Name: Liege Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: Belgian
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk; 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 packet instant yeast (about 2 ¼ teaspoons); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ¾ teaspoon salt; 1 ½ cups sugar pearls (Belgian pearl sugar)

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Introduction

Liege waffles are a delightful Belgian treat known for their rich, buttery dough and crunchy pearl sugar. This recipe brings a perfect balance of soft interior and caramelized sugar crust, making them irresistible for breakfast or an indulgent snack.

A stack of three golden-brown waffles with a slightly crispy texture is placed on a white plate. On top of the waffles, there is a layer of fresh mixed berries including red raspberries and dark blueberries. Syrup is being poured over the berries and waffles from a small shiny metal pitcher, creating a glossy drip down the sides of the stack. The background shows a white marbled surface, with a blurred bowl of additional berries and a red strawberry nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup whole milk
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 packet instant yeast
3 tablespoons granulated sugar

10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, room temperature

¾ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups sugar pearls

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the milk in the microwave for about 15 seconds until lukewarm. Add the instant yeast and stir gently. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the yeast dissolves and becomes frothy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, salt, and the yeast-milk mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Cover and let the dough rise until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.
Step 3: Once the dough has risen, preheat and grease your waffle iron to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Gently fold the sugar pearls into the dough to distribute them evenly. Divide the dough into 4-ounce portions and shape each into a ball.

Step 5: Flatten each dough ball slightly into a patty shape. Place in the preheated waffle iron and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the waffles are deep golden brown and caramelized.

Tips & Variations

Make sure the milk is just lukewarm to activate the yeast without killing it.
Use pearl sugar specifically designed for Liege waffles to get that signature caramelized crunch.

For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or cinnamon to the dough.
If you don’t have a waffle iron, these can also be baked briefly in a hot oven on a greased tray, though the texture will differ.

Storage

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to retain crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with two golden-brown waffles stacked on top of each other. The top waffle is decorated with a mix of red raspberries, blue blueberries, and sliced bright red strawberries, all dusted lightly with white powdered sugar. There is syrup drizzled over the waffles and pooling on the plate, along with two strawberry slices on the side. A fork with a wooden handle holds a bite of waffle closest to the bottom left of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and there is a blue and white striped cloth partially visible at the top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?

Yes, but you will need to proof active dry yeast in warm water for 5-10 minutes before adding it to the recipe. Instant yeast can be mixed directly with other ingredients.

What makes Liege waffles different from regular waffles?

Liege waffles are made with a denser, brioche-like dough enriched with pearl sugar that caramelizes during cooking, creating a sweet, crunchy exterior. Regular waffles typically have a lighter, batter-based texture without the crunchy sugar bits.