Tiny, fluffy, and dusted in snowy powdered sugar, Poffertjes are pure comfort in bite-sized form. They are soft in the center, lightly golden outside, and absolutely irresistible when served warm with a pat of melting butter.
If you have never tried Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) before, you are in for such a treat. These little pancakes are slightly airy thanks to yeast, delicately sweet, and perfect for brunch, holidays, or a cozy weekend breakfast. Let's get started!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Light, fluffy texture with tender centers
- Made with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for brunch, holidays, or special breakfasts
- Fun, bite-sized and family-friendly
- Ready in about 40 minutes
The first time I made these at home, I felt like I had brought a little European street market into my kitchen. The smell of butter browning in the pan and that gentle yeast aroma rising from the batter made everything feel special. My family gathered around before I even finished the second batch.
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (not hot)
- ½ cup lukewarm water
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Extra butter, for serving
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Active dry yeast gives Poffertjes their signature airy texture. If you are using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without blooming.
Make sure your milk is warm but not hot. If it feels comfortably warm on your wrist, it is perfect. Too hot can affect the yeast.
If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can replace part of the milk with whole milk or even add a tablespoon of cream.
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, lukewarm water, egg, and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and slightly thick.
- Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the batter rest for 20 to 30 minutes. It should look airy and lightly bubbly.
- Heat a poffertjes pan or a regular skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush each cavity or surface with butter.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cavity. Cook until bubbles form on top and the bottoms turn golden.
- Use a fork or skewer to gently flip each one. Cook the other side until lightly golden and puffed.
- Transfer to a plate, add a small pat of butter, and dust generously with powdered sugar. Serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Do not skip the resting time. It helps create that airy interior.
- Keep the heat moderate so they cook through without browning too quickly.
- If you do not have a poffertjes pan, you can use a regular skillet. They may spread slightly, but they will still taste wonderful.
- Flip gently to keep their round shape intact.
If your first batch looks a little uneven, that is completely normal. Once you get the rhythm, they come together beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Poffertjes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet with a little butter or warm them in the microwave for about 20 seconds. They are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Make Ahead & Freezing
You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before cooking.
To freeze, cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Tips and Variations
- Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra warmth.
- Serve with fresh berries for a bright contrast.
- Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for a cozy twist.
- Serve with whipped cream for a dessert-style treat.
FAQs
They are made from flour, milk, yeast, egg, sugar, and butter. The yeast gives them a light and airy texture.
A traditional poffertjes pan creates the perfect round shape, but a regular skillet works just fine.
Check that your yeast is active and your milk was not too hot. The batter should look slightly bubbly after resting.
📖 Recipe
Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes)
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dutch
Description
Poffertjes make an easy breakfast, perfect for a holiday or weekend treat.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp SAF Instant Yeast
- 1 ½ cup warm milk, 90 to 100 degrees F
- 1 ¾ cup white flour, All Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 egg
- Butter, for generously greasing the pan
Instructions
- Warm the milk to lukewarm, about 90 to 100 degrees and add the dry yeast allowing it to dissolve for a few minutes
- In a large bowl add flour, sugar, and salt and stir to mix
- Pour the yeast and milk into the flour mixture and add in the egg
- Stir until just barely combined but do not overwork the dough
- Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for at least 30 minutes but preferably an hour
- Prepare a poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan by greasing the divots generously with butter and heating until very hot but not smoking
- Fill each divot about halfway with batter and cook for 1-2 minutes before flipping with a skewer
- Allow to cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side before removing to a serving plate
- Serve with butter and powdered sugar or maple syrup
Notes
Serve warm for best flavor and texture. Perfect for holidays or weekend breakfasts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these little Dutch pancakes warm with melting butter and a generous snowfall of powdered sugar.
They are lovely for brunch spreads, holiday mornings, or even as an afternoon treat with coffee. If you enjoy sweet breakfast ideas, you might also love my Grandma's Cinnamon Rolls or Puff Pastry Waffles for another cozy option.
There is something about their soft centers and buttery aroma that makes everyone reach for just one more.
Nutrition & Notes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dutch-inspired
Approximate per serving:
Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 8g
I tested this recipe several times to find the right balance between fluffy and tender. Letting the batter rest truly makes all the difference.
Reader Reviews
"These turned out so fluffy and cute. My kids loved dusting them with sugar!"
"Such a fun brunch recipe. They taste just like the ones from a holiday market."
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Each one brings that same warm, homemade feeling to your table.
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