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dutchsnack

Dutch Stroopwafel

Thin waffle cookies sandwiching a layer of caramel syrup — the Netherlands' most iconic sweet treat.

Prep
30 min
Cook
30 min
Servings
20
Difficulty
Hard
4.9(567 ratings)
#dutch#cookie#caramel#waffle#netherlands

About This Recipe

Stroopwafel is perhaps the Netherlands' most beloved export — two thin, crispy waffle rounds sandwiching a sticky layer of caramel syrup. Invented in Gouda in the early 19th century, they are meant to be placed over a hot cup of tea or coffee, letting the steam soften the caramel until it becomes molten. At that moment, the stroopwafel is perfection.

Ingredients

Serves 20

  • 3 cupsall-purpose flour
  • 150 gbutter, softened
  • 1/2 cupsugar
  • 7 ginstant yeast
  • 1 largeegg
  • 1/4 cupwarm milk
  • 1 tspcinnamon
  • 200 gbutter (for syrup)
  • 200 gdark brown sugar (for syrup)
  • 150 glight corn syrup or glucose
  • 1 tspcinnamon (for syrup)
  • 1 tspvanilla extract (for syrup)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Make the dough

    Combine flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast. Add egg and warm milk. Mix and knead until smooth. Rest 30 minutes.

  2. 2

    Make the caramel syrup

    Melt butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup together over medium heat. Stir until smooth and thickened, about 10 minutes. Add cinnamon and vanilla. Cool to a spreadable consistency.

  3. 3

    Form and bake the waffles

    Divide dough into 40 small balls (20g each). Cook in a waffle iron on medium-high heat for 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crispy. Work quickly.

  4. 4

    Split the waffles

    While still warm, split each waffle horizontally with a thin knife into two rounds.

  5. 5

    Fill and assemble

    Spread a layer of caramel syrup on the bottom half. Press the top half on. Cool on a rack — the syrup sets as it cools.

Pro Tips

  • Work fast — the waffles must be split while warm or they'll break.

  • The caramel needs to be the right temperature: spreadable but not runny.

  • Place over a hot drink for 30 seconds before eating.

Variations

  • Dip half in dark chocolate

  • Add gingerbread spices (speculaas) to the dough

  • Make a jumbo version for a centerpiece dessert

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.

History & Origin

Stroopwafel was invented around 1810 by baker Gerard Kamphuisen in Gouda, originally as a way to use up crumbs and leftovers. It became so popular that by 1870, more than 100 syrup waffle bakeries operated in Gouda alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special waffle iron?

Yes — a thin, pizzelle-type or stroopwafel iron creates the proper thin, patterned waffles. Regular waffle irons produce different results.

Why place it over a hot drink?

The steam warms the caramel center, turning it from firm and chewy to soft and molten — the optimal stroopwafel experience.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving · 20 servings total

Calories220kcal
Protein2g
Carbohydrates28g
Fat12g
Fiber0g
Protein2g
Carbs28g
Fat12g

Time Summary

Prep time30 min
Cook time30 min
Total time60 min

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