Cinnamon Belgian Waffles Recipe

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Hey there, breakfast lovers! Today, we're strapping on our culinary boots for a delightful adventure into the world of waffles. However, these aren't just any waffles – we're adding an exciting twist to a classic by sprinkling in a dash of cinnamon, a staple in many American kitchens.

Now, you might be wondering why cinnamon? Well, it’s simple. Cinnamon has this unique quality of enhancing the overall taste of the dish, adding a warm, sweet-spicy aroma that turns your regular breakfast into an extraordinary treat. These Cinnamon Belgian Waffles, will add a touch of magic to your morning routine!

Let's picture it together, shall we? As your waffle iron sizzles and the irresistible scent of cinnamon wafts through the kitchen, you'll find yourself transported to a cozy breakfast nook, the heart of every American home. This is where the ordinary transforms into extraordinary, and breakfast becomes an event to look forward to, rather than just another meal.

These waffles, with their crispy exteriors and tender, airy insides, are perfect all on their own. But it’s the hint of cinnamon, that beautiful blend of sweet and spice, that makes them a cut above the rest. Paired with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream, they become a breakfast delight that will have you jumping out of bed in anticipation!

Our journey today will bring together common ingredients in an uncommon way. We're talking about buttermilk for that subtle tang, melted butter for a rich flavor, and of course, the star of the show, ground cinnamon. And the secret to the fluffiness? Beaten egg whites folded gently into the batter, making your waffles light as air.

So, are you ready to elevate your breakfast game? It's time to roll up those sleeves and make your kitchen the best waffle house in town! Join us on this flavor-filled journey and discover how everyday ingredients can come together to create something truly special: American-style Cinnamon Belgian Waffles!

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Buttermilk: Buttermilk gives waffles a light, tender texture and a tangy flavor. Always choose full-fat buttermilk if you can. If you cannot find buttermilk, you can easily make your own at home. Just add one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of whole milk and let it sit for about 10 minutes. It will curdle slightly, mimicking the acidity of buttermilk.

All-Purpose Flour: Always opt for unbleached all-purpose flour for a clean, wheaty flavor. If you want to add a bit of nutritional value to your waffles, you could consider replacing half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Ground Cinnamon: The quality of your cinnamon can greatly impact the flavor of your waffles. Always opt for freshly ground cinnamon if possible, as it retains more of its essential oils and thus gives a more robust flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for a more pronounced and genuine vanilla flavor. In terms of alternatives, almond extract could be used for a hint of nuttiness, or you can experiment with other extracts such as maple or hazelnut.

MAIN STEPS:

Buttermilk and Butter: Make sure your buttermilk and butter are fresh. If you're making homemade buttermilk, let it sit for the recommended time (about 10 minutes) to achieve the right acidity and texture. For the butter, it should be melted but cool to the touch before mixing it with other ingredients to avoid prematurely cooking the egg.

Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients: You want to ensure the dry and wet ingredients are just combined - overmixing could overdevelop the gluten in the flour, leading to dense and chewy waffles. However, you also don't want large clumps of dry ingredients left unmixed, so a delicate balance is necessary.

Beating Egg Whites: This step is crucial for fluffy waffles. The egg whites need to be beaten until they form stiff peaks, which means when you lift the beaters out of the bowl, the peaks should hold their shape without collapsing. Be careful not to overbeat, though, as it can lead to a grainy, dry texture. Also, ensure your bowl and beaters are clean and free of any traces of fat, as this could prevent the whites from whipping up properly.

Folding in Egg Whites: When you fold the egg whites into the batter, be gentle and patient. It's better to have a few streaks of white remaining than to overmix and lose the air bubbles that will make your waffles light and crispy.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Omelette with Herbs (Frence): A delicious egg-based dish, omelette is enriched with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, and vegetables and this time herbs. It's a versatile dish originating from France and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of Cinnamon Belgian Waffles, providing a savory contrast.

Side Dish: Bacon and Maple Syrup (Canada): This Canadian classic is a beloved breakfast staple. The sweet and savory combination of crispy bacon and maple syrup complements the sweet, spicy flavor of Cinnamon Belgian Waffles.

