Description
Authentic Belgian Liege waffles featuring a brioche-like yeast dough and caramelized pearl sugar for a crispy, chewy texture that requires no syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- ½ cup whole milk, warm (110°F/43°C)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Belgian pearl sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm milk, granulated sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the dough: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. Add yeast mixture, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until just combined; dough will be shaggy.
- Knead the dough: Turn onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky.
- First rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Fold in pearl sugar: Punch down dough, turn onto counter, and gently fold in pearl sugar until evenly distributed without crushing the pearls.
- Second rise: Place dough back in bowl, cover, and let rise for 15-20 minutes until puffed slightly.
- Cook: Preheat Belgian waffle iron. Lightly grease plates. Scoop ½ to ⅔ cup dough onto center. Cook for 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown and steam stops.
- Cool and serve: Transfer waffles to a wire cooling rack to keep crisp. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not use regular granulated sugar; Belgian pearl sugar is essential for the authentic texture and caramelization. Ensure yeast is active by checking for foam. Do not stack hot waffles as they will become soggy; use a wire rack. Grease the iron between batches to prevent sticking from caramelized sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: Belgian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 large waffle
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Belgian waffles, Liege waffles, pearl sugar, yeast waffles, brunch, breakfast, crispy waffles, homemade waffles