Belgian Sugar Waffles

(12)
mld102271_1206_sugrwaffle.jpg
Yield:
2 dozen

Yeast helps give these waffles their signature crispy texture.

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 10 teaspoons active dry yeast

  • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons whole milk, room temperature

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 ¼ sticks) unsalted butter, softened

  • 5 large eggs, room temperature

  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup amber sugar or coarsely chopped light-brown sugar cubes

  • Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Directions

  1. Put 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons flour, 5 teaspoons yeast, and 1/3 cup water into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix to combine. Transfer to a large bowl. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let rest 12 hours.

  2. Stir together milk and remaining 5 teaspoons yeast in a small bowl. Let stand until foamy, about 5 minutes.

  3. Put remaining 2 1/2 cups flour, the butter, eggs, vanilla, and flour-yeast mixture into the clean bowl of electric mixer fitted with the dough hook. Add milk-yeast mixture; mix on medium speed 1 minute. Add granulated sugar and salt. Raise speed to high; mix until batter pulls away from sides, about 10 minutes.

  4. Add amber sugar, and mix 30 seconds. Cover loosely with plastic wrap, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, about 30 minutes.

  5. Heat a waffle iron until hot. Drop 2 tablespoons batter onto each mold. Cook until golden, about 3 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar.

Cook's Notes

Waffles can be stored in an airtight container up to 1 week.

Originally appeared: Martha Stewart Living, December 2006
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