Welcome, foodies! I’m Youssef el-Sayed, and today I have a special recipe to share with you that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s a recipe for Amsterdam Stroopwafel Nostalgia – a delicious treat that combines the crispy texture of waffles with the gooey sweetness of caramel. You’ll love it because it’s the perfect indulgence to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea, or to impress your friends and family with your baking skills. And the best part? You can make it at home, with only a few ingredients and a little bit of patience!
Youssef el-Sayed was born in Alexandria, Egypt, where he grew up surrounded by the enticing smells and flavors of local cuisine. He inherited from his mother his love of cooking, and he often recreates traditional Egyptian dishes for his friends when he hosts them for dinner. In his free time, Youssef enjoys taking long walks by the sea and reading Egyptian literature.
Youssef el-Sayed currently resides in The Netherlands and grew up in Egypt.
As an Egyptian living in the Netherlands, I have always been fascinated by Dutch cuisine. The stroopwafel, in particular, caught my attention because of its unique texture and flavor. It reminds me of home, where my mother used to make us a similar treat called qatayef. It’s a dessert that is often served during Ramadan, and it was always a beloved part of our family gatherings. So, for me, making stroopwafels at home is a way to relive those sweet memories and to share a taste of my culture with new friends in my adopted country.
The origin of the stroopwafel is an interesting story. Legend has it that in the late 18th century, a baker from the town of Gouda was inspired to create something special using leftover dough and syrup. He pressed the dough into thin waffles and then sandwiched them together with a delicious caramel filling. The recipe quickly became popular throughout the Netherlands, and soon stroopwafels were being made by bakeries and street vendors all over the country. Today, stroopwafels are not only a beloved Dutch treat but have gained popularity worldwide as a unique and tasty snack. And if you thought the recipe I shared with you was sweet enough, just wait until you try them fresh off the waffle iron!
What you need
Ah, Amsterdam Stroopwafels! These delicious Dutch treats are a perfect combination of crispy waffle and gooey caramel. Making them at home may seem daunting, but fear not! With a few key ingredients and a little patience, you too can whip up a batch of these delightful confections. First, I start by making the dough, which comes together quickly with flour, yeast, milk, butter, and egg. While the dough rises, I make the stroop filling with brown sugar, cinnamon, corn syrup, and a touch of water. Once the dough is ready, I roll it out and cut it into rounds, then cook the waffles in an electric waffle iron until golden brown and crisp. Then the fun part: cutting each waffle in half and generously spreading on the delicious stroop filling. Finally, I press the two halves together to make a sandwich and repeat the process until all the stroopwafels are complete. These treats may take a little time to make, but believe me, the end result is well worth the effort. They’re the perfect sweet indulgence to savor with a cup of coffee or tea and to transport you to the charming streets of Amsterdam in just one bite!
Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour – The base for the stroopwafel dough, this flour creates a sturdy and slightly chewy texture. Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
- Active Dry Yeast – The key to getting the perfect rise in the dough, this dry yeast activates when combined with warm milk. Instant yeast can also be used, but the quantity may need to be adjusted.
- Milk – Combined with the yeast, the milk creates a warm and moist environment for the dough to rise. Any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) can be used.
- Butter – Adds richness to the dough and helps achieve a crispy texture. Can substitute with vegan butter for a vegan option.
- Egg – Adds structure and richness to the dough. Can substitute with flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.
- Light Brown Sugar – The main ingredient for the stroop (caramel) filling, this sugar adds a rich flavor and sweetness to the waffles. Can substitute with white sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Cinnamon – Combined with the brown sugar, this spice adds warmth and depth to the stroop filling. Can substitute with nutmeg or allspice for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Corn Syrup – Helps prevent the brown sugar from crystallizing and adds gooeyness to the stroop filling. Can substitute with agave syrup, honey, or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
Utensils:
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Electric Waffle Iron
- Rolling Pin – Optional. Can use a sturdy glass or flat-bottomed bowl instead.
- Pastry Brush
- Parchment Paper
- Mesh Strainer – Optional. Can use a fork or a whisk instead.
