Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (2024)

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Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·5 from 4 reviews

Did you just arrive home from a trip to the Netherlands, and now you’re searching for a poffertjes recipe to fill your craving?

I totally understand, because after our Dutch friends introduced us to poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes) for the first time in the Jordaan district of Amsterdam, I was hooked!

Now every time I go to the Netherlands, I make sure to indulge in poffertjes at least once.

But the thing is, we don’t visit Amsterdam that often. Lately, it’s been a once-per-year occasion, if that, which means that my life is seriously lacking in the Dutch sweet treats department.

Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (1)

On the bright side, though, poffertjes are pretty quick and easy to make — as long as you have a poffertjes pan! And lucky for me,my sweet friend sent me my very own poffertjes pan all the way from Amsterdam as a gift when I graduated from college. (Clearly, she knows me well.)

Since then, poffertjes have become one of my favorite things to make — whether for breakfast or a late-night snack!

GET YOUR VERY OWN POFFERTJES PAN:

Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (2)

What are Poffertjes?

Oh, and if you aren’t familiar with poffertjes, then allow me to explain.

Poffertjes are essentially like mini American pancakes — only they are super light and fluffy, spongy, and cute, and so very Dutch. (And about 20 times more delicious.) They’re typically served with butter and powdered sugar, but of course, you can put on whatever toppings you like!

Today, I’m putting on all of my favorite accompaniments: powdered sugar, butter, maple syrup, and some vibrant berries for some freshness.

Have I sold you on making your own poffertjes yet?

Great. Let’s get to it!

Poffertjes Recipe (Mini Dutch Pancakes Recipe)

Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (3)

The Ingredients

The ingredients necessary for this poffertjes recipe are pretty standard. I’d bet that you have them all on hand right now.

The Equipment

On the other hand, you probably don’t have the equipment necessary to make poffertjes. That’s my guess anyway!

To make poffertjes the proper way, you will need a poffertjes pan.

The poffertjes pan allows the pancakes to take their typical round shape, allowing for their fluffy texture. You could try to make poffertjes in a regular pan, but you just won’t end up with poffertjes (you’ll end up with denser American-style pancakes instead).

You will love these sweet treats so much, you will make them again and again. Buying your own poffertjes pan will be worth the investment.

It’s also super handy to use either a piping bag or squeeze bottle to distribute the batter onto the poffertjes pan! This helps to minimize what could be a huge mess. It also helps ensure that you’re piping the same amount into every place!

SHOP THE EQUIPMENT:

Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (4)

Poffertjes Recipe (Mini Dutch Pancakes Recipe)

I know that you’re going to love this poffertjes recipe. Every time I make them, the poffertjes bring me right back to the canals of Amsterdam — and that’s not such a bad place to be, eh?

These fluffy little delights are everything you want in a sweet treat, and so much more. Their light, spongy texture, paired with salty melted butter and sweet powdered sugar really hits the spot. Every single time.

Eet smakelijk!(That’s Dutch for enjoy your meal!)

Print

Poffertjes (Mini Dutch Pancakes)

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5 from 4 reviews

Want to take a trip to the Netherlands without getting on a plane? Try making poffertjes, also known as mini Dutch pancakes. They’re super light and fluffy, spongy, cute, and so very Dutch! Poffertjes are typically served with butter and powdered sugar, but you can add whatever toppings you like.

  • Author: Maddy’s Avenue
  • Prep Time: 75 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 85 minutes
  • Yield: 4 people 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stove
  • Cuisine: Dutch
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 and 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1.5 cups milk (warmed slightly)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • butter (for topping)
  • powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  1. In the microwave or a pan, heat milk until slightly warm (just above lukewarm). Then, in a small bowl, mix together the milk, sugar, andactive dry yeast. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes, until mixture looks bubbly and foamy.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
  3. Add the egg and the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix with a hand whisk or an electric mixer until you have a smooth, silky batter.
  4. Cover with a clean, damp cloth and set aside for one hour, or until the batter has about doubled in size.
  5. Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a squeeze bottle. Grease your poffertjes pan with butter and heat it over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, fill up each poffertjes mold with batter, then cook each side for one minute, using a fork or butter knife to flip.
  6. Serve your poffertjes hot, with butter, powdered sugar, and any other toppings you wish!

