Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Liege Waffles are a rich and indulgent Belgian treat known for their caramelized exterior and chewy, buttery interior. Unlike traditional waffles, Liege waffles are made with a brioche-style dough and feature crunchy pearl sugar that melts slightly during cooking to create golden, sweet pockets of flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these waffles are irresistible when served warm and topped with your favorite fruits, creams, or syrups.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
all-purpose flouractive dry yeastwarm milksugarlarge eggsunsalted buttersaltvanilla extractpearl sugar
directions
In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, and salt.
Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the yeast mixture, then stir into the dry ingredients.
Mix until a sticky dough forms, then gradually knead in the softened butter until fully incorporated.
Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, gently fold in the pearl sugar.
Preheat a Belgian waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or nonstick spray.
Divide the dough into small portions (about 3–4 ounces each).
Place one dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 3–5 minutes, until golden and caramelized.
Carefully remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 8 waffles.Preparation time: 20 minutesRising time: 60–90 minutesCooking time: 30 minutesTotal time: 2–2.5 hours
Variations
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice note.
Mix in mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Top with whipped cream, berries, or Nutella for an indulgent finish.
Try with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for dessert.
storage/reheating
Store cooled waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.Freeze individually wrapped waffles for up to 2 months.To reheat, warm in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
What makes Liege waffles different from regular waffles?
Liege waffles use a yeast-based brioche dough and pearl sugar, giving them a chewy texture and caramelized crust.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be prepared and refrigerated overnight. Let it come to room temperature before adding pearl sugar and cooking.
Where can I find pearl sugar?
Pearl sugar can be found at specialty baking stores or online. Swedish pearl sugar is smaller; Belgian pearl sugar is ideal.
Can I use regular sugar instead?
No, regular sugar won’t caramelize the same way. Pearl sugar is key to the texture and flavor.
Do I need a special waffle iron?
A Belgian-style waffle iron works best for the thicker dough and ensures proper caramelization.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Just be sure to give the dough plenty of time to rise.
What can I serve with Liege waffles?
Fresh fruit, whipped cream, yogurt, chocolate sauce, or even savory toppings like bacon.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, freeze dough portions before adding pearl sugar. Thaw in fridge overnight, add sugar, and cook.
Why is my waffle dough so sticky?
That’s normal due to the high butter content. Use lightly oiled hands to handle it more easily.
What if I don’t have yeast?
Unfortunately, yeast is essential for the texture of Liege waffles and cannot be substituted.
Conclusion
Liege Waffles are a luxurious twist on a classic favorite, offering a chewy bite with delightful bursts of caramelized sugar. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with toppings, these waffles are a must-try for anyone who loves authentic European baked goods. Bring a taste of Belgium to your kitchen and savor every rich, buttery bite.
Print
Liege Waffle Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: Belgian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Liège waffles are rich, chewy Belgian waffles made with a brioche-like dough and pearl sugar that caramelizes when cooked.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup warm milk (110°F/45°C)
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups Belgian pearl sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the yeast mixture, warm milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Knead in the softened butter until a smooth dough forms, about 5–7 minutes.
- Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Gently fold in the pearl sugar.
- Divide the dough into 10–12 portions and shape into balls. Let rest for 15 minutes.
- Preheat a waffle iron (preferably Belgian-style).
- Cook each dough ball in the waffle iron for 3–5 minutes, until golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Pearl sugar is key to the caramelized texture—do not substitute.
- Use a non-stick or well-greased waffle iron to prevent sticking.
- These waffles freeze well; reheat in a toaster for best results.