Dessert
Hotteok with Nuts (Korean Sweet Pancakes)
Original name: Hotteok with Nuts

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
grain300 g
Imperial measurement: 2 1/2 cups
whole wheat flour
grain50 g
Imperial measurement: 1/3 cup
instant yeast
other7 g
Imperial measurement: 2 1/4 teaspoons
granulated sugar
other15 g
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
fine sea salt
seasoning4 g
Imperial measurement: 3/4 teaspoon
warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
liquid240 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 cup
neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
fat15 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 tablespoon
toasted sesame oil
fat5 ml
Imperial measurement: 1 teaspoon
walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
other60 g
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
roasted peanuts, finely chopped
other30 g
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
brown sugar
other100 g
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup packed
ground cinnamon
spice1 teaspoon
cornstarch
other1 tablespoon
neutral oil, for frying
fat30 ml
Imperial measurement: 2 tablespoons
Method
Activate the yeast
PT5MIn a small bowl, combine warm water, instant yeast, and granulated sugar. Let stand for 5 minutes until foamy.
Make the dough
PT3MIn 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.
Knead the dough
PT5MTurn 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.
Let dough rise
PT1HPlace 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.
Prepare filling
PT2MIn a small bowl, mix brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, chopped walnuts, and chopped peanuts until well combined.
Shape the dough
PT5MPunch 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.
Fill and seal
PT8MPlace 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.
Cook hotteok
PT6MHeat 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.
Finish and serve
PT2MTransfer 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
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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Recipe by
Jieun Lee
Specialises in Korean cuisineJieun makes japchae with glass noodles and sesame oil. She stirs with her eyes closed.
Describe yourself in three words: Zen, glossy, sesame queen.