Poffertjes (Dutch Mini Pancakes)

If you’ve ever wandered through a Dutch market or café, you’ve likely seen poffertjes cooking on a griddle — small, fluffy pancakes served warm with butter and powdered sugar. They’re simple, comforting, and meant to be eaten fresh, often standing at a table with a fork and a cup of coffee nearby.
This classic poffertjes recipe recreates that experience at home. Lightly sweet, tender, and easy to make, these mini pancakes are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat inspired by travels through the Netherlands.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: Dutch

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 tbsp melted butter plus more for cooking
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • For serving optional:
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar

Method
 

How to Make Poffertjes
    Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
    1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
    Step 2: Add the wet ingredients
    1. Whisk in the egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla until a smooth batter forms.
    Step 3: Heat the pan
    1. Heat a poffertjes pan or nonstick skillet over medium heat and lightly butter each well or surface.
    Step 4: Cook the pancakes
    1. Spoon small amounts of batter into the pan. Cook until bubbles form and the bottoms are lightly golden, then flip and cook briefly on the other side.
    Step 5: Serve warm
    1. Serve immediately with butter and a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
    Tips for Success
    1. Don’t overmix the batter — it should be smooth but light
    2. Keep heat at medium to avoid browning too quickly
    3. Serve right away for the best texture
    4. A squeeze bottle makes filling the pan easier
    Serving Suggestions
    1. Poffertjes are traditionally served with:
    2. Melted butter
    3. Powdered sugar
    They’re also lovely with:
    1. Fresh berries
    2. Whipped cream
    3. A drizzle of honey

    Notes

    Make-Ahead & Storage

    Poffertjes are best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored briefly in the refrigerator and reheated, but the texture is softest when made just before serving.

    Travel Note 

    Poffertjes are a staple of Dutch markets and cafés, often cooked to order and enjoyed warm. They’re simple, unfussy, and meant to be eaten slowly — a small but memorable part of everyday life in the Netherlands.

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