Main Course: Shashuka (Middle East): This dish of poached eggs in a sauce of tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, and spices like cumin hails from the Middle East. Its rich, savory flavors make a hearty counterpoint to the sweetness of the waffles.

Cake: Apple Strudel (Austria): This traditional Viennese strudel is a popular pastry in Austria and many countries in Europe that once belonged to the Austro-Hungarian empire. The tartness of the apples and the flaky pastry add a different texture and flavor profile, complementing the Cinnamon Belgian Waffles well.

Second Course: Grilled Cheese Sandwich (United States): This comforting American classic, with its melty cheese and crispy bread, makes a great savory follow-up to sweet Cinnamon Belgian Waffles. Add some apple slices for an extra layer of flavor.

Drink: Chai Latte (India): A comforting and warming drink from India, chai latte has a blend of spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves that pair wonderfully with the cinnamon in the waffles.

ALTERNATIVES:

Breakfast: Crepes (France): Hailing from France, crepes are thin pancakes made from flour, eggs, and milk. These can be served with a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon or with a fruit compote for a satisfying breakfast.

Dessert: Cinnamon Rolls (Sweden): Known as kanelbullar in Sweden, these delightful pastries share key ingredients with Belgian waffles like flour, sugar, and cinnamon. They are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

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Snack: Churros (Spain): Churros are a famous Spanish snack made from a dough that's deep-fried until golden and then dusted with sugar and cinnamon. They can be enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate for dipping.

Dessert: Rice Pudding (India): Known as kheer in India, this creamy dessert is made from rice, milk, and sugar, and often flavored with spices like cinnamon or cardamom.

Breakfast: Dutch Baby Pancake (Germany): Originating from Germany, Dutch Baby Pancakes (also known as German Pancakes) are a sweet popover served for breakfast. They are made from a simple batter of eggs, flour, and milk, and puff up beautifully when baked.

Dessert: Tiramisu (Italy): An iconic Italian dessert, Tiramisu includes eggs and sugar in its ingredients list. This coffee-flavoured dessert might be a different direction, but it's a delicious option if you're after something sweet and luxurious.

Dessert: Sopapilla Cheesecake (Mexico): This is a fun twist on the traditional Sopapilla. It's a cheesecake between layers of flaky pastry, dusted with a delicious cinnamon and sugar topping. This dessert shares key ingredients such as sugar, flour, and cinnamon with Belgian Waffles.

HISTORY:

The inception of Belgian waffles in America can be traced back to the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. It was here that Maurice and Rose Vermersch, originally from Belgium, brought this delightful concoction to the American palate. However, these waffles were simply referred to as 'Bel-Gem Waffles,' as Maurice believed that Americans would be unfamiliar with Belgian geography.

Though the Vermersch's original recipe didn't include cinnamon, the addition of this aromatic spice to the recipe is a uniquely American touch. After the fair, Belgian waffles became an American sensation, spreading across the nation, and leading to inevitable variations and additions to the original recipe. Cinnamon, a beloved and ubiquitous spice in the American culinary landscape, eventually found its way into the batter of the Belgian waffle.

The cinnamon Belgian waffle has its roots in the quintessential American love for experimentation and the desire to blend traditional flavors with foreign dishes. The rich, sweet, and warm flavor of cinnamon complemented the light, crispy, and slightly sweet Belgian waffle perfectly, leading to a breakfast dish that was both familiar and exciting to the American palate.

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Cinnamon Belgian waffles quickly made their way into diners, breakfast spots, and brunch menus across the country. The dish became a popular choice for its unique blend of flavors and its association with comfort and home.

Nowadays, cinnamon Belgian waffles have become a breakfast classic, as beloved as their traditional counterparts. They're especially popular during the holiday season, when cinnamon's warm and comforting flavor profile is most appreciated.

Over time, these waffles have transcended breakfast and found their way into the realm of desserts as well, often paired with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even ice cream, highlighting the versatility of this cinnamon-spiced delight.

