6. Just Jo

    1 June, 2016 at 10:50 am

    *Squeal* – are these not the cutest pancakes ever?! I’ve heard of these and ableskiver but I haven’t tried either just get. I need to get me a pan and try your lovely looking recipe 😀

    Reply
    • Tara

      1 June, 2016 at 10:52 am

      I cheated a bit by using the Aebleskiver pan instead of the traditional Poffertjes pan, but I only have so much room in my kitchen 🙂

      Reply
  7. sue | theviewfromgreatisland

    1 June, 2016 at 11:26 am

    I’ve seen these pans in thrift stores and didn’t know what in the world they were used for, and now I know! I’ll pick one up next time, these little mini pancakes look incredible 🙂

    Reply
  8. lk529

    5 June, 2016 at 9:33 am

    Yum! Nice pan. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Rita

    26 September, 2016 at 8:55 pm

    Hi,
    Can I use instant yeast instead? I cannot seem to find the one you have used. If yes, would it be the same measurement?
    I tried making poffertjes earlier but failed as my batter had no bubbles and they weren’t cooking and came out rubberu. I am going to try your recipe later. Hope it works

    Also, can I ask you, do poffertjes taste very different from the normal fluffy and spongey american type of pancake?

    thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • Tara

      26 September, 2016 at 10:55 pm

      Hi Rita! Yep, you can use instant yeast. You will only need about 2 teaspoons and no need to add it to the milk. Just mix it straight into the flour. The taste is close to the American pancakes, but I found them to be a bit lighter.

      Reply
  10. Rita

    27 September, 2016 at 9:53 am

    Hi.
    Thanks for your reply. I followed your recipe and it tasted great. but after a few hours I had a problem with the batter. It smells very bad, smells sour (if that makes sense).. I left the batter in the kitchen for several hours and returned to find it smelling bad. I will be using this recipe at a charity event but I am worried that the bad smell will remain all day long, I will be there for 7 ays. I forgot to mention that even the pancakes had the same smell. Do you have any clue what this has happened? does it mean the batter is no longer safe to use?

    Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Tara

      27 September, 2016 at 10:50 am

      Hi Rita. If they smell bad then I would toss them. Do you mean you left the batter sitting out at room temperature for several hours? Pancake batters in general should be covered and refrigerated if left for more than a couple of hours and these Poffertjes are best with fresh batter that has only been left for about an hour or two and are best while still warm from the pan. Sorry 🙁

      Reply
  11. Rita

    8 October, 2016 at 8:45 pm

    Hi Tara.
    Thanks for your response. Can I use baking powder instead of yeast? if yes, what would be the perfect amount? and is it really necessary to warm the milk and keep the batter out for an hour?. I am raising funds for children in need next week and still don’t have a decent recipe, my pancakes either turn out rubbery or chewy. Your recipe is perfect but the use of yeast is quite problematic :(. It is frustrating, I would be grateful If you could enlighten me.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Tara

      9 October, 2016 at 10:38 pm

      Unfortunately for your needs it looks like this recipe wouldn’t work for you. These pancake recipes don’t use yeast and can be made immediately: http://tarasmulticulturaltable.com/secret-recipe-club-scotch-pancakes/ and http://tarasmulticulturaltable.com/kanelplattar-swedish-mini-cinnamon-pancakes/

      Reply
  12. amit

    25 June, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    can i make them in a regular pan?

    Reply
    • Tara

      25 June, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Amit! Unfortunately these cannot be made in a regular pan since they won’t get the rounded shape. You can try making these Kanelplättar (Swedish Mini Cinnamon Pancakes) in a regular pan: http://tarasmulticulturaltable.com/kanelplattar-swedish-mini-cinnamon-pancakes/

      Reply
  13. Seena Chriti

    13 September, 2018 at 10:33 pm

    hello, if I want to make this for a big event that will last more than 8 or 10 hours and I will be serving them for large amounts of people how much time in advance can I make the dough?
    do I make them and take them in cooler inside the bottles?
    or should I mix them as I go and let them rise and use?.
    what are your thoughts.
    thank you

    Reply
    • Tara

      13 September, 2018 at 11:30 pm

      Hi Seena! The Poffertjes are best served warm from the pan, but the batter can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until needed.

      Reply
      • J.So

        11 March, 2019 at 1:15 pm

        If the batter is made a day in advance and left refrigerated does that change the consistency/texture of the poffertjes?

