Breakfast · Dutch

Dutch Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes)

Priya Nair

Recipe by Priya Nair

Breakfast & spice-forward cooking · October 21, 2026

Poffertjes are fluffy little puff pancakes from the Netherlands, cooked in a special dimpled pan until golden on both sides. They are light and tender thanks to a yeast batter, and the classic way to serve them is with a pat of butter and a heavy dusting of powdered sugar. They feel like a treat but come together with pantry basics.

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Dutch Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes)

Why you'll love this

  • Light, fluffy, and fun to make in a single batch.
  • Only pantry staples and one packet of yeast needed.
  • A crowd-pleaser for brunch or a sweet snack.
  • The yeast batter gives them an unbeatable puffy texture.

EveryDayMeal recipe

Dutch Poffertjes (Mini Pancakes)

Prep
15m
Cook
15m
Total
75m
Serves
4
Level
Medium

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buckwheat flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon plus more butter, for the pan
  • 1 1/4 cups milk, lukewarm
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons (1 packet) active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon sugar plus 1/4 teaspoon vanilla)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • to taste powdered sugar, for serving

Equipment

  • Poffertjes pan (dimpled pan)
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small fork or skewer

Instructions

  1. Stir the yeast into a few tablespoons of the lukewarm milk and let it sit until dissolved and slightly foamy, about 5 minutes, which tells you the yeast is alive and ready to work.
  2. Combine the all-purpose flour and buckwheat flour in a large bowl and make a well in the center, then pour in the yeast mixture. Gradually whisk in the rest of the milk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Whisk in the eggs, salt, and vanilla sugar until fully combined, so the batter is silky and evenly sweetened.
  4. Cover the bowl and let the batter rest in a warm spot until it looks bubbly and has risen, about 45 minutes. This rise is what gives poffertjes their airy lift.
  5. Heat a poffertjes pan over medium heat and drop a little butter into each dimple, letting it melt and sizzle so the pancakes brown and release easily.
  6. Fill each well about halfway with batter and cook until the tops start to look dry at the edges, about 1 minute. Using a small fork or skewer, flip each one and cook the other side until puffed and golden brown.
  7. Pile the warm poffertjes on a plate, top with a knob of butter, and dust generously with powdered sugar before serving.

Tips from the kitchen

  • Make sure the milk is just lukewarm, not hot, or it can kill the yeast before it works.
  • Keep the heat at medium so the butter browns the outside without burning before the inside cooks.
  • A thin skewer or small fork is the easiest tool for flipping each little pancake neatly.

Estimated nutrition per serving: 320 cal · 11g protein · 52g carbs · 8g fat

Make it your own

  • Use all all-purpose flour if you don't have buckwheat, for a milder flavor.
  • Serve with maple syrup, berries, or a drizzle of chocolate instead of just powdered sugar.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for a warm, spiced twist.

Storing & make-ahead

Poffertjes are best fresh and warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 2 days and reheat in a warm skillet or low oven until heated through. The batter can rest in the fridge, covered, for a few hours before cooking.

Good to know

Do I need a special poffertjes pan?
Yes, the dimpled pan is what gives them their round shape. In a pinch you can use an aebleskiver pan, but a flat skillet will just make small flat pancakes.
Can I skip the buckwheat flour?
You can use all all-purpose flour. Buckwheat adds a slightly nutty, traditional flavor, but the pancakes will still be delicious without it.
Why isn't my batter rising?
Usually the milk was too hot or too cold, or the yeast was old. Use lukewarm milk and fresh yeast, and give it a warm spot to rise.
Can I make the batter ahead?
Yes, let it rise, then refrigerate for a few hours. Bring it back to room temperature before cooking for the best puff.

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