Name: Easy Liège Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: Belgian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 teaspoons instant dry yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup Belgian pearl sugar; 1/3 cup lukewarm water; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup butter, melted

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Introduction

Liège waffles are a delightful Belgian treat known for their rich, buttery dough and crunchy caramelized sugar pearls. These easy-to-make waffles offer a perfect balance of soft interior and crisp exterior that’s sure to impress at breakfast or dessert.

A stack of four golden-brown waffles with dark crispy edges is placed on a white marbled surface. The waffles have a textured grid pattern, showing crispy, slightly burnt spots, and soft fluffy parts inside. In the background, a white container holds fresh red strawberries with green tops, some strawberries are scattered around, adding bright red contrast. The image is close-up, focused on the waffles, highlighting their crunchy texture and warm color. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup lukewarm water
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup butter (melted)
1 cup Belgian pearl sugar

Instructions

Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix together on low using the paddle attachment, or stir in a large mixing bowl using a spoon or hand mixer.
Step 2: While mixing, slowly pour in the lukewarm water. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Mix on low speed, gradually adding in the melted butter until the batter is smooth. Note that the batter will be very thick and sticky.
Step 4: Transfer the dough to a large ungreased mixing bowl. Cover it and let it rise for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Step 5: Using a large spoon, stir in the Belgian pearl sugar so it is evenly distributed throughout the dough. Cover again and let it rise for an additional 15 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat a Belgian waffle iron and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Working one waffle at a time, scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the iron. Cook waffles until they are golden brown on each side.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use Belgian pearl sugar specifically, as it caramelizes beautifully without dissolving into the batter.
If you don’t have a stand mixer, kneading the dough by hand works well but may require a bit more effort due to the thickness.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest to the dough for a subtle flavor twist.

Storage

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped in foil or plastic wrap for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to restore their crispiness before serving.

How to Serve

A stack of three golden brown waffles sits in the center of a white square plate on a white marbled surface. Each waffle shows a crispy texture with darker patches from cooking. On the top waffle, a thick layer of smooth, shiny chocolate spread is topped with a dollop of white whipped cream and four bright red strawberry slices with visible seeds and textured flesh. Extra strawberry slices are scattered around the base of the waffle stack. A silver fork rests at the bottom edge of the plate, and in the blurry background, there is a white bowl full of fresh strawberries and a jar of Nutella. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of Belgian pearl sugar?

Regular granulated sugar will dissolve in the batter and won’t create the characteristic crunchy caramelized bites that pearl sugar provides, so it’s best to use pearl sugar when possible.

Do I need a special waffle iron for Liège waffles?

A Belgian waffle iron with deep grids works best to give Liège waffles their classic thick and fluffy texture, but if you only have a regular waffle maker, you can still make them; the texture will be slightly different.