Waffles are a classic breakfast favorite, but when you add coffee into the mix, they become something truly special. Our Coffee Waffles Recipe combines the rich, bold flavors of coffee with the crispy, golden texture of waffles for a morning treat that’s both energizing and delicious. It’s perfect for coffee lovers who want to start their day with a little extra kick.
Ingredients
To make our Coffee Waffles truly stand out, we carefully select ingredients that balance rich coffee flavors with a crisp, golden texture. Below is everything we need to whip up this energizing breakfast treat.
Dry Ingredients
We start by gathering all the dry components that provide structure and flavor depth to our waffles.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules (for that robust coffee flavor)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
| Dry Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Provides structure |
| Granulated sugar | 2 tablespoons | Adds sweetness |
| Instant coffee granules | 1 tablespoon | Imparts rich coffee flavor |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon | Leavening agent |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | Works with acidic components for rise |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | Enhances overall taste |
Wet Ingredients
The wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, helping us create the perfect waffle batter that crisps up beautifully with a coffee aroma.
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup brewed strong coffee (cooled)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
| Wet Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1 3/4 cups | Provides moisture and tenderness |
| Brewed strong coffee | 1/3 cup | Adds natural coffee flavor and depth |
| Eggs | 2 large | Helps bind and add richness |
| Unsalted butter | 1/3 cup, melted | Adds flavor and crispiness |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Enhances the coffee aroma and sweetness |
Optional Toppings and Add-Ins
To customize our Coffee Waffles, we love incorporating these tasty toppings and mix-ins for extra layers of flavor and texture.
- Whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for creamy richness
- Chocolate chips or cocoa nibs to intensify the coffee experience
- Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness
- Fresh berries for a bright, fruity contrast
Equipment Needed
To make our Coffee Waffles Recipe with perfect texture and flavor, having the right equipment is essential. Here’s what we need to gather before starting:
- Waffle Maker or Iron: This is the most important tool. We recommend a non-stick waffle maker with adjustable heat settings to achieve crispy yet tender waffles infused with coffee flavor.
- Mixing Bowls: Use at least two bowls—a large one for the dry ingredients and a medium one for the wet ingredients. Glass or stainless steel bowls work best for easy mixing and cleanup.
- Whisk: A sturdy whisk helps us combine the batter evenly without lumps, ensuring the instant coffee granules dissolve properly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure our waffles come out consistently delicious. Use standard measuring cups for flour and liquids and spoons for smaller quantities like baking powder and vanilla extract.
- Spatula: A heat-resistant spatula is perfect for folding ingredients and scraping the batter from the bowls without waste.
- Coffee Brewer or French Press: Since brewed coffee is part of our wet ingredients, we need a method to make strong coffee. A drip coffee maker, French press, or espresso machine can work based on what we have available.
- Cooling Rack: To keep waffles crisp, place them on a cooling rack instead of stacking directly, avoiding sogginess.
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Waffle Maker | Cook waffles evenly with controlled heat |
| Mixing Bowls | Separate dry and wet ingredients |
| Whisk | Combine batter smoothly |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Accurate ingredient measurement |
| Spatula | Mixing and scraping batter |
| Coffee Brewer | Make strong brewed coffee for the batter |
| Cooling Rack | Maintain waffle crispness after cooking |
Having these tools ready helps us prepare the Coffee Waffles efficiently and delivers the rich coffee-infused flavor with the ideal waffle texture every time.
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create perfectly Coffee Waffles that deliver a crispy texture and rich coffee flavor in every bite.
Prep Work
- Preheat your non-stick waffle maker to a medium-high setting, ensuring even heat for golden brown waffles.
- Brew 1 cup of strong coffee using your preferred method, such as a French press or drip brewer. Allow it to cool slightly.
- In separate mixing bowls, measure and sift the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step prevents lumps and blends flavors evenly.
- Prepare wet ingredients by whisking together whole milk, brewed coffee, eggs, melted unsalted butter, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
Making the Coffee Waffle Batter
- Combine the sifted dry ingredients in a large bowl.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while whisking actively to combine.
- Whisk gently just until all ingredients are incorporated and the batter is smooth, avoiding overmixing which can toughen waffles.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the baking powder and soda to activate, enhancing the waffles’ rise and fluffiness.
Cooking the Waffles
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle maker with melted butter or cooking spray.
- Pour batter evenly onto the waffle iron, about ½ cup per waffle, spreading slightly if needed.
- Close the lid and cook for 4 to 5 minutes or until waffles are crisp and deep golden brown.
- Use a heat-resistant spatula to carefully remove waffles and transfer to a cooling rack. This prevents sogginess to maintain crisp texture.
- Repeat with remaining batter, greasing the waffle iron as needed.
| Cooking Step | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat waffle maker | 5 minutes or until hot | Ensures even cooking |
| Cooking each waffle | 4 to 5 minutes per waffle | Crispy outside, fluffy inside |
Serving Suggestions
- Top Coffee Waffles with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with pure maple syrup for classic sweetness.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh berries to introduce texture contrast and brightness.
- Pair with a hot cup of your favorite coffee to amplify the rich coffee notes in the waffles.
- For an indulgent twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and dust with cocoa powder for a dessert-style breakfast.
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
To keep our Coffee Waffles fresh and flavorful, planning ahead with proper make-ahead tips and storage methods is essential. Here’s how we ensure delicious waffles ready to enjoy anytime.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the batter in advance: Mix the waffle batter up to 24 hours before cooking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and allow flavors to meld.
- Resting the batter: Before cooking, give the batter a quick stir to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.
- Partial cooking option: We can pre-cook the waffles until just lightly golden, then finish cooking later for a quicker breakfast.
Storage Guidelines
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate batter | Up to 24 hours | Keep in a sealed container, stir before use |
| Cooked waffles, cooled | 1-2 days | Store in airtight container or wrapped tightly |
| Freeze cooked waffles | Up to 1 month | Wrap individually in foil/ plastic wrap, freeze |
Reheating Instructions
To preserve texture and flavor, follow these tips:
- Toaster or toaster oven: Reheat waffles on medium heat until crispy.
- Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Avoid microwaving unless necessary as it can make waffles soggy.
“The key to maintaining that perfect crispy exterior and rich coffee flavor lies in proper storage and gentle reheating.”
By using these make-ahead options, we save time in the morning while still treating ourselves to freshly cooked, crispy Coffee Waffles bursting with flavor.
Conclusion
Coffee Waffles bring a delightful twist to breakfast that’s both energizing and satisfying. With the perfect balance of bold coffee flavor and crispy texture, they’re sure to become a new favorite in our morning routine.
By following the recipe and tips, we can enjoy waffles that are rich, fluffy, and full of flavor every time. Whether served fresh or made ahead for convenience, these waffles offer a delicious way to start the day on a high note.
Let’s keep experimenting with toppings and add-ins to make this recipe truly our own and elevate breakfast to something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Coffee Waffles different from regular waffles?
Coffee Waffles incorporate brewed strong coffee and instant coffee granules into the batter, giving them a rich coffee flavor combined with the traditional crispy waffle texture.
What ingredients are needed to make Coffee Waffles?
You need all-purpose flour, sugar, instant coffee granules, baking powder, baking soda, salt, whole milk, brewed coffee, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Optional toppings include whipped cream, chocolate chips, nuts, maple syrup, and berries.
What equipment is essential for making Coffee Waffles?
A non-stick waffle maker with adjustable heat, mixing bowls, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a heat-resistant spatula, a coffee brewer or French press, and a cooling rack are recommended.
How do I make the Coffee Waffle batter?
Mix the dry ingredients separately, whisk the wet ingredients together, then combine both to form a smooth batter. Let it rest before cooking to ensure fluffy waffles.
Can I prepare Coffee Waffle batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What’s the best way to cook and serve Coffee Waffles?
Preheat and grease the waffle maker, pour the batter, and cook until golden and crisp. Serve with toppings like whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh berries for added flavor.
How should I store leftover cooked Coffee Waffles?
Store cooked waffles in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a toaster or oven to maintain crispness.
Can I add mix-ins to the waffle batter?
Yes, chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fresh fruit can be added to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Is it necessary to use brewed coffee and instant coffee granules?
Both brewed strong coffee and instant coffee granules enhance the coffee flavor and depth in the waffles, but you can adjust amounts to suit your taste.
How do I keep my Coffee Waffles crispy after cooking?
Place waffles on a cooling rack instead of stacking to prevent sogginess and allow airflow for crisp edges.