Dessert

Hotteok with Nuts (Korean Sweet Pancakes)

Original name: Hotteok with Nuts

A plate of golden-brown hotteok with nuts, one pancake torn open to reveal a gooey cinnamon-sugar and walnut filling, dusted with sesame seeds, on a ceramic plate.
Prep
20 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
8
KoreanMediumSnackVegetarianDairy FreeVegan

About this dish

Hotteok is a beloved Korean street food: a yeasted pancake griddled until crisp and golden, then filled with a molten cinnamon-sugar mixture that caramelizes in the pan. This version adds toasted walnuts and peanuts to the filling for a deeper, nuttier crunch.

In Korea, hotteok stalls appear in winter markets, and the first bite is always a game of patience—the filling is lava-hot. Jieun Lee, our Korean specialist, notes that the dough's sesame oil finish and the nutty filling make this a glossy, satisfying treat.

Serve them warm, preferably with a cup of barley tea.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

all-purpose flour

grain

300 g

Imperial measurement: 2 1/2 cups

whole wheat flour

grain

50 g

Imperial measurement: 1/3 cup

instant yeast

other

7 g

Imperial measurement: 2 1/4 teaspoons

granulated sugar

other

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon

fine sea salt

seasoning

4 g

Imperial measurement: 3/4 teaspoon

warm water (about 110°F/43°C)

liquid

240 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)

fat

15 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon

toasted sesame oil

fat

5 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon

walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

other

60 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

roasted peanuts, finely chopped

other

30 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

brown sugar

other

100 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup packed

ground cinnamon

spice

1 teaspoon

cornstarch

other

1 tablespoon

neutral oil, for frying

fat

30 ml

Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons

Method

1

Activate the yeast

PT5M

In a small bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.

2

Make the dough

PT3M

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and neutral oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

3

Knead the dough

PT5M

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should be soft but not sticky; add a tablespoon of flour if needed.

4

Let dough rise

PT1H

Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

5

Prepare filling

PT2M

In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, chopped walnuts, and chopped peanuts until well combined.

6

Shape the dough

PT5M

Punch down dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball, then flatten into a 4-inch round, keeping the center slightly thicker than the edges.

7

Fill and seal

PT8M

Place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each dough round. Gather edges and pinch firmly to seal, then gently flatten into a 3-inch disc. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

8

Cook hotteok

PT6M

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little neutral oil. Place 2-3 discs seam-side down and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip, press gently with a spatula, and cook another 2-3 minutes until crisp and cooked through. The filling will be molten hot.

9

Finish and serve

PT2M

Transfer cooked hotteok to a plate lined with paper towels. Brush lightly with toasted sesame oil. Serve warm.

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Wooden spoon
  • Kitchen towel
  • Rolling pin (optional)
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Plate lined with paper towels

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
4 g
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
8 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
150 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Toast the walnuts and peanuts before chopping to bring out their oils and deepen the nutty flavor—just a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, then cool before chopping.
  • Seal the dough edges very well to prevent the sugary filling from leaking out during cooking, any gaps will cause the filling to burn and stick to the pan.
  • Let the cooked hotteok rest for a minute before eating—the filling is extremely hot and can burn your mouth if bitten immediately.
  • For a crispier exterior, press the hotteok lightly with a spatula as it cooks, and avoid overcrowding the pan so they brown evenly.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve warm as a snack or dessert with a cup of barley tea or black coffee.
  • Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of hot and cold.
  • Arrange on a platter and dust with powdered sugar for a party treat.

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Jieun Lee

Recipe by

Jieun Lee

Specialises in Korean cuisine

Jieun makes japchae with glass noodles and sesame oil. She stirs with her eyes closed.

Describe yourself in three words: Zen, glossy, sesame queen.