Delightful Strawberry Chocolate Chip Waffles: The Ultimate Easy Breakfast & Brunch Recipe
These Strawberry Waffles with chocolate chips are incredibly easy to make, yet feel wonderfully special and are undeniably delicious. They are perfect for elevating any meal, whether you’re planning a fancy brunch, enjoying a relaxed weekend morning, or treating someone to a cozy breakfast in bed!
Irresistible Strawberry Waffles for Any Occasion
Sometimes, the best recipes are born out of unexpected moments. I originally planned to share a decadent brownie recipe, but when the photos just weren’t cooperating, I found myself in a delicious predicament. At 5:30 in the morning, with an empty stomach and a need for something truly special, the idea for these amazing strawberry waffles with chocolate chips was born. And what could be more fitting for a festive breakfast or a sweet treat than the timeless combination of strawberries and chocolate? Think along the lines of these beloved Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies or these delightful Chocolate Strawberry Muffins, but in a light, fluffy waffle form!
My entire family instantly fell in love with this strawberry waffle recipe. They’re ideal for a heartwarming family breakfast or a thoughtful, special breakfast in bed. This particular recipe is designed as a small batch, perfect for a cozy morning for a few people. However, if you’re expecting a crowd of hungry eaters, especially energetic kiddos, I highly recommend doubling or even tripling the ingredients to ensure everyone gets to enjoy these delightful treats.
To truly take these strawberry chocolate chip waffles to the next level, I went a step further and created a homemade strawberry whipped cream. While the waffles are absolutely fantastic on their own with a drizzle of maple syrup, the addition of the strawberry whipped cream transforms them into an unforgettable culinary experience. Trust me on this – you absolutely *need* to make the whipped cream! It’s an easy addition that brings a burst of fresh strawberry flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture, making every bite feel like a special indulgence.
Why You’ll Adore This Strawberry Chocolate Chip Waffle Recipe
These aren’t just any waffles; they’re a symphony of flavors and textures designed to bring joy to your breakfast table. Here’s why these strawberry chocolate chip waffles will become a fast favorite:
- Wonderfully Light, Fluffy, and Packed with Chocolate Chips: Each waffle boasts an incredibly tender interior and a perfectly crisp exterior, a hallmark of a great homemade waffle. The generous scattering of mini chocolate chips melts beautifully, creating pockets of rich, sweet goodness that complement the fresh strawberries.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: While easy enough for any day, these waffles truly shine for celebrations. Imagine serving them for Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day brunch, a birthday breakfast, or simply a festive weekend gathering. Their vibrant appearance and delightful taste make them feel effortlessly gourmet.
- Super Easy to Make: Don’t let their impressive taste fool you – these waffles are surprisingly simple to prepare. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time, even on a busy morning.
- Ready in Just 20 Minutes: From mixing the batter to cooking the waffles, you can have a warm, delicious breakfast on the table in about 20 minutes. This makes them an excellent choice for when you crave something special but are short on time.
- Kid-Tested and Approved: The combination of sweet strawberries and beloved chocolate chips makes these waffles an instant hit with children. They’ll love helping you make them, and they’ll love eating them even more! It’s a breakfast everyone can agree on.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Waffle Batter
Crafting the perfect strawberry chocolate chip waffles starts with a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that ideal texture and unforgettable flavor:
- FLOUR – My recipe uses a harmonious blend of all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. This combination isn’t just for added nutrition; it contributes to a superior taste and texture profile. The all-purpose flour ensures lightness, while the whole wheat (I prefer white whole wheat for its milder flavor) adds a subtle nutty depth and a lovely chewiness, making these waffles hearty yet delicate.
- BROWN SUGAR – Instead of standard white sugar, I opt for brown sugar here. Its rich, molasses-like notes beautifully complement the sweetness of the vanilla, the tartness of the strawberries, and the richness of the chocolate chips. It also helps in achieving a lovely golden-brown crust on your waffles.
