Chocolate Chip Waffles - Recipesmelissa.com

Introduction:

Waffles are a beloved breakfast dish, cherished for their crispy, golden exterior and soft, fluffy interior. Add chocolate chips to the batter, and you elevate this classic into a decadent, indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a leisurely weekend breakfast, a special holiday brunch, or just craving a comforting snack, chocolate chip waffles are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide the perfect start to your day.

The best part about these waffles is how easy they are to make. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a batch of warm, crispy waffles with gooey pockets of melted chocolate chips throughout. Topped with fresh fruit, whipped cream, syrup, or a dusting of powdered sugar, these waffles make for a fun and delicious breakfast or dessert. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings, making them as indulgent or light as you prefer.

In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make the perfect chocolate chip waffles from scratch—no pre-made mix required. The waffles will be rich, light, and crisp, with just the right amount of sweetness from the chocolate chips. Let’s dive into this recipe and bring a bit of extra sweetness to your morning.

Ingredients:

For the waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the waffle batter, providing structure and texture.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: For a slight sweetness in the waffles.
2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that helps the waffles rise and become fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance the flavor of the waffles.
2 large eggs: Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture to the batter.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: The liquid that brings the batter together and helps create a smooth consistency.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps with the crispiness of the waffles.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For added flavor and aroma.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: These will melt into gooey pockets of chocolate in the waffles.
Butter or oil for greasing the waffle iron: To ensure the waffles don’t stick.

For the toppings (optional):

Maple syrup: The classic waffle topping, providing sweetness and moisture.
Whipped cream: A light, fluffy addition to balance the richness of the waffles.
Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, or strawberries): Add freshness and balance to the sweetness of the waffles.
Powdered sugar: For a decorative, sweet touch.
Nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter): Adds richness and complements the chocolate flavor.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Before you start mixing the batter, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle irons take about 5 minutes to heat up, but this can vary depending on the model.

Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter or oil to ensure the waffles don’t stick. You can use a cooking spray for an even coating, or use a pastry brush to spread a thin layer of melted butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These ingredients will form the dry base for the batter. Be sure to mix them thoroughly to evenly distribute the baking powder, which will help the waffles rise.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the eggs and whisk until the mixture is smooth. The milk adds moisture, while the melted butter will give the waffles their rich flavor and crispy edges. The vanilla extract provides a subtle sweetness that complements the chocolate.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture into it. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough waffles. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Once the batter is mixed, fold in the chocolate chips. Be gentle to avoid overworking the batter. The chocolate chips will melt slightly as the waffles cook, creating pockets of warm, gooey chocolate in each bite.

Step 6: Cook the Waffles

Once the waffle iron is preheated, pour the batter onto the center of the waffle iron. The amount of batter will depend on the size of your waffle iron, but generally, 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter should be enough for one waffle. Be sure to spread the batter evenly and close the waffle iron.

Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp. Some waffle irons have an indicator light that will tell you when the waffles are done, but you can also check by gently opening the iron and checking the color and crispiness of the waffles.

Step 7: Serve the Waffles

Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle iron and place them on a plate. If you’re making multiple waffles, you can keep them warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Top your waffles with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.

Step 8: Enjoy!

Serve your chocolate chip waffles immediately while they’re warm and fresh. The chocolate chips will be perfectly melted, and the waffles will be light, fluffy, and crispy on the outside. Enjoy them as a delicious breakfast or a fun dessert!

Tips and Variations:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the waffle batter the night before and refrigerate it. This will save you time in the morning and help the batter become even fluffier. Just give it a quick stir before using.
Add More Chocolate: If you’re a chocolate lover, feel free to add more chocolate chips to the batter. You can also use mini chocolate chips or chunks for more even distribution.
Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the milk with almond milk or oat milk and use dairy-free butter. Vegan chocolate chips are also available for a fully plant-based option.
Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free waffle, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking powder and chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.
Fruit Fillings: You can fold in fruits like mashed bananas or berries into the batter for added sweetness and texture. Blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries work great in chocolate chip waffles.
Make Them Crispy: For extra crispy waffles, add a bit more melted butter to the batter, or you can also drizzle a small amount of melted butter on top of the waffles after they are cooked.

Nutritional Benefits:

While chocolate chip waffles are a delicious treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits from the ingredients:

Eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle growth and repair. They are also rich in vitamins like B12, which is important for energy production, and riboflavin, which supports healthy skin and eyes.
Milk: Milk provides calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for bone health, along with protein and other nutrients. You can use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
Whole Wheat Flour (Optional): You can substitute some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and a more wholesome version of the waffles.
Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips can provide antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health. Just be mindful of the amount of chocolate you use, as it can add sugar and calories.

Conclusion:

Chocolate chip waffles are the perfect way to enjoy a special breakfast or treat. With a crispy golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior filled with melty chocolate chips, these waffles are indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you prefer them with classic maple syrup, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or just a dusting of powdered sugar, these waffles are sure to bring joy to your morning. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—yet it’s packed with flavor and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. Give these chocolate chip waffles a try and treat yourself to a little sweet indulgence!