Ukrainian waffles Leis "Khrustyashka" with milk chocolate flavor, 300g

Waffles are one of the oldest sweets in Europe: their "great-grandfathers" appeared in the Neolithic era as simple flatbreads made from grain porridge baked on hot stones, while the format we know today—thin dough fried between two patterned metal plates—developed in the Middle Ages and became widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The precursors of waffles were flatbreads made from ground grain, which were baked on hot stones as early as the Neolithic era (c. 6000–2000 BC). Later, in Ancient Greece, obelios—flatbreads baked between two metal plates—were considered the direct prototype of waffles.

By the 13th century, documented references to waffles begin to appear in Europe; at that time, they were served primarily in the homes of the nobility, as the recipe and equipment were expensive. The first printed waffle recipe appeared in a cookbook in 1735.

The word "waffle" comes from the German "Waffel," which derives from the Middle Dutch "wafel." In Belgium and France, waffles became part of their national culinary culture.

Early versions were often savory or moderately sweet, but by the 16th century, waffles had become a popular street food at fairs and religious festivals in Belgium and France. In the 18th century, according to legend, the personal chef of the Prince-Bishop of Liège created a sweeter version—the future Liège waffles—with lumps of granulated sugar creating a caramelized crust.