- BAKING POWDER – This is your key leavening agent, ensuring your waffles rise beautifully and achieve that desired light and fluffy texture. It’s crucial to use baking powder, not baking soda, as baking soda requires an acidic ingredient to activate (which isn’t primarily present in this batter). Baking powder acts on its own, providing consistent lift.
- BUTTER – Melted butter is essential for both flavor and texture. I prefer unsalted butter to maintain better control over the overall sodium content of the recipe. Make sure to melt it gently and let it cool slightly before incorporating it into the batter.
- MILK – Whole milk is my go-to for its richness, which contributes to a more tender and flavorful waffle. However, feel free to use any milk you have on hand – 2%, skim, or even a non-dairy alternative will work, though the final texture might vary slightly.
- EGG – You only need one egg to provide structure and act as a binder, helping the batter hold together and contributing to a light, airy crumb.
- VANILLA EXTRACT – A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip it!
- STRAWBERRIES – Fresh, ripe strawberries are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen strawberries, it’s vital to thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator and drain off any excess liquid to prevent a watery batter. Freeze-dried berries are another excellent option, offering concentrated strawberry flavor and no added moisture.
- CHOCOLATE CHIPS – Mini chocolate chips are truly perfect for these strawberry waffles. Their smaller size ensures that you get a bit of chocolate in every bite without overpowering the delicate strawberry flavor, and they melt perfectly within the waffle grid.
- STRAWBERRY WHIPPED CREAM – This homemade topping is a game-changer! It’s incredibly simple to make with just heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, strawberry jam (or jelly/preserves), and a hint of vanilla. It’s light, airy, and bursting with strawberry flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Strawberry Waffles
Making these delightful strawberry chocolate chip waffles is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect breakfast:
RECIPE PREP: The first crucial step is to preheat your waffle iron. Allow it to fully come to temperature as per your manufacturer’s instructions. A properly preheated iron ensures even cooking and that coveted crispy exterior.
MAKE THE STRAWBERRY WAFFLE BATTER:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these together thoroughly until they are well combined. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed.
- Gently fold in your prepared chopped strawberries and mini chocolate chips. Tossing them in the dry mix first can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter later.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: milk, melted butter (ensure it’s not too hot), egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a spatula or spoon just until everything is combined. It’s perfectly fine, and even desirable, to have a few small lumps in the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough waffles, so mix minimally until just incorporated. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.
COOK YOUR WAFFLES:
- Once your waffle iron is hot and ready (most have an indicator light), lightly grease the plates if necessary (check your waffle iron’s manual).
- Pour or scoop the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron. The exact quantity will depend on your specific waffle maker model – start with less and adjust if needed to avoid overflow.
- Close the lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until golden brown and steam is no longer vigorously escaping. This typically takes 3-5 minutes per waffle, but this can vary.
- Carefully remove the cooked waffle and transfer it to a wire rack while you cook the remaining batter. This helps keep them crispy. If making a large batch, you can keep cooked waffles warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C).
MAKE THE STRAWBERRY WHIPPED CREAM:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, strawberry jam (or jelly/preserves), and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric hand mixer (or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment), begin whipping the mixture on medium-high speed. Continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the peaks hold their shape firmly. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll end up with butter!
Top your warm strawberry chocolate chip waffles generously with the fresh strawberry whipped cream, add a few extra fresh strawberry slices for garnish, a drizzle of maple syrup, and serve immediately. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Waffles
It’s incredibly easy! First, wash and gently trim the green tops from your fresh strawberries. For incorporating them into the waffle batter, you have a couple of options: you can slice them thinly, creating small half-moon shapes, or dice them into small, approximately ¼-inch pieces. Either method works beautifully for distributing the strawberry flavor throughout the batter. For the garnish on top, feel free to get creative: leave some whole, halve them for a classic look, or make a few elegant slices as seen in the photos to fan them out beautifully.
