Poffertjes Recipe
Introduction
Poffertjes are small, fluffy Dutch pancakes that are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful snack. Light and airy with a slightly sweet flavor, they are traditionally served dusted with powdered sugar and butter. This recipe will guide you through making these delicious mini pancakes at home.

Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk, warmed
- 1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- Softened butter for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture rest until the yeast becomes frothy, about 5 minutes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. When the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl with the flour along with the egg.
- Step 3: Use an electric hand mixer to beat the batter until smooth. A whisk can be used as well, but a mixer is quicker and produces a smoother batter.
- Step 4: Cover the batter and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour. It should become very bubbly and double in size.
- Step 5: Heat a poffertjes pan or a large skillet over medium heat. Grease each cup or the surface of the skillet with softened butter. Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cup or spaced evenly if using a skillet.
- Step 6: Cook for about 2 minutes, until bubbles form on the top of the uncooked batter, then flip each poffertje carefully.
- Step 7: Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and continue with the remaining batter.
- Step 8: Serve fresh, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by your favorite sweet breakfast sides.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the batter before resting.
- If you don’t have a poffertjes pan, use a non-stick skillet and scoop the batter into small rounds, leaving space between each.
- Serve with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup for a delightful twist.
Storage
Store leftover poffertjes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to keep them soft. Poffertjes are best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen; separate layers with parchment paper and thaw before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and let it rest overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before cooking and give it a gentle stir.
What if I don’t have instant yeast?
You can use active dry yeast instead, but you’ll need to proof it in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the milk and sugar mixture.
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Poffertjes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 20–24 poffertjes) 1x
Description
Poffertjes are small, fluffy Dutch pancakes made from a yeast-leavened batter cooked in a specially designed pan or skillet. These bite-sized treats are light, airy, and perfect for dusting with powdered sugar and serving as a delightful sweet breakfast or snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups milk, warmed
- 1 package instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Other
- Softened butter for greasing the pan
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the warmed milk, instant yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy, indicating activation.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour and salt. When the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the flour along with the egg.
- Make the batter: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the combined ingredients until smooth. A whisk can also be used, but an electric mixer speeds up the process.
- Let the batter rest: Cover the batter and allow it to rest for 45 minutes to an hour. During this time, the batter will bubble and roughly double in size due to yeast fermentation.
- Heat the pan: Warm a poffertjes pan or large skillet over medium heat. Grease each cup of the poffertjes pan or the cooking surface of the skillet with softened butter.
- Cook the poffertjes: Scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cup. If using a skillet instead, leave a couple of inches space between each portion to allow spreading.
- Flip halfway through: After about 2 minutes, when bubbles form on the top surface, flip each poffertje to cook the other side.
- Finish cooking: Cook the poffertjes for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and continue cooking the remaining batter.
- Serve: Serve the poffertjes fresh with a dusting of powdered sugar and your favorite sweet breakfast accompaniments.
Notes
- Make sure the milk is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- If you do not have a poffertjes pan, a non-stick skillet will also work well; just space the batter portions apart.
- The resting time is crucial to achieve the signature fluffy texture of poffertjes.
- For an extra touch, you can serve with melted butter, maple syrup, or fresh fruit toppings.
- Ensure the pan is at medium heat to avoid burning before the inside is cooked.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Dutch
Keywords: Poffertjes, Dutch pancakes, yeast pancakes, breakfast recipe, small fluffy pancakes, poffertjes recipe

