Chef Emma Martinez - Brunch Specialist
👨‍🍳 Brunch & Pastry Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 Pastry Arts Graduate ⏰ 12+ Years Experience 🍽️ Breakfast Specialist

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up, Sunday mornings meant homemade waffles. Years later, I combined my childhood favorite with my love of Nutella to create this indulgent yet simple breakfast treat that turns any morning into a celebration."

Emma specializes in elevated breakfast and brunch dishes that balance comfort with sophistication. She's passionate about creating recipes that make mornings special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Golden crispy waffles on a red plate topped with glossy Nutella chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, and chopped hazelnuts

Creating Perfectly Crispy Waffles

The secret to perfectly crispy waffles lies in the batter consistency and cooking technique. A slightly thicker batter creates waffles with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Don't overmix - those small lumps actually help create air pockets that lead to lighter, crispier results.

Temperature control is crucial. Your waffle iron should be fully preheated before adding batter. The waffles are ready when steam stops escaping and they release easily from the iron. Resist the urge to open the iron too early, as this can cause waffles to tear and lose their crispiness.

💡 Professional Tip

For extra crispy waffles, separate the eggs and beat the whites to stiff peaks before gently folding them into the batter. This creates an incredibly light, airy texture with maximum crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate. Give it a gentle stir before using, as ingredients may separate slightly. For best results, let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.

Place cooked waffles directly on an oven rack in a 200°F oven. Don't stack them or place on a plate, as trapped steam will make them soggy.

Absolutely! Cool waffles completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy results.

Any chocolate hazelnut spread works, or try peanut butter, almond butter, or cookie butter for different flavor profiles. Maple syrup with chopped nuts is a lighter alternative.

Any waffle iron works! Belgian waffle makers create thicker waffles with deeper pockets perfect for holding toppings. Regular waffle irons make thinner, crispier waffles.

Yes, substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free ice cream and ensure your chocolate hazelnut spread is dairy-free.

Spread hazelnuts on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool, then rub in a clean kitchen towel to remove skins before chopping.

While you can swirl Nutella into the batter for chocolate chip effect, it's better as a topping to maintain the waffle's crispy texture and enjoy the full chocolate hazelnut flavor.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Soggy Waffles

Problem: Waffles turn out soft instead of crispy

Solution: Ensure waffle iron is fully preheated, don't open too early, and cook until steam stops escaping. Let waffles rest on wire rack, not stacked.

✅

Sticking Issues

Problem: Waffles stick to the iron

Solution: Lightly grease the iron even if it's non-stick. Ensure it's fully preheated and don't open too early - waffles release naturally when ready.

✅

Uneven Browning

Problem: Waffles brown unevenly

Prevention: Don't overfill the iron, spread batter evenly from center, and ensure iron is level. Adjust temperature if needed.

✅

Pale Waffles

Problem: Waffles don't brown enough

Recovery: Increase cooking temperature, add a bit more sugar to batter for caramelization, or cook 30-60 seconds longer.

✅

Tough Texture

Problem: Waffles turn out tough or chewy

Prevention: Don't overmix the batter - mix just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, making waffles tough instead of tender.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: Reduce Nutella or add a pinch of sea salt to balance sweetness

Too Salty: Add extra Nutella or drizzle with honey

Bland: Add more vanilla extract to batter or use flavored Nutella varieties

Waffle ingredients including flour, eggs, milk, Nutella jar, hazelnuts, and vanilla extract arranged on a marble countertop

Choosing Quality Ingredients

While waffle batter is simple, ingredient quality matters. Fresh baking powder ensures proper rise and crispy texture. Use whole milk for richest flavor, though 2% works well too. Real vanilla extract provides depth that imitation vanilla can't match.

For toppings, authentic Nutella provides the best flavor, though other chocolate hazelnut spreads work. Toasting hazelnuts is essential - it intensifies their flavor and adds crucial crunch that complements the soft ice cream and crispy waffles.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Nutella: Warm slightly before drizzling for easier pouring and better coverage. Store at room temperature for spreadable consistency.
  • Hazelnuts: Toast until fragrant and golden for maximum flavor. Chop after cooling - warm nuts can be difficult to chop evenly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for better flavor. The extra cost is worth it in simple recipes where vanilla shines.
Golden waffle cooking in a waffle iron, showing the perfect grid pattern and steam escaping from the sides

Mastering the Waffle-Making Process

Proper preheating is non-negotiable for crispy waffles. Wait until the indicator light shows ready, then wait one additional minute. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents sticking. A properly heated iron creates immediate sizzle when batter hits the surface.

Resist opening the waffle iron prematurely. When steam stops escaping and the waffle releases easily, it's ready. Opening too early causes tearing and steam loss, resulting in soggy waffles. Patience during this step ensures perfect texture every time.

The Perfect Pour

Pour batter into the center of the iron and let it spread naturally. Don't overfill - batter should reach about 3/4 of the way to edges when lid is closed. This prevents overflow while ensuring full coverage.

Nutella Hazelnut Waffles

Prep 10 min
Cook 10 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Waffles

  • 200g Nutella, plus extra for drizzling
    Warm slightly for easier drizzling
  • 100g hazelnuts, chopped and toasted
    Toast until fragrant for maximum flavor
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving
    Quality ice cream makes a difference
  • Powdered sugar (optional)
    For extra sweetness and presentation
  • Whipped cream (optional)
    Adds extra indulgence

For the Toppings

  • 250g all-purpose flour
    Provides structure for crispy waffles
  • 30g granulated sugar
    Adds sweetness and helps browning
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
    Ensures proper rise and texture
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    Balances sweetness
  • 2 large eggs
    Provides structure and richness
  • 480ml whole milk
    Creates tender, flavorful waffles
  • 80ml vegetable oil
    Keeps waffles moist and crispy
  • 5ml vanilla extract
    Enhances overall flavor

Instructions

  1. Prepare Waffle Batter

    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don't overmix - a few lumps are okay.

  2. Heat Waffle Iron

    Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease with cooking spray or brush with melted butter.

  3. Cook Waffles

    Pour appropriate amount of batter into the center of the waffle iron (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup depending on size). Close lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with remaining batter.

  4. Warm Nutella

    While waffles cook, warm Nutella in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a small saucepan over low heat until easily drizzle-able. Stir until smooth.

  5. Assemble and Serve

    Place waffles on serving plates. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle generously with warm Nutella, and sprinkle with toasted chopped hazelnuts. Serve immediately while waffles are still crispy.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store cooled waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in toaster or oven for best texture.

Serving Suggestions

These waffles are incredibly versatile. Try them with fresh strawberries, banana slices, whipped cream, or maple syrup. For an adult version, add a splash of hazelnut liqueur to the Nutella.

Variations

Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the batter for chocolate waffles, or fold in chocolate chips. Try other nut butters like almond or peanut butter for different flavor profiles.