Poffertjes | The Recipe Critic

Poffertjes are small, fluffy Dutch pancakes that are so delicious for breakfast! Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for a meal that everyone will love.

I’m always looking for recipes that make breakfast fun and unique! These Poffertjes definitely fit the bill! If you’re looking for other options to complete your brunch spread, try twisted bacon, baked scrambled eggs, air fryer sausage, and creamy poppy seed fruit salad.

What are Poffertjes?

Poffertjes make such a fun breakfast, snack or dessert! These light and airy mini pancakes are common street food in Amsterdam. They’re super easy to make too! A simple pancake batter is cooked on each side until golden and served warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Poffertjes are often confused with ebelskivers, and although they are very similar, there are a few differences. Poffertjes rely on active yeast as a leavening agent, whereas ebelskivers use baking powder and baking soda, making the poffertjes a little yeasty. Ebleskivers are rounder and can be filled with chocolate and jams, poffertjes are shallower and can’t be filled. Kids really have fun with Poffertjes because they look like baby pancakes, and we all go crazy for their wonderful flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients Needed

This Poffertjes recipe might look fancy but it uses common ingredients that you probably have in your pantry right now.

• Milk: Warmed milk helps to activate the yeast and gives the batter a perfect consistency.
• Instant Yeast: Ensures these pancakes puff up with a fluffy texture.
• Sugar: For just enough sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Gives the pancakes structure and tenderness.
• Salt: A small amount to enhance the flavor.
• Egg: To bind the ingredients and ensure the pancakes cook properly.
• Butter: To grease the pan.
• Powdered Sugar: Finish these with a dusting before serving for a pretty presentation and extra sweetness.

How to Make Poffertjes

These look like they might be complicated to make but they’re quite simple. If you have a poffertjes pan that’s really convenient to use but a large skillet works too!

1. Activate the Yeast: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture rest until the yeast becomes frothy, about 5 minutes.
2. Combine all Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. When the yeast mixture is ready, pour it into the bowl of flour along with the egg.
3. Mix: Use an electric hand mixer and beat the batter until it is smooth. You can also use a whisk but an electric mixer is quicker.
4. Let Rest: Cover the batter and let it rest for 45 minutes to an hour, the batter should become very bubbly and double in size.
5. Cook: Heat a poffertjes pan or large skillet over medium heat. Grease each cup or the surface of the skillet with some of the butter and scoop a heaping tablespoon of batter into each cup. If using a skillet leave a couple inches of space between each poffertjes.
6. Flip: Flip the poffertjes after about 2 minutes of cooking, bubbles should form on the top of the uncooked batter.
7. Continue to Cook: Cook another 1-2 minutes until they are all golden brown on both sides then remove from the pan and continue with the rest of the batter.
8. Serve: Enjoy fresh dusted with some powdered sugar and your favorite sweet breakfast sides!