Introduction
Chocolate chip waffles are the perfect blend of crispy, golden waffles and melty chocolate goodness. Whether you’re making them for a special breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, these waffles are sweet, fluffy, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite.
This easy-to-make recipe delivers waffles that are light and airy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor. Serve them with your favorite toppings for an indulgent treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Love waffles? Try our Hawaiian Roll French Toast for a tropical twist on a breakfast classic.
What Are Chocolate Chip Waffles?
Chocolate chip waffles are a classic waffle batter infused with semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips. As the waffles cook, the chocolate chips melt slightly, creating pockets of warm, gooey chocolate inside the crispy waffle texture.
They’re perfect for:
- Breakfast or brunch – A sweet twist on traditional waffles.
- A dessert treat – Topped with ice cream, whipped cream, or chocolate sauce.
- Make-ahead meals – Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat for busy mornings.
Unlike pancakes, waffles have a crispy, golden exterior with deep pockets, making them perfect for holding syrup, butter, or extra chocolate drizzle.
Looking for a healthier option? Check out our Ultimate Oatmeal Bowl Guide for a nutrient-packed start to your day.
Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Waffles
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole milk or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- ¾ cup semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Chip Waffles
Making chocolate chip waffles at home is a fun and delicious way to enjoy a comforting breakfast. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create perfectly fluffy waffles with melty chocolate chips in every bite.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before starting, gather all the ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the waffle batter.
- 2 tablespoons sugar – Adds a slight sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the waffles rise and become light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the waffle’s flavor.
- 2 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients and gives structure.
- 1 ¾ cups milk – Adds richness and keeps the batter smooth.
- ¼ cup melted butter – Adds flavor and ensures the waffles are crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
- 1 cup chocolate chips – The star ingredient for chocolatey goodness.
- Optional toppings: Whipped cream, maple syrup, fresh berries, or extra chocolate chips.
Step 2: Preheat Your Waffle Maker
Before mixing the batter, preheat your waffle maker to your desired setting. A properly preheated waffle maker ensures even cooking and crispy waffles.
Pro Tip: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your waffle maker, as cooking times may vary.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
This step helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your waffles rise properly and turn out fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl:
- Beat 2 eggs until well mixed.
- Add 1 ¾ cups milk, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ cup melted butter.
- Whisk everything together until smooth.
Pro Tip: Make sure the melted butter is slightly cooled before adding it to the mixture, to prevent scrambling the eggs.
Step 5: Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir using a whisk or spatula until just combined.
Don’t overmix! The batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy waffles instead of light, airy ones.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Now for the best part—chocolate chips!
Gently fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
Use semi-sweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
Pro Tip: If you love extra chocolate, sprinkle a few chocolate chips directly onto the batter in the waffle maker before closing the lid!
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle maker with non-stick spray or a brush of melted butter.
- Pour about ¼ to ½ cup of batter onto the waffle iron (adjust based on the size of your waffle maker).
- Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Follow the waffle maker’s cooking instructions for best results.
Pro Tip: Avoid opening the waffle maker too soon—this can cause the waffle to break apart before it’s fully cooked.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Carefully remove the waffle from the waffle maker using tongs or a spatula.
Place on a plate and add your favorite toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Extra chocolate chips
- A dusting of powdered sugar
Enjoy your homemade chocolate chip waffles warm, crispy, and full of chocolatey goodness!
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Waffles
To make sure your chocolate chip waffles turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
One of the most common mistakes when making waffles is overmixing the batter. Stir the ingredients just until combined. Lumps are okay—this will result in fluffier waffles, while overmixing can make them dense and chewy.
2. Use a Preheated Waffle Maker
Make sure your waffle iron is properly preheated before adding the batter. If the iron isn’t hot enough, your waffles will cook unevenly, and the outside may be soggy. A hot waffle maker helps the waffles cook quickly and become crisp on the outside.
3. Don’t Overload the Waffle Maker with Batter
If you use too much batter, the waffles will overflow and become misshapen. Start with small amounts of batter and add more as needed. Follow your waffle maker’s instructions for the perfect batter-to-waffle ratio.
4. Let the Waffles Rest Before Serving
After you remove the waffles from the waffle maker, allow them to rest for a minute or two. This helps them firm up and retain their crispiness. You can also place the waffles in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) to keep them warm if you’re making a large batch.
5. Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients can make a huge difference. Use fresh eggs, good-quality butter, and rich vanilla extract. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips—the better the chocolate, the better the waffles will taste.
