How to Prepare a Traditional Dutch Stroopwafel Recipe

How to Prepare a Traditional Dutch Stroopwafel Recipe

If you’ve ever visited the Netherlands or browsed through European desserts, you might have come across the delicious treat called stroopwafel. This classic Dutch sweet is made of two thin waffles pressed together with a sticky, caramel-like filling in the middle. Stroopwafels are perfect for enjoying with coffee, tea, or as an afternoon snack. The good news is that you don’t have to travel all the way to the Netherlands to indulge in this delightful treat—you can make stroopwafels right in your kitchen! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for preparing traditional Dutch stroopwafels.

A Quick Background on Stroopwafels

The stroopwafel originated in the Dutch city of Gouda (yes, the same city famous for its cheese!) and dates back to the 18th century. Their name comes from “stroop,” which means syrup, and “wafel,” which means waffle. Bakeries crafted this delicacy using leftover crumbs from bread and a syrup-like filling, creating a dessert that quickly became popular. Today, stroopwafels are beloved worldwide, and you’ll often see pre-packaged versions sold in stores. But nothing beats the taste of homemade stroopwafels—and making them is simpler than you might think!

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients and tools:

For the Waffle Dough:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup (75 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) warm milk
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• A pinch of salt

For the Syrup Filling:

• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) golden syrup or molasses
• 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Stroopwafel iron or pizzelle press (a waffle maker can work in a pinch!)
• Rolling pin
• Round cookie cutter (about 4 inches/10 cm in diameter)
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the yeast: Start by mixing the warm milk with the yeast in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until it forms bubbles, indicating the yeast is active.

2. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter, egg, and your activated yeast mixture. Stir until a dough begins to form.

3. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it until it’s smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour.

4. Let the dough rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for 30–60 minutes until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Make the Stroop (Syrup)

1. Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add sugar and syrup: Stir in the brown sugar and golden syrup/molasses. Keep stirring to prevent burning.

3. Simmer: Let the mixture cook on low heat for about 5–7 minutes until it thickens into a caramel-like texture.

4. Add vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set the syrup aside and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Bake the Waffles

1. Divide the dough: Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.

2. Heat your waffle iron: Preheat your stroopwafel iron or pizzelle press. If you’re using a regular waffle maker, you may need to flatten the dough slightly.

3. Press the dough: Place a ball of dough into the iron and close the lid firmly. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until the waffle is golden brown and crisp. Repeat for each ball of dough.

4. Cut into circles: While the waffles are still warm, use your round cookie cutter to trim them into perfect circles. This step is optional but makes them look more authentic.

Step 4: Assemble the Stroopwafels

1. Slice the waffles: Carefully slice each waffle horizontally into two thin halves using a sharp knife. This step requires patience to avoid breaking the waffle.

2. Spread the syrup: Spread a thin layer of the syrup filling onto one half of the waffle, then press the second half on top to create a sandwich.

3. Cool and enjoy: Let the stroopwafels cool completely before serving. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, making them easier to handle.

Tips for Serving Stroopwafels

Stroopwafels are traditionally enjoyed with coffee or tea. Place one on top of your cup for a few seconds—the steam softens the syrup inside, enhancing the flavor. You can also eat them as they are or crumble pieces into ice cream or yogurt for a yummy topping.

Conclusion

Making traditional Dutch stroopwafels at home is a fun and rewarding experience that brings a taste of the Netherlands into your kitchen. The process may take a little time, but the result is well worth it—a batch of warm, buttery, and sweet stroopwafels that taste even better than the store-bought version. So, gather your ingredients and give this simple recipe a try! Your friends and family are sure to love this delicious treat.