It’s always fun to have a little something special when guests visit for the holidays. Both of these recipes make a Christmas brunch just a bit more special. The Belgian Liège Waffles have a yeast dough that really compliments the sweet Belgian Pearl Sugar. As the waffle bakes, the Pearl Sugar melts and caramelizes in the dough. If you prefer, you can also purchase waffle mix from Norsland Lefse when you buy the Belgian Pearl Sugar. I experimented with other, lighter waffle batter recipes and did not like them as well when I added the Belgian Pearl Sugar. We like to top the waffles with cherries and whipped cream.

The Scandinavian Puffs take advantage of a buttery base and a custard topping that you make in a technique similar to cream puffs. That topping falls as it cools to create a custardy layer in the crisp base. The almond flavored frosting with the sliced almonds decorating it continues the buttery, almond flavors so treasured in Scandinavian cultures. The puffs are easy-to-make coffee cakes that look elegant and festive.

Below you will find the complete recipes for both the yeast-based Liège Waffles and the almond infused Scandinavian Puffs along with some step-by-step instructions and illustrations for the Scandinavian Puffs.

Belgian Liège Sugar Waffles Recipe

Ingredients:

1 packet of rapid-rise yeast (¼ oz.)

¾ cup warm milk (100 degrees)

3 ½ cups flour

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

2 large eggs (room temperature)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup softened butter

1 teaspoon cinnamon

8 oz. Belgian Pearl Sugar

Directions:

Step 1: Dissolve the yeast into the warm water and set aside for 10 minutes until bubbly.

Step 2: Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl except the Pearl Sugar. Mix until well-blended and then cover and let rise until doubled in size (for 30 to 60 minutes or so).

Step 3: Stir in the Pearl Sugar evenly into the dough.

Step 4: Divide the dough into 12 equal parts. Form into patties and place on greased cookie sheets. Cover and let rise 15 minutes more.

Step 5: Bake each waffle on a preheated, greased Belgian Waffle iron for 2 to 3 minutes or until a deep golden brown. Be careful—melted sugar is very hot; it will caramelize in the waffles. Allow to cool a bit before serving.

Scandinavian Puffs Recipe

Ingredients

Base:

½ cup butter, softened

1 cup flour

2 tablespoons water

Topping:

½ cup butter

1 cup water

1 teaspoon almond extract

1 cup flour

3 eggs

Frosting:

⅜ cup butter or butter-flavored shortening

½ teaspoon almond extract

2 cups powdered sugar

Sliced almonds to decorate

Directions

Step 1: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cut ½ butter into a cup of flour. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of water over the mixture and round into a ball.

Step 2: Divide ball in half, roll each half into a rope and pat down on an ungreased cookie sheet to a strip about 12 inches by 3 inches. Strips should be about 3 inches apart.

Step 3: Heat ½ cup butter and 1 cup water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and quickly mix in almond extract and one cup flour using a hand electric mixer. Mix over low heat until the mixture forms a ball (about one minute).

Step 4: Remove from heat and beat 3 eggs in all at once until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Divide the mixture in half and spread over the bases of the puffs. Bake for about 60 minutes or until the topping is crisp and brown. Cool. The topping will shrink and fall to form the custardy top of the puffs.

Step 6: Once the puffs are completely cooled, mix the frosting ingredients with a hand mixer and spread on the puffs. Top with sliced almonds.

Check out the step-by-step instructions for making Scandinavian Puffs below!

1. Roll the dough and then flatten into 12 inch by 3 inch strips.

2. The strips are ready for their topping.

3. Bring the butter and water to a rolling boil.

4. Beat in the flour and almond extract over medium heat until the dough forms a ball.

5. Remove from heat and beat in the eggs all at once until smooth and glossy. Divide in half and spread on the strips.

6. Puff strips and topping have finished baking and are ready for frosting.

7. Scandinavian Puffs are ready to serve.

Have fun planning and making those special breakfast treats this holiday season! Take the time to savor these with a hot cup of coffee before your own busy family Christmas celebrations begin!