6. Keep Waffles Crispy by Avoiding Stacking
After your waffles are cooked, avoid stacking them immediately. Instead, keep them separated to maintain their crispy texture. If you need to stack them, place a piece of parchment paper between each waffle.
Creative Variations of Chocolate Chip Waffles
While classic chocolate chip waffles are delicious on their own, there are many fun variations you can try to give your waffles an extra twist. Here are some creative ideas:
1. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Waffles
For an extra layer of richness, spread peanut butter on your waffles before adding the chocolate chips. The combination of creamy peanut butter and chocolate is a match made in heaven. You can also drizzle peanut butter syrup over the top for added flavor.
2. Banana Chocolate Chip Waffles
Add some healthy sweetness to your waffles with sliced bananas. Bananas pair wonderfully with chocolate chips and create a natural, extra-sweet flavor that doesn’t need additional sugar. You can fold the banana slices directly into the batter or layer them on top.
3. S’mores Chocolate Chip Waffles
Take your chocolate chip waffles to the next level with a s’mores twist! Top the waffles with mini marshmallows and additional chocolate chips. For an authentic s’mores experience, lightly toast the marshmallows under the broiler for a few seconds before serving.
4. Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Waffles
Add a little cinnamon to the batter to give your waffles a warm, comforting flavor. The hint of spiced cinnamon combined with the chocolate chips makes for an irresistible combo that’s perfect for chilly mornings.
5. Fruit-Filled Chocolate Chip Waffles
Incorporate fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries into your waffle batter for a refreshing, fruity addition to your chocolate chip waffles. The juicy fruit will provide bursts of flavor alongside the chocolate.
6. Chocolate Chip Waffle Sundae
For an indulgent treat, turn your chocolate chip waffles into a waffle sundae. Stack waffles, and top with ice cream, hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherries. It’s a fun and creative way to enjoy waffles for dessert.
7. Vegan Chocolate Chip Waffles
If you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can easily make vegan chocolate chip waffles. Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water), use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, and swap in dairy-free chocolate chips. The result is a delicious, cruelty-free treat!
8. Stuffed Chocolate Chip Waffles
For an even more decadent treat, stuff your waffles with chocolate ganache or Nutella before cooking. This creates an indulgent center that oozes out when you cut into it.
For Serving: The Best Toppings & Pairings
Chocolate chip waffles are delicious on their own, but adding the right toppings and sides makes them even better!
Classic Toppings
- Butter & Maple Syrup – A timeless combination.
- Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust over warm waffles for a bakery-style finish.
- Whipped Cream – Fluffy and light, a perfect complement to melted chocolate.
Fruity Toppings
- Fresh Berries – Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness.
- Banana Slices – A natural pairing with chocolate.
- Caramelized Apples – Cook apple slices with cinnamon and sugar for a fall-inspired twist.
Indulgent Additions
- Chocolate Sauce or Nutella Drizzle – For a decadent, dessert-like waffle.
- Ice Cream – Turn your waffles into a dessert with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
- Chopped Nuts – Toasted almonds or hazelnuts add crunch.
Savory Pairings
- Crispy Bacon – A sweet and salty contrast that pairs perfectly with waffles.
- Scrambled Eggs – Balance the sweetness with a side of fluffy eggs.
- Sausage Links – A hearty addition to a waffle breakfast plate.
Pro Tip: If serving for brunch, offer a topping bar with multiple options so everyone can customize their waffles!
Pair your waffles with a delicious spread! Try this Avocado Spread for a creamy, nutritious topping.
FAQs About Chocolate Chip Waffles
1. Can I make chocolate chip waffles ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the waffles and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster or oven for crispiness.
2. Can I freeze chocolate chip waffles?
Absolutely! Place waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze for 1 hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They stay fresh for up to 2 months.
3. How do I reheat waffles without losing crispiness?
- Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
- Toaster: Toast on a medium setting until warm and crispy.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
4. Can I use pancake mix to make chocolate chip waffles?
Yes! Simply prepare the pancake mix as directed, then fold in chocolate chips. However, adding an extra egg and 1 tablespoon of oil will make them crispier.
5. Can I make chocolate chip waffles without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with:
- 1 mashed banana (adds sweetness)
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (vegan option)
Final Thoughts
Chocolate chip waffles are a deliciously crispy, fluffy, and chocolate-filled breakfast treat that everyone will love. Whether you enjoy them classic-style with syrup and butter, loaded with toppings, or even as a dessert, they’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Need more breakfast inspiration? Our Mini Pancakes Recipe is a fun and easy alternative to traditional pancakes.
Try them today and enjoy the perfect combination of waffles and melted chocolate in every bite!