Mini Waffles (Made with Mini Waffle Maker)

This mini waffle recipe makes the most delicious waffles ever, using a mini waffle maker. They are light and fluffy inside and perfectly crispy outside, with a sweet buttery flavor that's addictive! I love making this for a quick weekend breakfast when I'm just cooking for my wife and me. The mini portion size is perfect!

Why I Love This Homemade Mini Waffle Recipe

In our house, Sunday mornings aren’t complete without these mini waffles. Ever since my wife brought home a Dash mini waffle maker, they’ve become a weekend tradition in the Cunningham kitchen. Crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and irresistibly golden, these waffles are a guaranteed winner. I’ve made them dozens of times, tweaking the batter to get the texture just right, so I know your family will fall in love with them, too. They’re perfect for stacking high, drizzling with syrup, or loading up with fresh fruit and whipped cream.

These waffles are especially kid-approved thanks to their small size and customizable toppings. Even picky eaters enjoy creating their own waffle masterpiece with butter, chocolate chips, berries, or sprinkles. And if you like planning ahead, you’ll appreciate how well they freeze. I often make a double or triple batch, stash the extras in the freezer, and reheat them in the toaster oven for quick weekday breakfasts. Honestly, they taste just as good reheated—sometimes even better—thanks to that extra crisp the toaster gives them.

Ingredients for Mini Waffles

• 1 large egg
• ¾ cup milk
• 3 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder

How To Make Mini Waffles

Step 1: Make the Batter

Preheat your mini waffle iron. In a large bowl, combine the egg, milk, butter, vanilla extract, and sugar. Once mixed, fold in the flour and baking powder. Stir until you have a smooth batter, but do not overmix. 

Step 2: Cook the Waffles

Spray the hot mini waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray. Drop around two tablespoons of the batter onto the waffle iron. Cook for a few minutes until the waffles are slightly crisp and golden brown on each side. Repeat with the remaining batter until you cook all of the waffles.

Step 3: Serve the Waffles

Once you cook all of the waffles, serve them with anything you want on top. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Preheat fully. Let the mini waffle maker heat for at least 4–5 minutes before the first waffle. A hot iron is what gives you crisp edges and good color.
• Measure the batter so it doesn’t overflow. The Dash mini is happiest with about 2 tablespoons of batter. Fill just to the inner rim—overflow leads to soggy edges and extra cleanup.
• Mix gently; rest briefly. Whisk wet ingredients smooth, then fold in dry just until combined (some small lumps are fine). Let the batter rest 5–10 minutes to hydrate flour and release trapped bubbles—fluffier waffle, better browning.
• Room-temp dairy = better rise. Cold milk/buttermilk can seize melted butter and deflate the batter. If you can, bring liquids to room temperature before mixing.
• Use steam and color as doneness cues. Don’t peek early. When steam mostly stops and the exterior looks deep golden, lift the lid. If your model has an indicator light, use it as a guide—but trust steam and color first.
• Rack, not stack. Move finished waffles to a wire rack (not a plate) so steam escapes and the bottoms stay crisp. Keeping them warm in a 200°F oven on a rack over a sheet pan is perfect while you cook the rest.
• Want extra-crisp waffles? Stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch per cup of flour into the dry mix, or add 1–2 teaspoons neutral oil to the batter. Cook 20–30 seconds longer after the steam subsides.
• Weigh (or spoon & level) flour. Too much flour = dense waffles. If you don’t weigh, spoon, and level the flour into the cup to avoid packing.
• Freeze like a pro. Cool completely, flash-freeze in a single layer 30 minutes, then bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or 375°F oven until crisp; skip the microwave if you want crunch.

My  Favorite Topping Ideas To Try

These homemade mini waffles taste amazing on their own, but the right toppings can take them to the next level. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, here are some delicious topping ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Whipped Cream – Light, airy, and perfect for balancing the crisp waffle edges.
• Butter and Maple Syrup – A timeless combo that soaks into every bite.
• Maple Cream – Rich and velvety for an indulgent twist on traditional syrup.
• Crushed Nuts – Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy contrast.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Fold into the batter or sprinkle over warm waffles for melty pockets of chocolate.
• Fresh Strawberries – Slice them thin for a bright, juicy topping that pairs beautifully with cream or chocolate.
• Sliced Bananas – Sweet, soft, and naturally creamy—great with nut butter or honey drizzle.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Turn mini waffles into a dessert with a scoop of ice cream and a caramel or chocolate drizzle.
• Fruit Compote – Try a homemade strawberry compote and apple compote for a warm, fruity topping that doubles as a syrup.

For even more variety, mix and match toppings—like bananas with peanut butter, or strawberries with whipped cream—for mini waffles that feel new every time you make them.

How To Store & Reheat Mini Waffles

In the fridge: Wrap any leftover waffles in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days.

In the freezer: To store them for longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months when stored this way.

Reheating: My favorite way to reheat waffles is in the toaster oven on toast for about 3 minutes. You'll want to add some more time for frozen waffles. This makes them super crispy and just delicious! 

Mini Waffle Recipe FAQS

Can I make this mini waffle recipe ahead of time?

Yes! I love making a big batch and freezing the waffles since they're so delicious leftover. Just cook all of the batter and then let the waffles cool completely. Then wrap each one in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy, just warm them up in the toaster oven for a few minutes. 

How many waffles does this recipe make?

I used a mini Dash waffle maker, and this recipe made 9 waffles. If you want more, just double or triple the ingreidents!

Can I make other batters into mini waffles?

Yes! These 3 ingredient banana waffles cook great in a mini waffle maker. If you're short on time, making waffles with Bisquick waffles or Krusteaz waffles is the perfect option. If you want to make waffles just for yourself, you can make this waffle recipe for one.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

• Churro Pancakes
• Sheet Pan Pancakes
• Crescent Rolls Cinnamon Rolls
• Waffles without milk 
• French toast for one