Belgian Sugar Waffles

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour 420g
• 2 1/4 tsp. of active dry yeast 1 packet of instant yeast will work too (12g)
• 3/4 cup of warm milk 1%, 2%, Whole, etc. 100 to 115 F. (187mL)
• 8 ounces or 1 cup softened butter (226g)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. salt 2g
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract 5ml
• 1-8 oz bag of Pearl Sugar 225g

Instructions

1. Begin by starting the yeast. Warm the milk to 100F – 110F (40 to 44C). Then add the yeast. Allow it to foam, it will take 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs. Whisk them together until well combined. Then add in the softened butter and mix.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour and the salt. Then slowly incorporate the flour with the other ingredients. Eventually, the dough will form. Keep adding and mixing the dough until it isn't sticky to the touch.
4. Place the dough on a floured surface and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes. Or use a stand mixer with a dough hook. Cover the bowl of dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and allow it to rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch it down and add in the pearl sugar. You may or may not want to add the full 8 ounces, sometimes I only use about 6 ounces of if. Knead the pearl sugar into the waffle dough for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and then shape them into thick discs. Heat up the waffle iron and spray it with kitchen spray. If you have a temp setting set it to medium heat.
7. Add some waffle dough to the iron and let the waffle cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it is nice and golden brown. Be careful the melted pearl sugar will be super hot! Use tongs to remove the waffle. Serve with your favorite waffle toppings or eat it plain.

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