These mini waffles are so easy to make with simple, healthy ingredients! They are the perfect size for babies and toddlers and a fun and interactive breakfast or snack option.
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Homemade Mini Waffles
Today I'm sharing the perfect basic mini waffle recipe that you can enjoy as is or customize to your heart's content.
You can add finely chopped berries during the summer, mashed banana for added sweetness, peanut butter for a boost of protein and fat, or freshly grated carrots if you want to get more veggies into your child's diet!
These adorable little waffles are great for entertaining - at a brunch, party, or any special event. Make in large batches and serve with a variety of toppings to please a crowd.
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Rolled Oats - I personally love the texture and heartiness oats adds to waffles. It also thickens the batter, resulting in waffles that are soft on the inside and lightly crispy on the outside. You can also use all purpose flour or white whole wheat flour. You can use whole wheat flour but the texture will be more dense.
- Milk - Use whole fat milk as our babies and kids need fat for optimal brain development. If there's an allergy, here are my top two non-dairy alternatives.
- Egg - use room temperature for lighter, fluffier waffles!
- Maple syrup - for a hint of sweetness. You can leave out if desired, see "tips for success" section below
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a food processor blender in the order listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Blend until smooth. Do not over process - no more than a minute. Let the waffle batter sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Add to preheated waffle iron and bake until golden brown.
Tips for Success
- For babies and toddlers, leave maple syrup out completely as it is recommended to avoid added sugars until 2 years of age. You can use date syrup or top with various sweet toppings as suggested below.
- Let batter sit for at 5-10 minutes to make sure the flour and oats soak up the liquid making the batter thicken. This will also allow the gluten to expand a little, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Be sure to preheat your waffle maker. If you don’t, the exterior won’t crisp up properly.
- Cool in a single layer. Never stack the waffles on top of each other as you wait for them all to be made. The heat and steam from them will cause the waffles to get too soft. If you wish, you can keep them warm in the oven while you wait for the rest to finish cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Because these mini waffles are not very sweet, you can enjoy with either sweet or savory toppings!
Here are some great options to try:
- Fresh fruit - sliced or pureed
- Homemade Date Syrup
- Homemade unsweetened applesauce
- Yogurt
- Ricotta - here are the best cheese for babies and toddlers
- Cream cheese frosting - this healthy version isn't just for cakes!
- Maple syrup
- Melted butter
- Thinned out peanut, nut, or seed butter
- Dips like Beetroot chickpea dip, Pumpkin seed spinach hummus
Waffle Maker Suggestions
This mini waffle maker is just so perfect!
The only complaint I have is that it takes longer to make a full batch, but I do end up with the most adorably sized waffles so I guess it's a price worth paying ;).
If you don't own a mini waffle maker, that's ok! Just use less batter and cook according to your waffle iron's instructions.
Storage
Cool leftover waffles on a wire rack completely after cooking. Then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To freeze, lay them on a cookie sheet and flash freeze. This allows you to easily remove from the freezer one at a time. Check out my how to safely store leftovers post for details!
When ready to heat, pop them into the toaster or toaster oven. These can also be enjoyed cold - perfect for lunch box or school snack.
How to Reheat
The best way to reheat mini waffles depends on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Here are the top methods:
- Oven - preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 3-5 minutes in a baking sheet. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are heated through.
- Toaster - toast on low to medium setting until heated through and crispy on the outside, about 1-2 minutes.
- Microwave - place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 15-30 seconds.
- Air fryer - preheat to 350°F and place the waffles in the basket. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until the waffles are warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe will make about 8-10 waffles. So if you want to keep the cooked waffles warm while working through the rest of the batter, here's what to do.
Preheat your oven to 200°F and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a single layer. The wire rack will allow the air to circulate around the waffles, which will help prevent them from getting soggy.
3 to 4 tablespoons works great. Be sure not to overfill the waffle maker, as this can cause the batter to overflow and make a mess.
Depending on the size of your mini waffle maker, you may need to use less or more. I suggest starting with a small amount. You can always adjust the amount of batter for the next batch based on how the first one turns out.
This will depend on your waffle maker. For the Dash waffle maker, which is what I'm using, it takes about 2-4 minutes. If serving to babies or toddlers, I recommend cooking for about 2.5-3 minutes. If you desire a crispy waffle, cook for 4-5 minutes.
More Waffles to Try
Mini Waffles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ¾ cups rolled oats (175g)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients into a food processor blender in the order listed.
- Blend until smooth. Do not over process - no more than a minute. Let the waffle batter sit for at least 5 minutes.
- Preheat waffle iron. Grease by brushing or spraying with oil. Pour in ¼ cup batter and cook according to manufacturer's directions until golden brown. If serving to babies or toddlers, I recommend cooking for about 2.5 -3 minutes. If you desire a crispy waffle, cook for 4-5 minutes.
Nicole says
Hi! Can I replace butter with healthier option eg coconut oil?
Min says
I haven't tried but I believe it will work just fine!
Lisa says
These were great, will definitely be making them again!
Had planned to make your strawberry waffles but didn’t have yoghurt, so made these instead. Replaced a bit of the oats with brown rice flakes and the whole family loved them!
Min says
So happy to hear that!
Shoma Fernandes says
Absolutely amazing!! Loved this recipe. The waffles were just perfect!
Min says
I'm so glad to hear that!!!!