        Reply
        • Tara

          11 March, 2019 at 1:21 pm

          Hi! I haven’t personally tried it so can’t say for sure, but up to a day in advance refrigerated shouldn’t change the consistency much. I wouldn’t let it go any longer than that though.

          Reply
  14. Areke Duthie

    11 October, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    try a squeeze of lemon juice and caster sugar yummo

    Reply
    • Tara

      11 October, 2018 at 6:46 pm

      Sounds delicious!

      Reply
  15. Corine

    28 December, 2018 at 12:44 pm

    Hi Tara,

    I loved seeing these (and you’re piece about Rotterdam) on this site.
    I used to live in Rotterdam and work right beside the Markthal, so I spend many lunches there.
    Now I live in a town right outside of Rotterdam. (Yes, I am Dutch).

    As the Dutch do not have a real cuisine of it’s own, I saw you really try to find Dutch dishes. It is fun to see.
    Now I am going to explore the rest of your site. I think it is going to be fun.

    Kind regards,
    Corine.

    Reply
    • Tara

      28 December, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      Dank u wel Corine!

      Reply
  16. THERESA

    12 March, 2019 at 7:26 am

    These were out of this world, why have I never tried these before.

    Reply
  17. Olga

    13 March, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    It looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!

    Reply
  18. Karely

    21 November, 2019 at 1:24 pm

    Can I make then in the oven? If so, what temperature and how long?

    Reply
    • Tara

      21 November, 2019 at 1:55 pm

      Hi Karely! Unfortunately, the Poffertjes require the special pan on the stove to make their shape. Previously cooked Poffertjes can be reheated in the oven though.

      Reply
  19. Donald Jones

    18 February, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    Hey thanks for the recipe, I have tried making this numerous times using a poffertjes pan also.
    I cant seem to get it right, the outsides are cooking however the insides are still gooey.

    I have tried different temperatures at different times and nothing seems to be working.

    Do you have any advice?

    Thanks

    Reply
    • Tara

      18 February, 2020 at 5:49 pm

      Hi Donald! If the insides are still not cooked, then either the pan is overfilled or the temperature is too high. Adjust the heat lower to give the inside a chance to heat through before the outside browns.

      Reply
  20. Kyla Chandler

    16 March, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    Will 2% milk work or does it have to be full fat?

    Reply
    • Tara

      16 March, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      Hi Kyla! Full fat is best, but I have used 2% without any issues.

      Reply
  21. Nela Collazos

    17 April, 2020 at 6:55 pm

    Thank you for the recipe! Just got my pan and I’m extremely excited to try these out! I can’t find instant yeast anywhere. I was only able to find regular large flake nutritional yeast. Can I use this ?

    Reply
    • Tara

      17 April, 2020 at 8:36 pm

      Hi Nela! Unfortunately, nutritional yeast is a deactivated form of yeast so it won’t make the batter rise. Do you have baking powder (I know this has been difficult for me to locate recently as well)? It can be used in a pinch- about 2 teaspoons baking powder and cook the batter right away without the rise. It just won’t be as light and airy as with activated yeast.

      Reply
  22. Jack Thomas

    27 June, 2020 at 3:14 am

    Do you add the milk separately or do you mean just dont use the milk

    Reply
    • Tara

      27 June, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      Hi Jack! I use the milk to activate the yeast first, then pour it with the frothy yeast into the flour mixture.

      Reply
  23. Silvy

    17 November, 2020 at 2:28 am

    Hi ! I made these for the first time and used buckwheat as suggested and because I didnt have a suitable pan to cook them on the stove top, but I did have a mini patty pan which is similar, I went for oven- baked version of these and it worked ! Perhaps because of buckwheat the taste was a little unusual , but the texture was amazing! Crispy on the outside, fluffy and moist on the inside – really something different. I will try to get hold of the proper pan for future use .
    Many thanks for the recipe.
    X

    Reply
    • Tara

      17 November, 2020 at 6:30 pm

      So happy to hear Silvy!

      Reply
  24. Nabila Ashraf

    17 December, 2020 at 2:42 pm

    Hi tara,
    Can I make them also in a cakepop machine?

    Reply
    • Tara

      17 December, 2020 at 3:46 pm

      Hi! I don’t personally have a cake pop machine so have never tried it.

      Reply
  25. Tara Bates

    16 February, 2021 at 2:03 pm

    Thank you for this ❤️ My grandmother was Dutch and I’m so glad to be able to make them now!

    Reply
    • Tara

      16 February, 2021 at 5:30 pm

      Hi Tara! So happy to hear! We love Dutch cuisine so much.

      Reply

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