Chocolate Chip Waffles

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Chocolate chip waffles are bursting with melty chocolate flavor! Kids and adults alike love these homemade waffles any time of day.

While I love a classic buttermilk waffle, my kids are always asking for different things to add to them.

Especially chocolate. Or rather, always chocolate. 

I can’t fault them though, because chocolate chip waffles are just so good! With a hot, crisp waffle and melty chocolate chips, it won’t be hard to get the family out of bed in the morning.

Waffles are just as easy to make as pancakes, but somehow feel much more festive to me. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait around for a special day to make these.

Ingredients for chocolate chip waffles

Check to make sure you have everything you need to make these waffles.

All-purpose flour – I use regular flour for these waffles. You can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose blend, or swap in up to half of the flour for whole wheat flour. 

Granulated sugar – Waffles don’t need a lot of sugar in the batter. We add just a small amount here.

Baking powder and baking soda – To help make our waffles light and fluffy.

Salt – A small amount of salt helps lift up all the other flavors.

Buttermilk – I prefer to use buttermilk in my pancakes and waffles. It helps make them lighter and fluffier, while giving a very subtle tang that contrasts sweet toppings. 

You can swap in regular milk if needed, keeping in mind that you will likely need less. I have not tested this recipe with milk alternatives, but they will likely work as well!

Eggs – You’ll need two standard (large) eggs.

Pure vanilla extract – I always recommend pure extract over imitation flavoring. It does cost more, but tastes so much better!

Mini chocolate chips – To get chocolatey bits in every single bite of waffle, I use mini chocolate chips.

You can use standard chips if you like, just keep in mind they don’t mix in quite as well, and can end up sticking to your waffle iron. I recommend chopping the chocolate if you aren’t using mini chips.

Melted butter – Added just before cooking, melted butter adds fat to the batter for flavor and to prevent sticking.

How to make this chocolate chip waffle recipe

First, set up your waffle iron, but don’t preheat it yet. Make sure you also have a plate or tray for the cooked waffles nearby, and tongs or a fork for grabbing the cooked waffle out of the machine.

Get a large bowl and add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together to mix well and aerate the flour.

In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla.

Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk together. It should be pourable but not too thin.

Note that the batter will thicken a little bit as it rests. Don’t worry about small lumps, those are A-OK in waffle batter!

If needed to thin out, add a small amount of buttermilk and whisk in, until you get the desired consistency.

If too thick, add a small amount of flour and whisk in.

Stir in the mini chocolate chips. 

Now, let the waffle batter rest for 20-30 minutes. This helps the gluten relax and give a better texture to your waffles.

While the batter is resting, melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, making sure to cover the bowl with a paper towel or silicone topper to prevent splatters. 

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. All waffle irons are a little bit different and the time to preheat can vary.

Once the waffle iron is heated, whisk the melted butter into the waffle batter.

Spray the waffle iron with a light coating of nonstick spray. 

Using a small measuring cup, scoop up the batter and pour into the center of the hot waffle iron, gently spreading as needed to reach the edges.

Make sure you do not use too much batter, or it can leak out the sides once the top is closed.

Close the waffle iron and cook per manufacturer instructions. You’ll notice that the waffle iron will release a lot of steam, but it will stop once the waffle is cooked.

Remove waffles and repeat with remaining batter until it is completely used. 

Add more nonstick spray between waffles if needed to prevent sticking.

The number of waffles will vary depending on your machine. Using a Belgian waffle iron, this recipe makes 6 large waffles.

What to serve with chocolate chip waffles

I love to make a waffle spread and let my family pick out their own toppings. There’s butter and maple syrup of course, but there’s so many other options for waffles!

Fruit – Sliced strawberries, whole raspberries, or sliced bananas

Nuts – Chop up walnuts, pecans, or even peanuts for a nutty topping

Extras – Make these a kid’s dream with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles

Round out your plate with million dollar bacon and roasted breakfast potatoes!

Other waffle recipes you’ll love

Looking for other waffles? Try some of these:

• Blueberry Waffles
• Gingerbread Waffles
• Peanut Butter Waffles
• Chocolate Waffles

For Valentine’s Day or Christmas, make a batch of red velvet waffles!

Trust me, these chocolate chip waffles are going to be a huge hit with your family, just like they are with mine!