Hotteok Recipe : Sweet Korean Pancakes That Warm the Heart

Hotteok (pronounced ho-tok) recipe  is a classic Korean street food that brings comfort with every bite. These chewy, golden pancakes filled with a sweet, nutty filling are a quintessential winter treat, often enjoyed fresh off the griddle on cold days.

Whether you’re trying them for the first time or reminiscing about your time in Korea, making hotteok at home is a delightful way to savor its magic.

This step-by-step guide will help you recreate the authentic taste of hotteok while adding your creative twist to this versatile snack.

Why Hotteok Recipe is the Perfect Sweet Treat?

Hotteok Recipe  is more than just a dessert, it’s a sensory delight that combines texture, flavor, and warmth in every bite. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a soft and chewy interior, creating a perfect contrast that’s deeply satisfying.

At its heart lies a gooey, caramelized filling made of brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, which melts during cooking to form a rich, molten core. This combination of comforting textures and sweet, spiced flavors makes hotteok an irresistible treat, especially during chilly days when a warm, sugary snack feels like a hug in food form.

Its simplicity and nostalgic charm have made it a staple of Korean street food culture, loved by people of all ages. What makes hotteok truly special is its versatility and the endless ways you can enjoy it. While the traditional filling is a timeless favorite, the pancake easily adapts to modern twists with fillings like Nutella, red bean paste, or even savory options like cheese.

Its handheld size and self-contained design make it perfect for on-the-go snacking, cozy family evenings, or as a centerpiece for a dessert spread. Whether you’re indulging in hotteok fresh off the skillet or pairing it with a hot drink for a leisurely snack, this Korean sweet pancake embodies the idea of simple pleasures, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Hotteok

Making hotteok at home requires basic ingredients for the dough and a few pantry staples for the filling. Here’s what you’ll need:

For gluten-free hotteok, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. To make vegan hotteok, use plant-based milk and skip dairy fillings.

Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Hotteok

Prepare the Dough

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
3. Knead the dough lightly in the bowl for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a small bowl. Add sesame seeds for a nuttier texture if desired. This classic filling is the heart of hotteok and where its warm, caramelized flavor comes from.

Shape the Pancakes

1. Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
2. Flatten each ball into a disk, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and gather the edges to seal the filling inside. Roll the filled dough back into a ball, ensuring no gaps or leaks.

Cook the Hotteok

1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil.
2. Place a dough ball in the skillet, seam side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
3. Flip the pancake, gently flatten it with a spatula, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the filling to melt.
4. Flip it once more and cook uncovered for another 30 seconds to crisp up the exterior. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining dough balls.

Creative Filling Ideas for Hotteok

Traditional hotteok is filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts, but you can let your imagination run wild. Here are some ideas to elevate your hotteok:

1. Chocolate Nutella Hotteok: Replace the sugar filling with Nutella for a decadent chocolatey twist.
2. Red Bean Hotteok: Use sweetened red bean paste for a traditional Korean flavor.
3. Cheese Hotteok: Add shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for a gooey, savory-sweet combination.
4. Fruity Hotteok: Fill with jam or fruit preserves for a fruity burst of flavor.
5. Matcha Hotteok: Combine white chocolate chips and matcha powder for a trendy variation.

Tips for Perfect Hotteok

Making hotteok might seem simple, but a few key tips can elevate your pancakes from good to unforgettable. To get the best results, adhere to following guidelines:

Let the Dough Rise Properly

• A soft and elastic dough is the foundation of perfect hotteok. Allow the dough to double in size by letting it rise in a warm, draft-free environment. This step ensures the pancakes are soft and chewy.
• If your kitchen is cold, place the dough near a warm appliance or wrap the bowl in a warm towel.

Handle the Dough Gently

• After the dough has risen, avoid overworking it. Gently knead it just enough to remove air bubbles before shaping.
• Grease your hands lightly with oil to prevent the dough from sticking while shaping and filling the pancakes.

