Brioche Waffles

Introduction

Gaufres Briochées, or Brioche Waffles, are a decadent twist on your traditional waffle. Originating from France, they take the pillowy, buttery dough of a brioche and bake it in a waffle iron, creating a breakfast or dessert that’s crispy on the outside, tender and airy on the inside.

Unlike typical waffle batter, brioche dough is enriched with eggs, milk, and butter — giving these waffles a luxurious texture and depth of flavor. Perfect for special brunches, lazy Sunday mornings, or elegant desserts, brioche waffles elevate an everyday staple into something truly gourmet.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

To make brioche waffles successfully, you’ll need:

• Stand mixer with dough hook (recommended)
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Waffle iron (Belgian-style or standard)
• Pastry brush (optional for butter)
• Cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Brioche Dough:

• 2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• ¼ cup warm milk (about 110°F/43°C)
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For Cooking:

• Non-stick spray or melted butter (for greasing the waffle iron)
• Pearl sugar (optional, for extra crunch – similar to Liège waffles)

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream
• Maple syrup or honey
• Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, etc.)
• Nutella or melted chocolate
• Crème fraîche or Greek yogurt

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

1. In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. In a stand mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add eggs, vanilla (if using), and the activated yeast mixture.
3. Mix with a dough hook on low speed until a sticky dough forms.
4. Add butter a few cubes at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Continue kneading for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It will still be a bit sticky — that’s normal.

Step 3: First Rise

1. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place until doubled — about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1. Punch down the dough and cover again. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilled dough is easier to shape and helps with flavor development.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. Divide chilled dough into golf ball-sized portions and slightly flatten.
3. Grease your waffle iron with melted butter or non-stick spray.
4. Place one dough ball in each section and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove and place on a cooling rack. Repeat with remaining dough.

Optional: Before closing the waffle iron, sprinkle pearl sugar on the dough for caramelized crunch.

Tips for Success

• Cold dough is key: It’s easier to work with and helps produce a crispier waffle.
• Don’t overfill the waffle iron: Brioche dough expands more than batter.
• Use pearl sugar for crunch: It mimics Belgian Liège waffles beautifully.
• Serve immediately: These waffles are best hot, right off the iron.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Brioche Waffles: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough before cooking.
• Savory Brioche Waffles: Skip the sugar and vanilla, then serve with fried eggs, cheese, or smoked salmon.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Twist: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on hot waffles for a churro-inspired flavor.
• Stuffed Waffles: Add a small spoonful of jam, Nutella, or cream cheese in the center of the dough before closing the iron.

Make It Fit Your Diet

For Dairy-Free Diets:

• Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter alternatives.
• Ensure your waffle iron is greased with oil or dairy-free spray.

For Gluten-Free Diets:

• Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for yeast doughs.
• Brioche texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

For Reduced Sugar:

• Cut back on granulated sugar or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Skip the toppings with added sugar (like syrup or powdered sugar).

How to Store and Reheat

Store:

• Let cooked waffles cool completely.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze:

• Freeze individual waffles with parchment between them.
• Store in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat:

• Toast frozen waffles directly in a toaster or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Serving Ideas

Brioche waffles are extremely versatile. Try serving them with:

• Fresh berries, whipped cream, and maple syrup
• Poached pears and crème anglaise
• Caramelized bananas and chocolate drizzle
• Fried chicken and hot honey for a sweet-savory twist
• Ice cream and warm chocolate sauce for dessert

Why You’ll Love Gaufres Briochées

• Luxuriously soft interior with a crisp, golden crust
• Make-ahead dough means easy morning prep
• Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for everyday
• Endless topping options for any taste — sweet or savory
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or snack time

Conclusion

Gaufres Briochées, or Brioche Waffles, are a beautiful marriage of French pastry elegance and comfort food warmth. They bring the rich, buttery character of brioche together with the crisp satisfaction of waffles. With a little planning ahead for the dough, you’ll have a breakfast (or dessert) that tastes like it came straight from a Parisian café.

Whether served with syrup and fruit for brunch or transformed into a gourmet dessert with ice cream and sauce, these waffles will impress every time. So grab your waffle iron and a stick of butter — your taste buds are in for a treat.