Belgian Cardamom Waffles
If you love European baking that's full of flavor but not overly sweet, you’re going to love these Belgian cardamom waffles. They’re inspired by the kind of cozy, spiced treats you’d find in German or Nordic kitchens—crispy on the outside, soft inside, and gently scented with cardamom, one of my favorite warm spices. Whether you’re exploring German baking or just want a more flavorful alternative to sugary American waffles, this recipe brings that sense of connection to your table. Let’s make them together!
The recipe for the dough was inspired by “einfachbacken.de”. After testing many different dough recipes, I found that this one works best. I have also made some adjustments to make it even better. Please note that this post may contain affiliate links.
Crispy Belgian white cardamom waffles dipped in white chocolate, fresh out of the waffle iron
Why You’ll Love These Belgian Cardamom Waffles
✨ Unique flavor: Cardamom adds a floral, slightly citrusy warmth that elevates traditional waffles.
🧇 Crispy outside, fluffy inside: Thanks to a soft yeast dough, these waffles have the perfect balance of crispiness and softness.
👩🍳 Perfect Sweetness: Unlike many Belgian waffles that are coated in pearl sugar, these waffles have the perfect sweetness level, with the pear sugar and the Belgian white chocolate.
🎄 Holiday-worthy: Perfect for fall and winter brunch tables.
What you need:
👩🍳 Kitchen Scale
Ingredients for Belgian Cardamom Waffles
250g Milk
5 Cardamon Pods
20g fresh yeast or 7g dry yeast
150 g Soft butter
1tsp vanilla extract
2 Eggs
400 g Wheat flour
1 pinch Salt
110 g Pearl sugar
Some butter (for the waffle iron)
Belgian White Chocolate
Pistachios for Garnish
How to Make Spiced Belgian Waffles from Scratch
Make Cardamom Milk: Open your cardamom pod and, using a mortar and pestle, grind the cardamom. Add the ground cardamom to the milk and warm the milk to a lukewarm temperature.
Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the lukewarm milk and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Once the yeast mixture is frothy, pour it into the well in the flour, add the eggs, and with a dough hook or by hand, knead your dough.
Add the Butter: Once the dough is kneaded, incorporate the softened butter into the dough. Knead for an additional 2 minutes until the butter is fully absorbed and the dough is smooth.
Knead the Dough: Knead for about 5 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. By hand this might take 7-10 minutes
Add Pearl Sugar: Add Pear Sugar and mix until well incorporated.
Proofing: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
Turn on Waffle Maker: After 1.5 hours, turn on the waffle maker, and once hot, coat the waffle maker with butter (not oil). Make sure not to knock out the air from the risen dough, and pull out pieces of dough at a time to put into the waffle maker. Bake in the waffle maker until the light indicates it is done.
Chocolate: Heat your chocolate in the microwave or in a double boiler, and dip the end of one waffle into the chocolate. Add crushed pistachios. Place on the cooling rack.
Enjoy🧇😋
FAQ
Can I make these waffles ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the batter the evening before and refrigerate it until the next morning. Just be sure to let it sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften.
Can I use ground cardamom? I'm sure you can. I have not tried it, but I would recommend adding a little at a time and tasting to ensure it’s not too strong.
