Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups buttermilk, room temperature
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For Cream Cheese Topping:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer directions.
- Mix dry ingredients: Whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl.
- Mix wet ingredients: In separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar.
- Combine: Pour wet into dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined—batter should be slightly lumpy.
- Cook waffles: Spray waffle iron with non-stick spray. Pour recommended amount of batter (usually 1/2-3/4 cup). Cook 3-4 minutes until steam stops and waffles are crispy.
- Make topping: Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat until smooth and pourable.
- Serve: Top warm waffles with cream cheese glaze and optional fresh berries. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Room temperature: Eggs and buttermilk must be room temp to prevent butter lumps.
- Don’t overmix: Lumpy batter makes tender waffles. Mix just until combined.
- Gel food coloring: Creates most vibrant color with less liquid.
- Keep warm: Place finished waffles on wire rack in 200°F oven while cooking remaining batter.
- Freezing: Cool completely, freeze in single layer, then store in freezer bags up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Toast from frozen for crispy texture.
- Make ahead: Cream cheese topping keeps refrigerated up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for 6-8 waffles)
- Category: Dessert , Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian