Dutch Stroopwafel
Thin waffle cookies sandwiching a layer of caramel syrup — the Netherlands' most iconic sweet treat.
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
Make the dough
Combine flour, butter, sugar, cinnamon, and yeast. Add egg and warm milk. Mix and knead until smooth. Rest 30 minutes.
- 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
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
Split the waffles
While still warm, split each waffle horizontally with a thin knife into two rounds.
- 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
Time Summary
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