TIPS:

Spice Infused Buttermilk: Heat the buttermilk with a stick of cinnamon or a whole nutmeg. Let it steep and cool before using. This will infuse the buttermilk with a deeper spice flavor.

Overnight Rest: If you have the time, consider allowing your waffle batter to rest in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the gluten to relax and results in a tender waffle. This technique is used by some of the best pastry chefs to enhance the texture of their baked goods.

Brown Butter: Instead of using regular melted butter, consider browning the butter before adding it to the wet mixture. This will add a nutty and slightly caramel flavor to the waffles that compliments the cinnamon perfectly.

Sourdough Starter: Add a bit of sourdough starter to your batter. This can create an interesting depth of flavor and also helps the waffles become extra crispy.

Fresh Cinnamon: Try grating fresh cinnamon for a more intense flavor. The pre-ground cinnamon we usually buy loses flavor over time, but fresh cinnamon has a stronger, more complex flavor.

Malt Addition: A spoonful of malt powder can add depth to your waffles, giving them a slight malty flavor that works well with the cinnamon.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping: After your waffles are cooked, brush them with some melted butter and sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the top. This creates a sweet, slightly crunchy topping.

Serving Idea: Consider serving with Apple slices and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. The Apples will balance out the sweet syrup, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (6 Waffles) Cups (12 Waffles) Cups (18 Waffles) Cups (24 Waffles) Cups (30 Waffles) Cups (36 Waffles) Cups (48 Waffles) Imperial (6 Waffles) Imperial (12 Waffles) Imperial (18 Waffles) Imperial (24 Waffles) Imperial (30 Waffles) Imperial (36 Waffles) Imperial (48 Waffles) Metric (6 Waffles) Metric (12 Waffles) Metric (18 Waffles) Metric (24 Waffles) Metric (30 Waffles) Metric (36 Waffles) Metric (48 Waffles)

Directions:

01 - Preheat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.

02 - Dry Ingredients Mixture: Grab a bowl and combine your Flour, Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Sugar, Salt, and Cinnamon. Stir these together until they're well mixed. Set aside.

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03 - Wet Ingredients Mixture: In another bowl, combine your Buttermilk, Melted Butter, Egg Yolks, and Vanilla. Whisk them together until they are well blended and have a smooth consistency. Set aside this too.

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04 - Egg Whites: Take another separate bowl and put your Egg Whites in it. Using an electric mixer, beat these until they form stiff peaks - it'll look a bit like whipped cream. Set Aside.

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05 - Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Now, it's time to add your Flour Mixture from Step 2 into the Egg Yolk Mixture from Step 3. Stir until they're combined into a homogeneous batter. Be careful not to overmix as that could lead to tough waffles.

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06 - Incorporate Egg Whites: Gently fold the beaten Egg Whites from Step 4 into the Mixture from Step 5. Folding involves mixing in a light, lifting motion to keep the air in the Egg Whites. This is your final Waffle Batter.

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07 - Now you're ready to cook! Spoon your Waffle Batter onto your preheated waffle iron.

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Let it cook until your waffle is a lovely golden brown color and the waffle iron stops steaming. This will take about 5 minutes but may vary based on your waffle iron. Once done, carefully remove the waffle and enjoy while it's hot!

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Notes:

Egg Whites: It's important to ensure that your bowl is completely clean and free of any grease before beating egg whites, as any residue can prevent them from reaching the desired stiff peak stage.

Preparing Ahead: If you'd like to have the batter ready to go for the morning, you can combine the dry ingredients the night before and store them in a sealed container. The wet ingredients can also be mixed and stored in the refrigerator. Just remember to keep the egg whites separate to beat right before cooking.

Storing Leftovers: If you have leftover waffles, let them cool completely, then store them in a resealable bag or airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be consumed within 2-3 days for best quality.

Freezing Waffles: These waffles freeze exceptionally well. After they've cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 2 hours or until they're fully frozen. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Frozen Waffles: To reheat, you can put them straight from the freezer into a toaster or oven until they're warmed and crisp. This makes them a great quick breakfast option on busy mornings.

Serving: Belgian waffles are often served with powdered sugar, syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. For a twist, try a flavored syrup or fruit compote.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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