Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)
In short: Fluffy bite-size yeast pancakes made with buckwheat and wheat flour, cooked in a dimpled pan and served with butter and powdered sugar. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 420 kcal
Poffertjes are small, puffy pancakes sold at fairs and markets across the Netherlands and made at home for children. The batter combines buckwheat and wheat flour with yeast, which gives a light, spongy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Traditionally they are cooked in a special pan with round dimples, flipped with a fork and served with a knob of butter and lots of powdered sugar. A cast-iron pan with indents works well too.
Instructions
- Whisk both flours, the yeast, sugar and salt together. Whisk in the milk, egg and melted butter to a smooth, thick batter, a little thicker than regular pancake batter.
- Cover and rest for 1 hour in a warm place until bubbly.
- Heat a poffertjes pan or a nonstick pan with dimples over medium heat and brush each hollow with melted butter.
- Fill each hollow about three-quarters full with batter, using a spoon or a squeeze bottle.
- Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the surface bubbles and the underside is golden. Flip each one with a fork or skewer, and cook for 1 minute more until puffed into balls.
- Tip them onto a plate, re-butter the pan and repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve hot, topped with a knob of butter and a deep dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Keep the heat steady at medium. Too hot and the outside burns before the center sets. Thin the batter with a splash of milk if it is stiff.
- No dimpled pan? Use a nonstick skillet and drop in spoonfuls of batter. They come out as flat mini pancakes but taste the same.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between poffertjes and pancakes?
Poffertjes are smaller and fluffier, thanks to yeast and buckwheat flour. Dutch pancakes are larger and thinner and are made without yeast.
Can I make poffertjes without buckwheat flour?
Yes. Use all plain flour. The poffertjes will be slightly paler and less nutty.
Can I make the batter ahead?
Yes. After the first rise, refrigerate it overnight and let it warm for 15 minutes before cooking.
How long does it take to make Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)?
About 420 kcal per serving, with 11 g of protein, 56 g of carbohydrates and 17 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
