Hotteok Pancake Recipe: Sweet, Chewy, and Oh-So-Easy!

If you’ve never tried Hotteok, let me tell you, you’re missing out on something amazing. These Korean sweet pancakes are the perfect blend of chewy, crispy, and gooey—a delightful (oops, amazing!) treat you can make right in your own kitchen.

Hotteok has a special place in my heart, not just because they’re insanely delicious but also because they remind me of the bustling Korean street markets. The first time I tried one, I was standing in a chilly alleyway in Seoul, watching the vendor flip these golden beauties on a hot griddle.

I still remember the warmth of that first bite and the comforting sweetness that followed. Let’s recreate that magic together, shall we?

What Is Hotteok?

Hotteok (pronounced HO-tok) is a popular Korean street food pancake filled with sweet goodness. The classic filling is brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, but you can find variations stuffed with red bean paste, chocolate, or even savory ingredients.

Imagine biting into a soft, pillowy pancake and getting that warm, gooey filling—yeah, it’s as amazing as it sounds.

The beauty of Hotteok lies in its simplicity. It’s humble street food that feels like a gourmet treat. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy tools or ingredients to make these. If you’ve got a mixing bowl, a frying pan, and a love for sweet snacks, you’re all set. Making Hotteok at home brings a slice of Korean street culture right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of Hotteok:

For the dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water
• 2 tablespoons milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the filling:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or peanuts work great)

For cooking:

• A bit of vegetable oil

Pro Tip: Feel free to double the filling ingredients if you’re like me and love extra gooeyness.

How to Make Hotteok

Step 1: Make the Dough

First things first, let’s get that dough going. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Stir in the warm water, milk, and oil. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—kind of like a warm hug for your hands. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it’s doubled in size.

Pro Tip: If your kitchen is chilly, place the bowl near a warm oven or wrap it in a blanket (yes, dough loves to be cozy too). If you’re in a rush, you can also let it rise in a slightly warmed microwave (just don’t turn it on!).

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While the dough is doing its thing, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a small bowl. This is where all the magic (ahem, amazing flavor) happens. I’ve also experimented with adding a pinch of salt to the filling, which gives it a sweet-salty balance that’s just incredible.

Step 3: Assemble the Pancakes

Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release some of the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a small circle and add about a tablespoon of filling in the center. Pinch the edges to seal the filling, making a little dough ball. It’s a bit like wrapping a present—messy ones still count!

Don’t worry if your first few look messy. They’ll still taste amazing, I promise. And practice makes perfect!

Step 4: Cook the Hotteok

Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Place a dough ball in the pan, seam side down. Flatten it gently with a spatula until it looks like a thick pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The moment you see that caramelized sugar oozing out, you’ll know you’ve nailed it.

Watch out—the filling gets super hot! Let them cool for a minute before biting in. I learned this the hard way.

Why You’ll Love Making Hotteok at Home

1. Easy Ingredients: Most of these are pantry staples, so no last-minute grocery runs.
2. Customizable: Not a fan of nuts? Skip them! Want to try a chocolate filling? Go for it.
3. Quick Satisfaction: Once the dough is ready, these pancakes come together in minutes.
4. Fun for Everyone: This is a great recipe to make with kids or friends. Everyone loves shaping and filling the dough balls.

Tips for the Best Hotteok

• Don’t overstuff. I know it’s tempting to load up on the filling, but too much can make the pancakes hard to seal.
• Use a light hand when flattening. Press too hard, and the filling might burst out. If it does, just roll with it—those caramelized bits are pure gold.
• Experiment with fillings. Nutella, cheese, or even savory combos like kimchi and mozzarella are amazing twists. You could even try a peanut butter and jelly filling for a fusion vibe.
• Control your heat. Medium heat is your best friend. Too high, and you’ll burn the outside before the inside is cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Hotteok is best enjoyed warm and fresh off the pan. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. If you’re making them for a crowd, keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve. Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey if you’re feeling fancy.

Bonus: These make a great snack for movie nights or brunch spreads. I once served them at a brunch potluck, and they were gone in minutes!

Storing and Reheating

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare, but it happens), store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave for that freshly-made feel. You can also freeze uncooked Hotteok balls and cook them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about making Hotteok at home. It’s not just the amazing smell that fills your kitchen or the satisfying crunch as you take that first bite—it’s the simple joy of creating something with your own hands. Plus, these sweet, chewy pancakes are guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone you share them with.

Every time I make these, I’m reminded of my trip to Korea and the comfort of street food. Now, I can recreate those memories anytime I want, and so can you. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on some music, and give these a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!