Pearl Sugar Liège Waffles are a classic (and addicting) Belgian treat with a hint of sweetness.
Waffles are a great breakfast treat, something that we truly enjoy in our family. I received a waffle iron a few years back as a gift and I found myself making waffles every weekend. Quite shortly, however, the novelty wore off for us. It wasn’t because we didn’t enjoy waffles any longer; it was mainly because we didn’t want to add the extra calories of butter and syrup.
These Pearl Sugar Liège Waffles are a touch less caloric for a few reasons: they are smaller than the traditional “American” waffle, and they are delicious enough to eat straight out of the iron (no need for the butter and syrup). They have a chewy texture and a unique sweetness created from the pearl sugar that melts while cooking, caramelizing as it cools. Liège Waffles also make for a perfect dessert. This type of waffle is a classic treat in Belgium, served in many restaurants and along roadside stands, both morning and night. Lucky for us, they have made their way to Manhattan, via food trucks in our neighborhood. Since my very first bite, I had to try to create my own at home.
We added some dried cranberries to the mix of our Liège Waffles for a different spin to the classic recipe. The tartness of the cranberries comes alive as they heat in the iron. With or without cranberries, these taste so good that I had to make a second batch to send back to school with my daughter. Her rave reviews informed me that they didn’t last long! As breakfast, a subtly sweet dessert, or a snack during study breaks, Pearl Sugar Liège Waffles are a welcomed to addition to our menu planning at superman cooks. I have to admit, they have breathed new life into my trusted waffle iron.
- 1 C warm milk (105-110°)
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 stick softened butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3¾ C AP flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 C pearl sugar
- 1 C dried cranberries
- Heat milk to correct temperature and then add yeast and allow to set for 10 minutes
- Add brown sugar and combine
- Place flour in large bowl and add butter, salt, vanilla and almond extract, Mix to combine.
- Add eggs and stir in (this will be a dough, not a batter like most waffle batter).
- Cover and allow dough to sit for about 45 minutes until dough is doubled in size.
- Stir in pearl sugar and cranberries (optional)
- Heat waffle iron and lightly spray with oil.
- Drop dough into center of iron (enough for dough to cover the inner third of iron).
- Cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- As you cook these the sugar will melt and make the next waffles coated with a little sugar as it caramelizes in the iron.
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