Go Back

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

Ingredients
  

For the dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • ¾ cup warm water
  • 2 tablespoons milk or plant-based milk
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the filling:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts walnuts or peanuts work great

For cooking:

  • A bit of vegetable oil

Instructions
 

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.