The Sweet Tooth Challenge: Stroopwafel Flavors Guaranteed to Delight

When we’re talking about stroopwafels, especially Belgian Boys’ Stroopwafels, made in the Netherlands honoring the treat’s national heritage, it’s hard to go wrong with the OG Stroopwafel flavor: two crunchy waffle cookies sandwiching a layer of gooey caramel. (If you’re new to the joy that is a stroopwafel, start with our stroopwafel 101 primer for all the stroopwafel basics you need to know. We’ll be waiting for you right here when you get back!)

Here, we’ll be exploring stroopwafel 2.0, if you will, ways to experiment with stroopwafels’ best flavors and take your dessert to a whole new level.

The Original Taste: Caramel Stroopwafel

At the end of the day, the all-time classic caramel stroopwafel is pretty much perfect. Check out some highly tasty ways to eat a stroopwafel, from letting it get warm and soft atop your hot drink (the classic!) to using it as an ice cream topping for a stroopwafel sundae.

A stroopwafel is made when a fresh waffle is taken off the iron while it’s still warm and split into two. Then a warm, caramelly filling (stroop, or syrup) gets spread on each half before sandwiching the two pieces back together again. They have a crave-able caramelized sugar flavor, and a satisfying snap that gets perfectly melty when warm.

These delicacies were first crafted in the early 19th century in Gouda, a city in the Netherlands, and they stuck around because they’re inarguably delicious.

What Other Flavors of Stroopwafels Are There?

As long as there have been stroopwafels, we imagine stroopwafel lovers have been experimenting and creating twists on the original flavor. Here are some of their tasty inventions:  

Lemon stroopwafel: These have a bright, citrus zing from a squeeze of lemon and/or a hint of lemon zest. We also love a classic stroopwafel dunked in a refreshing lemon sorbet on a hot summer day.

Strawberry stroopwafel: Instead of a caramel filling, these get stuffed with sweet strawberry jam or ganache. You could make your own by pairing original stroopwafels with fresh berries and a cloud of whipped cream.

Chocolate stroopwafel: A combination of two of our favorite things, stroopwafels and rich chocolate. Ours start with the same crunchy waffle and caramel cookie sandwich as our regular Stroopwafel, then get covered in a decadent layer of smooth dark chocolate. They’re the perfect size to satisfy even the most serious chocolate craving.

Cinnamon stroopwafel: A hint of warm, fragrant cinnamon is a welcome stroopwafel addition. We love coffee sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with a classic stroopwafel, too.

Maple-flavored stroopwafel: Maple syrup or maple sugar gives an earthy note to the dessert. A great pairing with a cup of steamy tea!

Honey stroopwafel: Wafers with honey instead of syrup are sometimes called honingwafels. Honey is a natural addition to these sweet treats.

Mini Stroopwafels  - Mini Stroopwafels are the perfect size for a reasonable midday indulgence or atop your afternoon espresso. They’re individually wrapped, portable, and shareable. They’re also the ideal size for little ones. (All these delicious options above apply to mini stroopwafel flavors, too.)

DIY Stroopwafel Flavors

Sprinkled Stroopwafels

Add a fun, festive twist for a celebratory get together by topping stroopwafels with rainbow or chocolate sprinkles.

White Choc Stroopwafels

Dress up classic stroopwafels with a sweet white chocolate glaze. Melt white chocolate in the microwave at 50% power in 30 second increments until smooth, then carefully dip each cookie halfway in the chocolate, letting the excess chocolate dip back into the bowl. While still warm, you can decorate the stroopwafels with colorful candy or citrus zest.

Mixed Nut Stroopwafels

Nuts add a great crunch and a welcome earthy flavor to stroopwafels. Melt milk or dark chocolate, give your stroopwafel a delicate dunk, then sprinkle with your favorite nuts—we love walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans.