Grilled Stroopwafels with Gooey Caramel Filling

Introduction

Stroopwafels, a delicious Dutch treat, consist of two thin waffle layers filled with a warm, caramel-like syrup. While traditionally made on a special press, grilling them on the Arteflame brings a fun, smoky twist to this classic dessert. The flat cooktop helps give the waffle layers a crisp texture while the syrup inside becomes gooey and irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 packet dry yeast (about 2 ¼ tsp)
• ¼ cup warm milk
• 1 egg
• Pinch of salt

For the Syrup Filling:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup or golden syrup
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill

Prepare the Arteflame by stacking firewood over vegetable oil-soaked napkins and lighting them. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes. You’ll use the flat cooktop for grilling the stroopwafels, ensuring an even cook on both sides.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy. In a larger bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, sugar, egg, and salt. Add the yeast mixture and knead until a soft dough forms. Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan on the flat griddle of the Arteflame, melt the butter for the filling. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Grill the Stroopwafels

Once the dough has risen, divide it into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a thin circle. Place the dough circles onto the flat griddle of the Arteflame and grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, until lightly golden and crisp.

Option: Use a dough roller to get the waffles to be nice and flat so they crisp up perfectly.

Step 5: Fill the Stroopwafels

While the waffle is still warm, carefully slice it horizontally into two thin layers. Spread a generous layer of the caramel syrup between the layers and press them together. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Tips

• Thin layers: Make sure to roll out the dough as thin as possible to get that classic stroopwafel texture.
• Quick grilling: Stroopwafels cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Variations

1. Chocolate-Dipped Stroopwafels: Dip one side of the stroopwafels in melted chocolate for an extra indulgence.
2. Spiced Stroopwafels: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the syrup filling for a warming, spiced flavor.
3. Nutty Stroopwafels: Add chopped nuts like pecans or hazelnuts to the caramel filling for a crunchy texture.
4. Vanilla Stroopwafels: Mix vanilla extract into the syrup for a deeper, more fragrant flavor.
5. Coconut Stroopwafels: Add shredded coconut to the dough or filling for a tropical twist.

Best pairings

• Coffee: A classic pairing, perfect for dipping stroopwafels into hot coffee to melt the syrup slightly.
• Hot chocolate: The rich caramel filling complements the creamy sweetness of hot chocolate.
• Tea: A cup of black or spiced tea balances the sweetness of the stroopwafels perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilling stroopwafels on the Arteflame adds a fun, smoky element to these classic Dutch treats. The combination of crisp waffle layers and gooey caramel syrup makes for an irresistible dessert that's perfect for any occasion.