Stroopwafels Recipe: Dutch Caramel Filled Waffle Cookies 2026

Stroopwafels are iconic Dutch treats: thin, crispy waffle cookies filled with a soft, sweet caramel that turns wonderfully gooey when warmed. Their name comes from stroop (syrup) and wafel (waffle), and they're a beloved street food in the Netherlands, often made fresh at markets.

Tradition says local bakers invented these treats to use up leftover dough and syrup, and over time the recipe evolved into the refined version we know today. The classic way to enjoy them is to rest a stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea for a minute; the steam softens the caramel inside, creating a warm, comforting experience.

With this recipe, you can make them at home and serve them just like the Dutch do—ideally with a good café con leche. The dough comes together quickly, and while the caramel needs time to cool, the process is straightforward and rewarding.

Ingredients for Stroopwafels

Makes 10 stroopwafels

• 165 g white sugar (for the caramel)
• 75 g unsalted butter, at room temperature (for the caramel)
• 100 ml heavy cream (at least 35% fat), at room temperature
• 50 ml warm milk
• 7 g dry baker's yeast (or 21 g fresh yeast)
• 125 g unsalted butter, at room temperature (for the dough)
• 75 g white sugar (for the dough)
• 1 medium egg
• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 1 pinch salt

How to Make Stroopwafels Step by Step

1. Melt the sugar for the caramel

Start by making the caramel filling. You can do this the same day or the day before, as it needs to cool completely. Put 165 g white sugar in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Without stirring, let the sugar melt completely until it turns a light amber color—be careful not to let it darken too much.

2. Add the butter

Without removing the pan from the heat, add 75 g unsalted butter at room temperature and mix very well until it is completely integrated with the sugar.

3. Add the cream

Next, add 100 ml heavy cream at room temperature and stir it into the mixture until fully incorporated.

4. Cool the caramel

Transfer the caramel to a bowl or container and let it cool completely at room temperature.

5. Activate the yeast

To make the dough, put 50 ml warm milk and 7 g dry yeast in a bowl. Mix well and let it rest for 5 minutes so the yeast activates.

6. Cream the butter and sugar

Meanwhile, beat 125 g unsalted butter at room temperature with 75 g white sugar until the mixture lightens and becomes creamy.

7. Add the milk mixture

Pour in the activated yeast mixture and mix until well combined.

8. Incorporate the egg

Add the egg and mix it into the dough until fully incorporated.

9. Add the flour and salt

Add 250 g all-purpose flour along with 1 pinch of salt and fold it into the mixture using a spatula. Let the dough rest for 1 hour.

10. Shape the dough balls

After the resting time, divide the dough into 20 small balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.

11. Heat the waffle iron

Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions and grease it if necessary. Place one dough ball in the center and press it down well. If you don't have a waffle iron, you can use the oven to cook the stroopwafel shells, similar to how we make barquillos.

12. Cook the dough

Let it cook for a couple of minutes, until golden brown.

13. Trim the edges

Remove the cookie from the waffle iron and immediately cut it with a 10 cm round cutter to get perfectly even edges. Cook all the remaining dough balls the same way and trim them so they are all uniform.

14. Add the caramel

Once all the cookies are cooked and the caramel has cooled completely, assemble the stroopwafels. Place one cookie as a base and put a portion of caramel in the center.

15. Close the stroopwafels

Place another cookie on top of the caramel and press lightly until the caramel spreads evenly between both cookies. Repeat until all the cookies are filled.

16. Serve

Once ready, serve the stroopwafels or store them in an airtight container.

Tips for the Best Stroopwafels

Caramel consistency

The caramel should be thick but spreadable when cooled. If it becomes too hard, warm it slightly before using; if too runny, let it cool longer or refrigerate briefly.

Waffle iron heat

Make sure your waffle iron is fully heated before cooking the dough. A hot iron gives the cookies their characteristic crispness and golden color. Work quickly when trimming the edges, as the cookies harden fast.

Serving tradition

For the authentic experience, place a stroopwafel on top of a hot cup of coffee or tea for a minute. The steam softens the caramel inside, making it warm and gooey—just like they do in the Netherlands.

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Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

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And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

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When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

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