here’s something about the hum of a diner, the click of plates, and the warm scent of waffles on a griddle that feels like a hug from the South. But if you can’t make it to Waffle House, don’t worry. This copycat Chocolate Chip Waffle recipe brings that late-night comfort and crispy-sweet flavor right to your kitchen. With a batter rich in vanilla and malted creaminess, and chocolate chips that melt into every crevice, this homemade version is as close as you can get without the yellow sign glowing outside your window.
Table of Contents
How to make the Waffle House Chocolate Chip Waffle
Making this iconic waffle at home is simpler than you’d think. The key is a sweet-cream batter, a hot iron, and those magical pools of chocolate that melt on top. You’ll need to let the batter rest for best results, but once it hits the iron, the crisp edges and soft interior are just minutes away.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Cook Time: 4 minutes per waffle
Total Time: 1 hour 14 minutes
Yield: 2 waffles
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per waffle
Ingredients, Instructions and Tips
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon malted milk powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup half-and-half
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing the waffle iron)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, malted milk powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk, half-and-half, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine and rest: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Do not overmix. Let the batter rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour for fluffier waffles.
- Preheat and prep: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high and grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Cook and top: Pour batter into the center of the waffle iron. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the batter. Close and cook until golden and crisp (about 4 minutes).
- Serve hot: Serve immediately with optional toppings like more chocolate chips, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Tips
- Resting the batter is key. It allows the flour to fully hydrate and makes the waffle crisper.
- Adding the chocolate chips on top rather than mixing them in prevents burning and creates those signature gooey spots.
- For extra crisp edges, use a slightly thinner batter and make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated.
What to serve with the dish
This chocolate chip waffle is decadent enough to stand on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to complete the Waffle House experience:
- Maple syrup or chocolate drizzle for even more sweetness.
- Crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty contrast.
- Scrambled eggs to round out a hearty breakfast plate.
- Fresh berries to add a pop of tartness and color.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style indulgence.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Sweet-Cream Base
Original Ingredient: Whole milk and half-and-half combo
Substitutes:
- Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness, but reduces sweetness slightly.
- Dairy-Free Milk: Use almond or oat milk with a splash of coconut cream for richness.
- Evaporated Milk: Works in a pinch and gives a creamy texture.
- Chocolate Chips
Original Ingredient: Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Substitutes:
- Milk Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter, softer chocolate flavor.
- Dark Chocolate Chunks: Adds a deeper, bittersweet taste.
- Mini Chips: Distribute more evenly throughout the waffle.
- Malted Milk Powder
Original Ingredient: Malted milk powder
Substitutes:
- Dry milk powder: Offers creaminess without the malt flavor.
- Omit entirely: If unavailable, skip it. The result will still be delicious, just slightly less rich.
- Powdered coffee creamer: Adds sweetness and smooth texture.
- All-Purpose Flour
Original Ingredient: All-purpose flour
Substitutes:
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For a gluten-free version.
- Whole Wheat Flour: Adds fiber and nuttiness but will alter texture.
- Pastry Flour: Produces a more tender waffle, closer to cake.
- Butter
Original Ingredient: Melted butter
Substitutes:
- Coconut oil: Adds a hint of coconut flavor and works well for dairy-free versions.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral and easy to substitute 1:1.
- Ghee: Adds richness and depth, especially if you want a buttery note without milk solids.
- Sugar
Original Ingredient: Granulated sugar
Substitutes:
- Brown sugar: Adds molasses notes and a slightly softer texture.
- Honey or agave: Reduces crispness but brings a unique flavor.
- Stevia or erythritol: For a lower-calorie option.
Ingredients
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1 tablespoon malted milk powder
-
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
-
1 teaspoon baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
3/4 cup whole milk
-
1/4 cup half-and-half
-
1 egg
-
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for greasing the waffle iron)
-
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, malted milk powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
-
Wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg with the milk, half-and-half, melted butter, and vanilla.
-
Combine and rest: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined. Do not overmix. Let the batter rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour for fluffier waffles.
-
Preheat and prep: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high and grease lightly with butter or cooking spray.
-
Cook and top: Pour batter into the center of the waffle iron. Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the batter. Close and cook until golden and crisp (about 4 minutes).
-
Serve hot: Serve immediately with optional toppings like more chocolate chips, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
