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If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into a waffle that’s both decadently soft on the inside with a crunchy, caramelized exterior, then you are absolutely going to adore this Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles Recipe. These Belgian treats are unlike any ordinary waffle you’ve had – packed with rich butter, a hint of cinnamon, and these magical pearl sugar crystals that create little bursts of sweet caramel inside every bite. It’s truly a love letter to breakfast and brunch all wrapped up in one golden, glorious waffle that’s perfect for any time you want something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles Recipe lies in its simplicity paired with quality ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the softly spiced aroma of cinnamon to the indulgent richness of butter and the enchanting crunch of pearl sugar, every element works together to create that signature texture and flavor you’ll crave endlessly.
- 4 cups all purpose flour: Provides the fluffy, tender base for the dough, ensuring a perfect waffle structure.
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle depth without overpowering the sweetness.
- 2 & 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dough.
- 1 cup whole milk (warm but not hot): Activates the yeast, tenderizes the dough, and brings moisture for a perfect crumb.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast: The magic bubble-maker that makes the dough rise and become airy.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Feeds the yeast and begins the sweet foundation of these waffles.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Provides richness and structure to the dough, giving it that brioche-like appeal.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Infuses a comforting, fragrant note that complements the cinnamon and sugar perfectly.
- 1 cup salted butter (very very soft): The star of the dough, adding luscious softness and helping create that chewy yet tender crumb.
- 1 & 3/4 cup pearl sugar: Creates those signature caramelized pockets of sweetness that define Liege waffles.
- Powdered sugar (for rolling dough): Prevents sticking and adds a delicate dusting for the final finish.
How to Make Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Start by placing the 4 cups of all purpose flour, gently spooned and leveled, into a large bowl or your stand mixer. Then whisk in the cinnamon and kosher salt so your dry ingredients are evenly combined. This step sets the stage for a perfectly balanced dough where every bite tastes like it was made with care.
Step 2: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Next, create a well in the center of the flour. Warm the whole milk until it’s pleasantly warm but not hot, around lukewarm to the touch. Pour this into the well alongside the active dry yeast and granulated sugar. Stir gently and let it rest for 5 minutes. This is when the magic starts – you’ll see the yeast become frothy and alive, bubbling with potential for that glorious rise.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Once your yeast is nice and frothy, whisk in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract directly into the liquid mixture. This combination lends your dough a rich flavor and wonderful texture reminiscent of a fresh brioche – soft, luxurious, and with a slight eggy depth that’s incredibly satisfying.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Mix the dry flour mixture gradually into your liquid ingredients either by hand or using a dough hook attached to your mixer. Keep mixing until the dough just starts to come together—don’t worry about smoothness yet, the next step will do wonders.
Step 5: Add the Butter Slowly
Turn your mixer on low or medium-low speed and add the super soft salted butter one tablespoon at a time. Patience here is key! Wait for each piece to integrate fully into the dough before adding the next. This butter bath will transform your dough into an irresistibly rich, stretchy, and smooth batten of bliss. The process should take at least five minutes, and trust me, it’s worth every second.
Step 6: Knead and Rest
After all the butter is incorporated, keep kneading for about 3 more minutes to develop the gluten structure while keeping the dough tender. Scrape the dough down, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and place it in a cozy warm spot to rest for 30 minutes. This rest period lets the dough relax and prepare for its big rise.
Step 7: Shape and Proof
Once rested, divide your dough into roughly 7 equal sections, about 7 ounces each. No fancy shaping needed here — just scoop and space them out on a baking sheet lined with a silicone mat or greased well. Cover with lightly sprayed plastic wrap and let them proof in a warm spot for a full hour, giving those yeasty bubbles time to fill your dough with life.
Step 8: Add the Pearl Sugar
Right after the hour-long rise, carefully fold the pearl sugar into each dough ball. This step is crucial because these sugar gems melt and caramelize during cooking, giving your waffles their trademark sweet, crunchy spots that make Liege waffles so unforgettable.
Step 9: Preheat and Cook
Preheat your waffle iron – a thicker Belgian waffle maker works best for beautiful, deep pockets. Also, preheat your oven to 170°F and set up a wire rack inside to keep waffles warm after cooking. Roll each piece generously in powdered sugar before cooking—this prevents sticking and adds a light sweetness to the crust.
Step 10: The Final Cook
Place each sugared dough portion right into the center of your waffle maker, close the lid firmly, and cook for 2 to 5 minutes until the edges are a deep golden caramel brown. Be careful when removing your waffles – their edges are sugary and hot but oh so delicious. Transfer them to the rack in the warm oven to keep crisp and tasty.
How to Serve Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles are sensational on their own thanks to their built-in caramel notes, so keep garnishes light and complementary. A dusting of powdered sugar brings a beautiful snowy finish, while fresh strawberries or a drizzle of Nutella add just enough extra flavor and indulgence without overpowering the original sensation.
Side Dishes
For a perfectly balanced breakfast or brunch, serve your waffles with crisp bacon or smoky sausage to contrast the sweet waffle. A small bowl of mixed berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream enhances the flavors, making your plate a true celebration of textures and tastes.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be shy about experimenting! Stack a few Liege Pearl Sugar waffles with layers of mascarpone and fresh fruit for a stunning brunch stack. Or use them as a base for an ice cream sandwich for an indulgent dessert twist. The rich, buttery dough paired with caramelized pearl sugar makes these waffles beautifully versatile and irresistibly delicious no matter how you present them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover waffles keep surprisingly well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To preserve that perfect caramel crunch, avoid wrapping them in moisture-trapping materials. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is your best friend.
Freezing
Freeze cooled Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer bag for up to a month. This way, you’ll have a quick gourmet treat ready at any moment. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven to revive their crisp edges, or quickly warm in the microwave if you’re in a rush – the pearl sugar pockets soften beautifully but remain delightfully sweet. The key is to serve them warm! Once cold, they lose some of that magical texture and crispness that make these Liege waffles so unique.
FAQs
What is pearl sugar and why is it important for Liege waffles?
Pearl sugar consists of large, coarse sugar crystals that melt slightly but don’t dissolve completely when cooked. This creates the signature crunchy, caramelized spots in Liege waffles that set them apart from other waffle styles.
Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier, you can mix and knead by hand. Just be prepared to put in a little elbow grease to achieve a smooth, elastic dough.
Why do the waffles need to be rolled in powdered sugar before cooking?
Rolling the dough in powdered sugar prevents sticking to the waffle iron and adds a delicate, sweet crust. It also helps achieve that beautifully caramelized surface that makes the waffles glow with golden perfection.
Can I substitute granulated sugar for pearl sugar?
It’s best to use pearl sugar for its unique texture and melting properties. Regular granulated sugar won’t provide the same caramelized crunch inside the waffles, which is the hallmark of the Liege style.
How do I clean my waffle iron after making these waffles?
Because of the melting pearl sugar, your waffle iron will have residual caramelized sugar. While the iron is still warm (not hot), add a little water to dissolve the sugar, then scrub gently with an old toothbrush or disposable chopstick. Be careful to avoid burns and always unplug the waffle maker before cleaning thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
This Liege Pearl Sugar Waffles Recipe is a celebration of buttery richness, delightful crunch, and pure comfort all in one bite. If you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a truly special waffle experience, this recipe is the perfect place to start. Once you taste those sweet pockets of caramelized pearl sugar dancing alongside the fluffy, brioche-like dough, you’ll never want to go back to ordinary waffles again. Grab your ingredients and waffle iron—your new favorite breakfast is waiting!
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