How to Make the Perfect Hotteok Korean Sweet Pancakes
Korean · Medium · 85 min · 8 servings
Hotteok are fluffy Korean street food pancakes filled with a warm cinnamon brown sugar and walnut mixture that melts into a gooey sweet center when cooked. They are especially popular during the winter months and are a beloved treat at Korean street markets.
Why this recipe works
This Hotteok Korean Sweet Pancakes recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 85 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 260 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 cup chopped walnuts or peanuts
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the Dough
Combine flour, instant yeast, a pinch of salt, and warm water in a large bowl. Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Cover with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 hour until it has doubled in size.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and chopped walnuts until well combined. Divide the filling into 8 equal portions and set aside at room temperature.
Step 3: Shape the Pancakes
Oil your hands to prevent sticking. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 portions. Flatten each portion in your palm, place a portion of filling in the center, and pinch the edges tightly together to seal the filling inside completely.
Step 4: Fry the Hotteok
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-low heat. Place the filled dough balls seam side down and press flat with a spatula or hotteok press. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and the filling inside is melted and bubbling. Serve immediately and be careful as the filling is extremely hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- walnuts → Sunflower seeds or chopped pecans work well as a nut substitute
- all-purpose flour → A mix of all-purpose and sweet rice flour gives a chewier texture
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Cooking at too high a heat burns the outside while leaving the dough doughy and undercooked inside
- Not sealing the edges of the dough tightly enough causes the filling to leak out into the pan
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 260 calories, 5g protein, 42g carbs, 9g fat, 2g fiber.
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