The Fluffiest Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe Ever Made

Poffertjes, those delightful Dutch mini pancakes, bring warmth and nostalgia to any breakfast table.

These fluffy, cloud-like delicacies melt in your mouth with their irresistible texture and sweet charm.

Crafted from a special yeasted batter, they rise to golden perfection in unique half-sphere molds.

Traditional Dutch kitchens have long celebrated these tiny treats as a beloved comfort food that sparks joy and memories.

The secret lies in their airy consistency and the precise cooking technique that reimagines simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Generations of home cooks have mastered the art of creating these bite-sized wonders, passing down techniques through family traditions.

You’ll fall in love with their pillowy softness and delicate flavor profile that dances between sweet and comforting.

Ingredients for Dutch Poffertjes

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic base for poffertjes with fine texture and light structure.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Whole Milk: Provides rich, creamy base and activates yeast for proper fermentation.
• Egg: Adds richness, helps bind ingredients, and contributes to fluffy texture.
• Dry Yeast: Essential for creating light, airy pancake texture through fermentation.

• Butter: Greases pan for non-stick surface and adds rich, golden flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Traditional topping for sweet finish.
• Maple Syrup: Optional sweet drizzle for extra indulgence.

Cooking Steps for Mini Dutch Pancakes

Step 1: Activate the Yeast Starter

Gently warm milk to a cozy temperature between 90-100°F. Sprinkle dry yeast into the milk and let it wake up for a few minutes.

Step 2: Create the Flour Base

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Step 3: Blend the Batter Magic

Pour the bubbly yeast-milk mixture into the dry ingredients. Crack in a fresh egg and whisk softly until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and airy.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest and Rise

Allow the mixture to relax and expand at room temperature. Give it at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better for maximum fluffiness.

Step 5: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat up a special poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan. Generously coat each divot with butter, creating a golden cooking landscape. Aim for a hot surface without smoking.

Step 6: Cook the Tiny Pancake Clouds

Fill each pan divot halfway with batter. Cook for 1-2 minutes until edges start to set. Use a skewer to gracefully flip each poffertje, then cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

• Soft butter
• Snowfall of powdered sugar
• Drizzle of maple syrup

Enjoy your delightful Dutch mini pancake adventure!

Tips to Get That Golden Puff

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality flour, fresh eggs, and active dry yeast for the most authentic and delicious poffertjes.
• Master the Batter Consistency: Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking, creating a smooth, lump-free batter that ensures light and fluffy pancakes.
• Control Pan Temperature: Heat the pan evenly and maintain a consistent medium-high temperature to achieve golden-brown exteriors and perfectly cooked centers.
• Perfect the Flipping Technique: Use a special skewer or thin fork to gently turn poffertjes, ensuring even cooking and maintaining their delicate round shape.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy poffertjes fresh and warm, as they taste best right off the pan with a generous dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of sweet syrup.

How to Store and Reheat Poffertjes

• Refrigerate: Place cooled poffertjes in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Layer parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes per side until heated through. Alternatively, microwave for 15-20 seconds, but be careful not to overcook and make them tough.

What to Pair with Poffertjes

• Pair with Sweet Fruit Companions: Serve poffertjes alongside fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries to enhance the pancakes' light, fluffy texture and complement their subtle sweetness.
• Embrace Dutch Beverage Traditions: Enjoy with a classic Dutch hot chocolate or a smooth café au lait to create an authentic Netherlands-inspired breakfast experience that warms your soul.
• Boost with Creamy Toppings: Drizzle with rich whipped cream or add a dollop of vanilla-infused mascarpone to create a luxurious, indulgent twist on these traditional Dutch mini pancakes.
• Match with Spiced Accompaniments: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the poffertjes to add depth and warmth, creating a cozy flavor profile that elevates the simple pancake to a gourmet treat.

New Flavors to Try in Dutch Pancakes

• Sweet Berry Bliss: Fold fresh raspberries or blueberries into the batter before cooking, creating bursts of fruity flavor in each mini pancake.
• Chocolate Chip Charm: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent, kid-friendly version that adds rich sweetness to the traditional recipe.
• Nutty Dutch Delight: Mix finely chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter, then top with a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Savory Herb Sensation: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme into the batter, serving with a dollop of herbed cream cheese for a sophisticated breakfast option.

Why You’ll Love Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes)

• Celebrate Pillowy Perfection: These tiny Dutch pancakes boast an incredibly light, airy texture that melts in your mouth, creating a cloud-like eating experience that's pure comfort on a plate.
• Mastering Minimal Effort: The simple batter and straightforward cooking method make these poffertjes surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice home cooks looking to impress with a unique breakfast treat.
• Versatile Sweet Sensation: Dress these adorable mini pancakes with classic toppings like powdered sugar, butter, or maple syrup, transforming them into a delightful dessert or indulgent breakfast that appeals to both kids and adults.

Poffertjes (Dutch Pancakes) Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Poffertjes unveil Holland’s cherished mini pancake tradition, delighting palates with their pillowy texture and sweet charm. Dusted with powdered sugar and served warm, these delectable treats invite you to savor a classic Dutch culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups warm milk (90 to 100°F)
• 1 egg

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Ingredient:

• Butter (for generously greasing the pan)

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Instructions

1. Gently heat milk to a comfortable tepid temperature, ensuring it’s not too hot to kill the yeast.
2. Sprinkle dry yeast into the warm milk and allow it to activate and become frothy for several minutes.
3. Combine flour, granulated sweetener, and fine salt in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Create a small well in the dry ingredients and pour the activated yeast-milk mixture into the center.
5. Crack a fresh egg into the mixture and whisk gently until ingredients are just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
6. Cover the batter with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest and develop flavor at ambient room temperature for approximately 45 minutes.
7. Prepare a specialized rounded pan by coating each hemisphere generously with rich, melted butter.
8. Heat the pan thoroughly until surface is evenly hot but not burning.
9. Carefully fill each circular cavity about halfway with the risen batter using a small ladle or squeeze bottle.
10. Cook the miniature pancakes until edges become slightly firm and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
11. Delicately maneuver a thin skewer or small fork to flip each poffertje, revealing a perfectly caramelized surface.
12. Continue cooking the opposite side until achieving a uniform golden-brown color.
13. Transfer the pillowy Dutch treats to a warmed serving platter.
14. Garnish with a lavish dusting of confectioner’s sugar, a pat of creamy butter, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

Notes

• Let the batter rest at room temperature to activate the yeast and develop a light, fluffy texture that’s quintessentially Dutch.
• Use a special poffertjes pan or aebleskiver pan to create the signature round, puffy shape of these traditional pancakes.
• Butter the pan generously between batches to prevent sticking and create a golden, crispy exterior.
• Cook each poffertje quickly, flipping carefully with a skewer to maintain their delicate, pillowy structure.
• Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture, topped with classic Dutch accompaniments like powdered sugar or butter.
• Perfect for weekend brunches or as a delightful dessert that brings a taste of Netherlands to your table.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 125 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg