Alright, gather ‘round, because we’re about to dive into something truly magical for your next holiday morning! Forget your basic breakfast routine; today, we’re making Chocolate Peppermint Waffles. Imagine this: a perfectly crisp waffle, rich with cocoa and that delightful hint of cool peppermint, all crowned with festive toppings. I remember the first time I whipped these up for my brunch club back in Seattle. I was obsessed with peppermint mochas and thought, “Why not put that cozy flavor combination into waffles?” Adding cocoa powder to my usual batter, a splash of peppermint extract, and topping them with whipped cream and crushed candy canes turned them into edible holiday decorations. They looked so festive, and that first bite? Pure bliss! My friends fell silent, which is saying something, truly. It’s moments like these, turning a normal Sunday into a celebration with delicious food and great company, that food is all about. As a culinary educator and visual storyteller, I’m all about making those memorable moments happen in your own kitchen, and these waffles are *definitely* a way to do it!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
You’re going to adore these waffles because they’re just SO festive and easy!
- Festive Flavor Explosion: It’s the ultimate marriage of rich chocolate and cool peppermint, basically Christmas in a waffle!
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, the batter comes together in minutes, and most of the magic happens right in your waffle iron.
- Crowd-Pleaser Alert: Perfect for Christmas morning brunch, holiday gatherings, or any time you want to make breakfast feel extra special.
- Visually Stunning: With a little dusting of powdered sugar or some festive toppings, these waffles are as beautiful as they are delicious!
Gather Your Ingredients for Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
Alright, let’s get everything ready to whip up these amazing Chocolate Peppermint Waffles! It’s always good to have everything measured out and prepped before you even think about turning on the waffle iron. Trust me on this one – it makes the whole process so much smoother, especially when you’re trying to coordinate a whole holiday brunch!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Waffles:
- 14 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (that’s almost two sticks!)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (use a good quality one for the best chocolate flavor!)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch (this is key for that super tender texture!)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (if you don’t have buttermilk, just add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract (start with this, you can always add a tiny bit more if you’re a big peppermint fan!)
- Non-stick spray (for the waffle iron, of course!)
- 1/2 cup peppermint chips, chopped (Junior Mints minis work like a charm too – just give them a rough chop!)
- For Serving (optional, but highly recommended!):
- Chocolate sauce
- White chocolate sauce
- Softened butter
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries
- Pure maple syrup
Having all these goodies ready to go means you can just dive right into making these fantastic Chocolate Peppermint Waffles!
Essential Equipment for Perfect Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
To get those perfect Chocolate Peppermint Waffles, you don’t need a whole lot of fancy gadgets. Just a good standard waffle iron – whether it’s a Belgian style or a classic one works great! You’ll also need a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk for getting that batter nice and smooth, a measuring cup set, and spoons. Oh, and don’t forget a rubber spatula or spoon for spreading the batter and those peppermint chips evenly!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
Okay, now for the fun part! Making these Chocolate Peppermint Waffles is really quite straightforward. It’s all about getting that batter just right and then letting your waffle iron do its magic. Don’t be intimidated; I’ll walk you through it so you get perfect, fluffy waffles every single time. We’ve got this!
Preparing the Chocolate Peppermint Waffle Batter
First things first, let’s get that batter ready. Grab a small bowl and whisk together all your dry ingredients – the flour, that rich cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch (remember, that’s for tenderness!), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good mix so everything is evenly distributed.
Now, in a separate, slightly larger bowl, whisk your buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and that wonderful peppermint extract. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until it’s *almost* smooth. A few little lumps are totally fine, seriously! Don’t overmix, or we’ll lose that lovely tenderness. Pop this bowl in the fridge for about 20 to 30 minutes – this rest time is super important; it lets the flour hydrate and really makes a difference in the final texture of your waffles. It’s a little step that makes such a big difference!
Cooking Your Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
While your batter is having its little nap, get your waffle iron heating up to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If your iron tends to be a bit sticky, give it a little spray with non-stick spray. Once it’s nice and hot, ladle enough batter onto the iron to cover most of the surface – don’t overfill it, or you’ll have a mess! Immediately sprinkle your chopped peppermint chips right into the batter. Close that lid and let it do its thing until your waffle iron tells you it’s done or until the waffle looks cooked through and has that perfect golden-brown crispness. Carefully lift out your beautiful Chocolate Peppermint Waffle! If you’re interested in other savory dishes we have on the site, check out our chicken recipes for some inspiration.
Finishing Touches and Serving Your Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
Once your waffle is out of the iron, place it on a plate. Now you get to decorate! A light dusting of powdered sugar makes everything look so pretty. You can also add a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or some white chocolate sauce for extra decadence. A dollop of softened butter, some fresh berries, or a good pour of maple syrup all work wonderfully to finish off these festive beauties.
Tips for Success with Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
Making fantastic Chocolate Peppermint Waffles is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. Since I started baking these for holidays and brunches ages ago, I’ve picked up a few things to ensure they come out just right every single time!
One biggie is *not* to overmix the batter once you add the wet to the dry. Seriously, a few lumps are totally okay and often better for a tender waffle. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, and nobody wants a tough waffle, right? Also, make sure your waffle iron is *really* hot before you add the batter. If it’s not hot enough, the waffles can stick, and they won’t get that lovely crispy exterior we’re going for. And a little tip you might not think of: don’t overcrowd the waffle iron! Use just enough batter to fill about two-thirds of the surface. It allows the batter to spread properly and cook evenly. Trust me, these little things make all the difference for perfect Chocolate Peppermint Waffles!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
A quick note on a few things in these waffles! If you’ve run out of buttermilk, no worries at all. Just mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice into a measuring cup, then fill the rest of the way with regular milk to make about 1 1/2 cups. Give it a stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes – it’ll curdle just like buttermilk. For the peppermint chips, if you can’t find them, don’t sweat it! You can grab some Junior Mints minis and just give them a rough chop before adding them. It works like a charm!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
The best thing about these Chocolate Peppermint Waffles? You can totally make them ahead, which is a lifesaver on busy mornings, especially during the holidays! You can bake the waffles and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
To reheat, just pop them in the toaster on a medium setting or warm them up in a toaster oven or a regular oven at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until they’re nice and crisp again. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Peppermint Waffles
Got some burning questions about these festive Chocolate Peppermint Waffles? I totally get it! It’s always good to have a few tips up your sleeve, especially when you’re planning for holiday brunches or looking for fun Christmas morning brunch ideas. Here are some common things people ask:
Can I make Chocolate Peppermint Waffles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These are fantastic for making ahead, which is a lifesaver for busy holiday mornings. You can bake them completely, let them cool on a wire rack, and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Just pop them in the toaster or a warm oven when you’re ready to serve!
What are the best toppings for Chocolate Peppermint Waffles?
Oh, the topping possibilities are endless and part of the fun! For a truly festive experience, think chocolate sauce (both dark and white are amazing!), a nice dollop of softened butter, fresh berries for a bit of color and tartness, or classic maple syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar is a must for that pretty, snowy look, and crushed candy canes add that extra peppermint punch and festive sparkle. They’re perfect for any Xmas breakfast idea!
How do I make my Chocolate Peppermint Waffles crispy?
The secret to crispy waffles is a few things: make sure your waffle iron is really hot before you add the batter, and don’t overmix the batter! A properly rested batter and a good, hot waffle iron will give you that lovely crisp exterior. Also, letting the cooked waffle sit for just a minute on the wire rack before plating can help keep that crispness.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, okay? They can totally change depending on the brands you use and exactly how you top your waffles. But, on average, one serving (that’s one waffle before you load it up with toppings) is around 450 calories, with about 25g of fat, 8g of protein, and 50g of carbs. It’s a pretty decadent treat, perfect for a special occasion!
For a more detailed breakdown, here’s a general idea:
- Calories: ~450
- Fat: ~25g (Saturated Fat: ~15g)
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Sugar: ~25g
- Protein: ~8g
- Sodium: ~300mg
Remember, this doesn’t include any of those yummy extra sauces or syrups you might add! For our full disclaimer on nutritional information, you can check out our disclaimer page.
Share Your Chocolate Peppermint Waffle Creations!
I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your Chocolate Peppermint Waffles turned out! Did you try any fun topping combinations? Did they become a new holiday tradition? Drop a comment below, give the recipe a star rating if you loved it, or share your gorgeous photos with me on social media! You can find out more about me here, or if you have any questions, feel free to reach out!
