Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe

Introduction

Poffertjes are delightful little Dutch pancakes that are fluffy and light, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a sweet snack. They’re traditionally cooked in a special pan to create their signature puffed, bite-sized shape. Served warm with butter and powdered sugar, poffertjes are a real treat anyone can enjoy at home.

A pile of small, round, golden-brown poffertjes stacked on a white plate, dusted with white powdered sugar that adds a light, snowy texture on top of each piece. The poffertjes have a soft, slightly crispy surface, showing an uneven golden color with some darker spots. In the background, slightly out of focus, is a red mug filled with a light-colored drink, both placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp SAF Instant Yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk (90 to 100 degrees F)
  • 1 3/4 cups white flour (All Purpose Flour)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg
  • Butter (for generously greasing the pan)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Warm the milk to lukewarm, about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the dry yeast and let it dissolve for a few minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together to mix evenly.
  3. Step 3: Pour the yeast and milk mixture into the flour mixture and add the egg.
  4. Step 4: Stir the batter until just barely combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the poffertjes light and fluffy.
  5. Step 5: Let the batter rise at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, preferably about an hour.
  6. Step 6: Heat a poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan until very hot (but not smoking). Generously grease the pan’s divots with butter.
  7. Step 7: Fill each divot about halfway with batter. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then flip each poffertje using a skewer or fork.
  8. Step 8: Cook the second side for another 1–2 minutes until golden. Remove to a serving plate.
  9. Step 9: Serve warm, topped with butter and powdered sugar or maple syrup as desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use a warm, draft-free spot for rising the batter to ensure good yeast activity and fluffy results.
  • If you don’t have a poffertjes pan, an aebleskiver pan or mini muffin pan works as a substitute.
  • For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
  • Serve with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a fruity twist.

Storage

Store any leftover poffertjes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a warm oven or toaster oven to keep them soft. Avoid microwaving for too long, as they can become rubbery.

How to Serve

A stack of about fifteen small, round golden-brown puffed pancakes with slightly uneven, textured tops sit on a white plate. Each pancake is lightly dusted with white powdered sugar that gently covers the tops and the plate's surface. The pancakes are arranged in a pyramid shape with some stacked on top of others, showing a fluffy and soft interior in between the browned crust. In the blurry background, there are two red cups, one taller than the other, providing a warm contrast to the food. The scene rests on a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before cooking for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have a poffertjes pan?

An aebleskiver pan or a mini muffin tin can be used as a substitute. The shape won’t be exactly the same, but the taste will still be delicious.

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Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes) Recipe

Poffertjes are traditional Dutch mini pancakes known for their fluffy texture and slight sweetness. Made with a yeast-leavened batter, these delightful bite-sized pancakes are cooked in a special poffertjes pan and typically served with butter and powdered sugar or maple syrup for a perfect breakfast or snack.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 poffertjes 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Ingredients

Scale

Batter Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp SAF Instant Yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk (90 to 100 degrees F)
  • 1 3/4 cups white flour (All Purpose Flour)
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg

For Cooking

  • Butter (for generously greasing the pan and serving)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: Warm the milk to lukewarm, about 90 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the dry yeast and allow it to dissolve for a few minutes while you gather the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Stir them together to mix evenly.
  3. Make Batter: Pour the yeast-infused warm milk into the flour mixture. Add the egg and stir until just barely combined; avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.
  4. Let Dough Rise: Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, ideally about one hour, to develop the yeast and texture.
  5. Heat Pan and Grease: Prepare a poffertjes pan or an aebleskiver pan by generously greasing each small divot with butter. Heat the pan until very hot but not smoking.
  6. Cook Poffertjes: Pour batter to fill each divot about halfway. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the underside is golden, then flip each poffertjes using a skewer or fork.
  7. Finish Cooking: Cook the flipped poffertjes for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked and golden on both sides.
  8. Serve: Remove the poffertjes from the pan and serve immediately with butter and a dusting of powdered sugar or maple syrup for a traditional finish.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is just warm, not hot, to prevent killing the yeast.
  • Do not overmix the batter; a few lumps are okay for a fluffy texture.
  • The poffertjes pan is essential for the authentic shape; an aebleskiver pan is a good substitute.
  • If you don’t have a poffertjes pan, small muffin tins may work but the shape and texture might differ.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor and texture, as poffertjes tend to dry out when cooled.

Keywords: Poffertjes, Dutch pancakes, mini pancakes, breakfast, yeast pancakes, traditional Dutch recipe

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