While both waffle and pancake batters share a core set of ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and leavening agents, there are key differences that result in their distinct textures. Waffle batter is typically thicker and often contains more fat (like butter or oil) and sugar. This higher fat and sugar content, combined with the waffle iron’s direct heat, helps create that desirable crispy exterior and a sturdy, yet tender, interior. Pancake batter, on the other hand, is usually thinner, leading to flatter, softer, and more tender cakes when cooked on a flat griddle. For this strawberry waffle recipe, aiming for a batter consistency that is noticeably thicker than your average pancake batter will give you the best results.
I didn’t encounter this issue when preparing my strawberry waffle batter, but if you’re concerned about the strawberries congregating at the bottom, I have a fantastic and simple hack! Before gently folding the chopped berries into your wet ingredients, lightly toss them in a small amount of additional flour (about a tablespoon). This light coating of flour helps the berries to “cling” to the batter more effectively, preventing them from sinking and ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout your delicious strawberry chocolate chip waffles.
For the freshest and fluffiest results, it’s always best to make waffle batter just before cooking. The leavening agents (baking powder) start to activate once wet, and their effectiveness diminishes over time. However, if you must prepare ahead, you can mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. Separately, whisk the wet ingredients (excluding strawberries and chocolate chips) and store them in the fridge. When ready to cook, combine the two, then gently fold in the fresh strawberries and chocolate chips. Note that the texture might be slightly less light than freshly made batter.
Leftover strawberry waffles can be stored in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, a toaster or toaster oven works best to restore their crispiness. Simply toast them directly from the fridge or freezer until warmed through and golden. Avoid the microwave, as it will make them soft and rubbery.
Top Tips for Making the Best Waffles with Strawberries
Achieving perfect strawberry chocolate chip waffles every time is easy with a few simple techniques:
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial tip for light and tender waffles. When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour streaks disappear and everything is evenly incorporated. A few small lumps in the batter are completely normal and will cook out perfectly; overmixing develops gluten, leading to dense, tough waffles.
- Adjust Batter Consistency if Needed: The moisture content in fresh strawberries can vary, which might affect your batter. Ideally, you want a batter that is thick enough to hold its shape but still pourable – a tad thicker than typical pancake batter. If your batter seems too thick, add a splash more milk (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of extra flour.
- Always Preheat Your Waffle Maker Thoroughly: Patience is key here! Taking the extra time to ensure your waffle iron is fully preheated is vital. A hot waffle iron helps to create that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior while maintaining a tender, fluffy interior. It also prevents the waffles from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Lightly Grease Your Waffle Iron: Even if your waffle maker claims to be non-stick, a light coating of cooking spray or butter applied before the first waffle can prevent sticking and promote a beautiful golden crust. Reapply between waffles if necessary, especially if they start to stick.
- Serve Immediately or Keep Warm: Waffles are best enjoyed fresh off the iron when they are at their crispiest. If you’re cooking for a crowd and need to make a batch, you can keep cooked waffles warm and somewhat crisp by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C) until ready to serve.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the strawberry whipped cream is highly recommended, don’t limit yourself! These strawberry chocolate chip waffles are also fantastic with a variety of toppings like fresh berries, sliced bananas, a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a classic drizzle of maple syrup.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes To Try
- Swedish Pancakes
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
- Raspberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
- High Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Thank you so much for reading and diving into the delicious world of these strawberry chocolate chip waffles! I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring them as much as my family and I do. Don’t forget to let me know what you think when you try this recipe!
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Strawberry Chocolate Chip Waffles
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Ingredients
Waffles
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour I used white whole wheat
- 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2/3 cup chopped strawberries
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Strawberry Whipped Cream
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam jelly or preserves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
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Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring it’s fully hot.
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WAFFLES: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt; whisk well. Gently stir in the chopped strawberries and mini chocolate chips, tossing to coat them lightly. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or spoon just until combined; a few lumps are fine. Do not overmix. Bake according to your waffle iron’s directions until golden brown and crispy.
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STRAWBERRY WHIPPED CREAM: In a medium bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, strawberry jam, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. Serve immediately with warm waffles.
Notes
