How to Make Liege Waffles

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil adds a unique flavor and is dairy-free.

brown sugar

🥗Healthier: coconut sugar

💰Cheaper: white sugar

Coconut sugar is less processed.

pearl sugar

🥗Healthier: granulated sugar

💰Cheaper: none

Granulated sugar can be used, but will not provide the same texture.

Combine 1/2 cup lukewarm milk, 1/3 cup warm water, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, and 3 teaspoons active dry yeast in a bowl and stir to proof the yeast for about 5 minutes until bubbly.

Add 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup soft butter to the yeast mixture.

Mix the ingredients using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until combined, then add another cup of flour and mix again.

Switch to a dough hook and add 2 more cups of flour, saving about 1/2 cup in reserve.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it pulls away from the sides of the bowl, adding reserved flour if necessary.

Transfer the dough to a bowl greased with a little oil, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm spot for about 3 hours.

After rising, punch down the dough and refrigerate overnight for flavor development.

The next day, add 8 ounces of Belgian sugar pearls to the dough and knead them in until evenly dispersed.

Divide the dough into 10 to 12 equal balls and shape them into circles, adding any remaining sugar pearls as needed.

Preheat a heavy-duty Belgian waffle iron on medium-low heat, then flatten each dough ball slightly and place it in the waffle iron, pressing it down to close.

Cook the waffles for about 4 minutes until golden brown, then transfer them to a serving plate.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens