Recipe of the Week: Dutch Stroopwafels (Syrup Waffles)

Indulge in the irresistible charm of Dutch Stroopwafels, the epitome of European sweetness. Picture this: two delicate waffle layers delicately embracing a luscious caramel syrup filling, creating a symphony of flavor and texture with each bite. Originating from the Netherlands, these syrupy delights are not just a treat for the taste buds but a journey through Dutch tradition and culinary finesse. Whether enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee, as a decadent dessert, or simply savored on their own, Stroopwafels promise to transport you to the quaint streets of Amsterdam with every delightful nibble. Treat yourself to the timeless elegance of Dutch Stroopwafels, and let their irresistible allure captivate your senses.

Estimated Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes 
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hour 25 minutes

Serving Size: 20-22 servings

Ingredients: 

For the Caramel Waffle Cookies:

• 1 ounce (25 grams) fresh yeast cake, or 1/2 ounce active dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon lukewarm milk, more if using active dry yeast
• 4.4 ounces (125 grams) unsalted butter, or best-quality roomboter, softened
• 2.6 ounces (75 g) superfine sugar, or witte basterdsuiker
• 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
• 8.8 ounces (250 grams) cake flour, Dutch cake flour, or zeeuwse bloem
• 1 pinch fine salt
• Cooking spray
• For the Filling:
• 4.6 ounces (200 grams) golden syrup, Dutch molasses syrup, or keukenstroop
• 4.4 ounces (125 grams) brown sugar, or bruine basterdsuiker
• 3.5 ounces (100 grams) unsalted butter, or best-quality roomboter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

Make the Waffle Dough

1. Step 1: Gather the ingredients.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm milk. If using active dry yeast, dissolve in 1/4 cup lukewarm milk and let the mixture sit 10 minutes to hydrate.
3. Step 3: Add the butter, superfine sugar, and egg. Stir to combine
4. Step 4: Whisk the flour and salt together, then stir into the yeast-butter-sugar mixture.
5. Step 5: Cover the dough with a warm, moist dish towel and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
6. Step 6: Make the Filling
7. Step 7:Gather the ingredients.
8. Step 8:Add the golden syrup to a small saucepan on medium-low heat. when the syrup is warm, stir in the brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar is melted.
9. Step 9: Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to lukewarm
10. Step 10: Cook the Waffles
11. Step 11: Form dough into balls about 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Transfer the dough balls to a parchment-lined or greased cookie sheet; they should not touch each other.
12. Step 12: Cover with a warm, moist dish towel and allow to rise for 15 minutes.
13. Step 13: Heat the waffle iron and spray both sides lightly with cooking spray.
14. Step 14: Place 1 dough ball in the iron and bake until golden. This should take about 1 1/2 minutes in an electric waffle iron or 2 to 3 minutes in a stovetop version.
15. step 15: Working quickly and use a clean kitchen towel to protect your hands from the heat, cut the waffles in half horizontally (a serrated bread knife works best). Spoon and spread about 1 tablespoon of syrup filling in the center of the waffle. Cover with the second sandwich half, pressing down lightly to help spread the filling inside. Let cool slightly, then serve.

Tips

• The first is that since it is made with yeast, you will need to plan accordingly in order to let the dough rise for an hour.
• The second is that to create its iconic shape, you will need to use either a waffle iron or pizzelle iron.
• Lastly, there are a few items that may not be easily found at your local grocery store, so be prepared to source them online. In this day and age, when packages can be easily shipped in two days, there’s nothing to deter you from testing out a homemade version of this Dutch waffle cookie, because there really isn’t anything better than freshly made stroopwafels. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)