Notes

  • If you don’t have a piping bag or a squeeze bottle, you can simply use a spoon or an ice cream scoop. However, these options are a bit messier!
  • If you do not use a poffertjes pan, then your poffertjes will more resemble American pancakes. They will lack a thicker shape and fluffy texture, which is what makes them special! If possible, purchase this poffertjes pan.
  • I use 2% milk, but you can use whatever kind of milk you have on hand: skim, 2%, whole, or even plat-based milk.

If you try out our poffertjes recipe, let us all know how it went in the comments below. If you post a photo, tag @maddysavenue so we can see your poffertjes! Also, if you have any questions, leave them below.

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Poffertjes Recipe: How to Make Mini Dutch Pancakes - Travel Alphas (2024)

FAQs

What are the small Dutch pancakes in Amsterdam? ›

Poffertjes are a traditional Dutch treat. Resembling small, fluffy pancakes, they are made with yeast and buckwheat flour. They have a light, spongy texture. Typically, poffertjes are a sweet treat, served with powdered sugar and butter.

Why are Dutch pancakes so good? ›

Dutch pancakes are traditional and worldwide famous, and there is a reason for that. They come with a topping of your choice or just plain. And it is the topping that makes the pancakes in a pancake restaurant so special.

What are mini pancakes made of? ›

Ingredients. This mini pancake recipe requires only a handful of basic pantry ingredients which makes them perfect for busy mornings. Dry Ingredients: Gather all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Wet Ingredients: Gather melted butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, milk and lemon juice.

What are Dutch pancakes made of? ›

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. Pancakes are made of basic ingredients, namely flour, milk, salt, and eggs.

What is a poffertjes pan used for? ›

Multi-Use: Can be used for pancakes, crepes, and other small baked goods. Easy to Clean: Dishwasher safe for quick and simple cleaning after use.

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.

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 pancake in Dutch slang? ›

Pannenkoek — Among the more benign Dutch insults you could call someone to let them know that they're an idiot? A pancake.

What are poffertjes made of? ›

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 are the ingredients in poffertjes? ›

How do you eat poffertjes? ›

How do you Eat Poffertjes? The traditional way to eat poffertjes is with butter and plenty of powdered sugar. They should be served warm, so the butter melts into them, ideally fresh from the poffertjespan, but you can warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave if they're cold by the time you get home.

Why is my Dutch pancake flat? ›

If the pancake was a little flat it is most likely that either the oven or the skillet (or other pan) was not hot enough. If the pan isn't hot enough then the liquid does not heat up and create the steam quickly enough and so the flour will cook through and set before the pancake can rise.

Are Dutch pancakes the same as normal pancakes? ›

Dutchies take pancakes to a whole new level!

Instead, Dutch pancakes are thin and dense. Usually made to be as big or larger than the plate itself. For comparison's sake, they're not quite as thin as crepes — I made the mistake of calling them crepes to a Dutch person once! I don't recommend uttering those words.

What are the pancakes in Amsterdam called? ›

'Pannenkoeken' ( the Dutch word of Pancakes) is a Dutch delicacy, made of flour, eggs, milk, and sugar. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You can make them sweet or savory, depending on your liking, and your toppings.

What kind of pancakes are in Amsterdam? ›

These are pancakes are totally different in style to American pancakes or French crepes. Over the centuries, the Dutch have developed two very traditional types: Pannenkoek and Poffertjes.

What are the mini Dutch pancakes at Christmas markets? ›

Pofferjes. Delicious Dutch mini-pancakes

In the Christmas and New Year's Eve period, you can find poffertjes stalls on every Christmas market. Traditionally they are served with powdered sugar and hot melted butter. Poffertjes are baked in a special pan.

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