Belgian Liege Waffles are buttery, golden, and packed with caramelized pearl sugar for a delightful crunch. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these waffles are a must-try for any waffle lover!
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Belgian Waffles are a famous street food from the city of Brussels and beyond. Known for their caramelized pearl sugar and buttery flavor, they’re a must-try treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
These waffles are made with a rich, brioche-like dough and pearl sugar that melts and caramelizes as they cook. Their chewy texture and sweet, golden crust make them one of the most popular waffles in Belgium and around the world.
Liege waffles are easy to make and absolutely delicious. Serve them warm with powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit for a classic Belgian experience right at home!
Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Belgian waffles:
- Milk: Use whole milk for a richer dough, but 2% milk works too.
- Yeast: Instant or rapid-rise yeast works best for quick activation.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for this recipe.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
- Butter: Unsalted and softened butter is essential for the dough.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness in the dough.
- Salt: Regular table salt to balance the flavors.
- Pearl Sugar: Authentic Belgian pearl sugar for the signature crunch and caramelization.
How To Make Belgian Liège Waffles
Here’s a quick visual guide! Don’t forget, the full instructions with exact ingredient measurements are in the main recipe card below.
- Rehydrate the instant yeast in warm milk if necessary and let it rest for a few minutes.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer equipped with the dough hook, place the flour, sugar, and salt, and mix at medium speed.
- Add the yeast and milk mixture, followed by the eggs and egg yolk, and the softened or melted butter. Knead for about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rise for approximately 1 hour.
- Then, add the Belgian pearl sugar and mix again to incorporate.
- Divide the dough into 12 balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Baking
- Preheat a special Belgian waffle iron or a regular waffle iron and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray.
- Place a dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until it is golden brown.
- Serve Liège waffles hot with your choice of topping or allow them to cool slightly before enjoying with powdered sugar or a hot chocolate sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple and timeless finish.
- Indulgent Topping: Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for a rich treat.
- Fruity Twist: Add fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas.
- Creamy Addition: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Sweet Dip: Serve with a side of maple syrup for dipping.
- Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.
Tips for this recipe
Storage instructions
- Room Temperature: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or waffle iron to restore their texture.
- Refrigerator: If needed, keep waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they’re best stored at room temperature.
- Freezer: Freeze completely cooled waffles in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp.
Variations & Substitutions
Recipe Questions
Can I use regular sugar instead of pearl sugar?
Pearl sugar is best for the signature caramelized crunch, but coarse sugar can work as a substitute.
Do I need a special waffle iron?
No, any waffle iron will work! Just make sure to lightly grease it before cooking.
How long does the dough need to rise?
About 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm place, until it doubles in size.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, refrigerate overnight, and add the pearl sugar before cooking.
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I hope you loved this Belgian waffle recipe! Leave a rating and let me know what you think. Happy baking!
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Belgian Liege Waffles
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 waffles
Description
Enjoy these delicious Belgian Liege waffles made with pearl sugar for a sweet and crunchy bite. This easy homemade recipe makes 12 small waffles, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 200 ml (¾ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
- 9 g (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 450 g (3 ¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 250 g (1 cup + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
- 30 g (2 ½ tbsp) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 g (¾ cup) pearl sugar
Instructions
Instructions
- Dissolve the instant yeast in warm milk (not hot) and let it rest for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Mix on medium speed to combine.
- Gradually add the milk and yeast mixture, followed by the eggs and egg yolk. Finally, add the softened butter (or melted and cooled butter). Knead for 5-7 minutes until the dough is soft and slightly sticky.
- 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.
- Add the pearl sugar to the risen dough and knead briefly until evenly distributed.
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and shape them into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly floured surface.
Cooking
- Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.
- Place one dough ball in the center of the waffle iron and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and caramelized.
- Remove carefully and let the waffles cool slightly before serving, or enjoy them warm with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit.
Notes
Storage: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or waffle iron to restore crispness.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooled waffles in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat directly in a toaster or oven until warm and golden.
Tips:
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements and consistent results.
- Let the dough rest fully to develop its rich flavor and texture.
- Grease the waffle iron lightly with butter or spray to prevent sticking.
- Don’t skip the pearl sugar—it’s key to the authentic caramelized crunch.
- Serve waffles warm for the best taste and texture, with toppings like powdered sugar, fruit, or chocolate sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: breakfast, Dessert, snack
- Cuisine: belgium
Nutrition
- Calories: 187
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 235
- Fat: 3
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 48
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