Description
This Liege waffle recipe features a rich, buttery dough studded with crunchy pearl sugar, resulting in a sweet, caramelized exterior and soft, tender interior. Perfect for a decadent breakfast or snack, these waffles are made from scratch with activated yeast and cooked in a waffle iron until golden brown.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 500 grams (4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 10 grams (2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 250 milliliters (1 cup) warm milk
- 2 large eggs
- 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
- 150 grams (10 tablespoons) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Sugar
- 150 grams (3/4 cup) pearl sugar
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: Mix the warm milk with the active dry yeast and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sugar. Create a well in the center to prepare for incorporating the wet ingredients.
- Mix the dough: Pour the activated yeast mixture, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract into the well. Stir until a sticky dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- First rise: Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and cover it. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Incorporate pearl sugar: Gently punch down the risen dough to release air. Fold in the pearl sugar evenly throughout the dough. Then divide the dough into approximately 1/2 cup portions and shape each into a ball.
- Preheat waffle iron and cook: Preheat your waffle iron and lightly grease it if needed. Place each dough ball onto the iron, close the lid, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the waffles are golden brown and caramelized.
- Cooling and serving: Remove the cooked waffles and place them on a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or syrup.
Notes
- Use pearl sugar for authentic caramelization and crunch; regular granulated sugar will not produce the same effect.
- Ensure the milk is warm but not hot to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
- The dough is sticky but should be manageable; adding a little flour to your hands can help when shaping.
- Waffles are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in a toaster or oven.
- You can add cinnamon or lemon zest for additional flavor if desired.