Seal the Filling Tightly

• When placing the filling inside the dough, ensure you pinch the edges firmly to seal it completely. This prevents the sugar filling from leaking out during cooking.
• If you’re new to hotteok, start with a smaller amount of filling to avoid overstuffing.

Cook Over Medium-Low Heat

• Patience is key! Cooking hotteok over medium-low heat ensures that the dough cooks evenly and the sugar filling melts into a gooey caramel without burning.
• Covering the skillet briefly helps the pancakes cook through to the center while keeping the exterior crisp.

Use Enough Oil

• Don’t skimp on the oil. A lightly oiled skillet creates the perfect crispy crust and prevents the pancakes from sticking.
• Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for the best flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Pancake)

For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar in the filling or use whole wheat flour.

Serving Suggestions for Hotteok Recipe

Hotteok is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. From simple snacks to elaborate desserts, here’s how to make your hotteok even more special:

Fresh Off the Griddle

• Serve hotteok straight from the skillet for the ultimate experience. The crispy exterior and gooey filling are at their best when fresh and warm.
• Pair with a steaming cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack.

As a Dessert

• With Ice Cream: Top your hotteok with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert. The contrast between the warm pancake and cold ice cream is divine.
• Drizzled with Sauce: Add a drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or honey for an extra layer of sweetness.

At Breakfast or Brunch

• Hotteok can be a unique addition to your breakfast or brunch spread. Serve alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or even savory items like scrambled eggs for a balanced meal.
• For a festive touch, top with cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream.

With a Korean Twist

• Pair hotteok with traditional Korean drinks like sujeonggwa (a cinnamon punch) or boricha (barley tea) for a complete cultural experience.
• Add a side of fresh tteok (rice cakes) or small banchan (side dishes) for a Korean-inspired snack platter.

Conclusion

Hotteok is more than just food; it’s a tradition, a comfort, and a way to bring people together. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with unique fillings, this Korean sweet pancake is a delicious way to make any day special.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the joy of making (and eating!) hotteok. Its crispy, chewy, and sweet perfection will keep you coming back for more.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

Yes! You may make the dough a day ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator. Allow to reach room temperature before cooking and shaping.

Can I freeze hotteok?

Absolutely. Freeze uncooked dough balls with filling. Add a few minutes to the cooking time and cook straight from frozen.

What’s the best way to reheat hotteok?

Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

What can I do to stop the filling from escaping?

Make sure the dough edges are tightly sealed around the filling. Avoid overstuffing the pancakes.

Are there gluten-free options?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. To get the proper dough consistency, slightly adjust the liquid.

Can I make hotteok vegan?

Yes, use plant-based milk and fillings like nuts, sugar, and vegan chocolate.

Hotteok Recipe

Freya

Hotteok(pronounced ho-tok) is a classic Korean street food that brings comfort withevery bite. These chewy, golden pancakes filled with a sweet, nutty filling area quintessential winter treat, often enjoyed fresh off the griddle on cold days

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine Korean

Servings 4 people

Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup 100g brown sugar
• 3/4 cup 180ml warm water
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts
• 1 tsp dry yeast
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Sesame seeds Optional
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Nutella, chocolate, or red bean paste Optional

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and 1 tablespoon of sugar in warm water. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This ensures the yeast is activated.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt. Gradually pour in the yeast mixture and vegetable oil, mixing until a sticky dough forms.
• Knead the dough lightly in the bowl for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
• While the dough rises, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts in a small bowl. Add sesame seeds for a nuttier texture if desired. This classic filling is the heart of hotteok and where its warm, caramelized flavor comes from.
• Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air. Divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
• Flatten each ball into a disk, place a spoonful of filling in the center, and gather the edges to seal the filling inside. Roll the filled dough back into a ball, ensuring no gaps or leaks.
• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of vegetable oil.
• Place a dough ball in the skillet, seam side down, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
• Flip the pancake, gently flatten it with a spatula, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the filling to melt.
• Flip it once more and cook uncovered for another 30 seconds to crisp up the exterior. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining dough balls.

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