Cinnamon: Spice of Life
Cinnamon is one of my favorite spices to use in baking, and for good reason. Not only does it add warmth and depth to sweet treats, it also has a number of potential health benefits. It’s been shown to improve blood sugar control, reduce inflammation, and even have anti-cancer effects in test tube studies. Cinnamon also has a long history of use in traditional medicine and may help with everything from menstrual cramps to indigestion. Plus, it’s one of those spices that can instantly transport you to a cozy, autumnal state of mind, making it the perfect addition to these homemade stroopwafels.
Corn Syrup: The Controversial Sweetener
Corn syrup is a highly controversial sweetener, and for good reason. It’s derived from corn starch and heavily processed, often containing residual chemicals and contaminants. It’s also a source of added sugars, which have been linked to a host of health issues including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. However, corn syrup does have its place in baking and candy-making, specifically in preventing sugar crystallization and creating a smooth, creamy texture. When used in moderation, it can be a valuable tool for achieving the perfect stroop consistency in these homemade stroopwafels. And for those who are concerned about their sugar intake, there are natural substitutes available, such as agave syrup or maple syrup.
What to serve it with?
When it comes to enjoying my homemade stroopwafels, there’s nothing better than pairing them with a hot cup of coffee. The warm, cozy aroma of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the caramel filling, resulting in a truly delightful and comforting experience. I love to take a break from my day, sit back, and savor the combination of flavors while I enjoy a good book or catch up with a friend. It’s a ritual that I inherited from my family back in Egypt, where we enjoy sweets with coffee as a way of taking a moment to unwind and connect with our loved ones. So go ahead, brew a cup of coffee, take a bite of a stroopwafel, and let it transport you to a moment of pure indulgence and nostalgia.
Summary
And there you have it, folks – my homemade version of Amsterdam Stroopwafels. I hope you enjoyed this recipe and will be inspired to give it a try in your own kitchen. I would love to hear your feedback – did you find the recipe easy to follow? Did you put your own spin on it? And most importantly, how did they taste? Leave a comment below and let’s continue the conversation! And if you share a photo of your stroopwafels on social media, be sure to tag me @youssefel-sayed for a chance to be featured. Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey, and I can’t wait to share more of my favorite recipes with you!
Here’s the recipe:
Amsterdam Stroopwafel Nostalgia: Reliving Sweet Memories Through Homemade Delights
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- Electric Waffle Iron
- Rolling Pin
- Pastry Brush
- Parchment Paper
- Mesh Strainer
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Corn Syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Dough - In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and yeast. In a saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter melts. Remove the pan from the heat and cool the mixture to lukewarm. Add the lukewarm milk mixture and egg to the flour mixture and stir until a stiff dough forms. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. - Be sure to let the milk mixture cool to lukewarm before adding it to the flour, as hot milk can kill the yeast and prevent the dough from rising properly.
- Step 2: Make the Stroop Filling - While the dough is resting, make the stroop filling. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, corn syrup, and 1/2 cup water. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the brown sugar dissolves, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reaches the softball stage (approximately 235-240°F on a candy thermometer). Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. - Be sure to watch the stroop filling carefully as it cooks to prevent it from boiling over, and use caution when handling hot sugar as it can cause burns.
- Step 3: Roll and Cut the Dough - Preheat an electric waffle iron. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut the dough into rounds using a cookie cutter or the rim of a drinking glass. Place the rounds on a parchment-lined baking sheet and let rest for 5 minutes. - If you don't have a cookie cutter or drinking glass, you can use a sharp knife to cut the dough into squares instead.
- Step 4: Cook the Waffles - Place a dough round in the preheated waffle iron and cook for 30-45 seconds, or until the waffle is golden brown and crisp. Remove the waffle from the iron and immediately cut it in half horizontally using a sharp knife. Spread a generous amount of stroop filling on the bottom half of the waffle and top with the other half. Press gently to spread the filling and seal the waffle. - Be sure to work quickly when spreading the stroop filling, as it will thicken as it cools and become harder to spread.
- Step 5: Enjoy! - Repeat cooking and filling the remaining waffles as directed. Serve the stroopwafels warm with a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy. -
