Red Velvet Fluffy Waffles

The first time I made red velvet waffles was completely by accident, I was halfway through making regular waffles when I spotted that bottle of red food coloring tucked behind the baking supplies and thought, why not make breakfast feel like a celebration.

My sister-in-law stayed over last winter and I made these for her birthday breakfast, she took one look at that deep red color against the white plate and actually gasped, then proceeded to eat three waffles in a row.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Forms the structure, measure by spooning into your cup and leveling off for accuracy
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dont skip this, it gives that signature red velvet depth without making them taste like chocolate waffles
• Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the buttermilk tang
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both work together for that signature lift and fluffy interior
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the cocoa
• Large eggs: Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter
• Buttermilk: The secret ingredient for tenderness and that classic red velvet tang, you can make your own with regular milk and vinegar
• Unsalted butter: Melt it first and let it cool slightly so it doesnt scramble your eggs
• Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla makes all the difference here
• Red food coloring: Gel coloring gives the most vibrant red but liquid works perfectly fine
• Maple syrup: Warm it slightly before pouring for that diner experience

Instructions

Get your waffle iron ready:

Plug it in and let it heat up while you mix the batter, you want it nice and hot when that first ladle of batter hits

Whisk the dry ingredients:

Combine flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl, breaking up any cocoa clumps

Mix the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, and food coloring until everything is blended

Combine and fold:

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined, stop when a few lumps remain

Prep your iron:

Give the plates a quick spray or brush with oil, even nonstick surfaces appreciate a little help

Cook to perfection:

Pour about 1/2 cup batter into the center, close the lid, and let it cook until steam stops pouring out, about 3 to 5 minutes

Repeat and serve:

Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200 degree oven while you finish the rest, then serve immediately with your favorite toppings

Save

These became my daughters favorite sleepover breakfast, the girls always gather around the waffle iron watching the red batter transform and insist on helping with the whipped cream topping.

Making Them Extra Special

Sometimes I fold chocolate chips into the batter right before cooking, the way they melt slightly and create little pockets of chocolate throughout the waffle is absolutely worth the extra splurge.

Topping Ideas Beyond Syrup

While maple syrup is classic, a cream cheese glaze made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk transforms these into something dessert-like, and fresh strawberries add the perfect tart contrast to all that sweetness.

Make Ahead Strategy

Ive learned that mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before makes weekend mornings so much easier, just combine them when you wake up and let the waffle iron do the rest.

• Cooked waffles freeze beautifully and reheat in the toaster
• The batter keeps in the fridge for up to two days
• Leftovers make an incredible base for waffle sundaes

Save

Theres something magical about cutting into that first waffle and seeing that deep crimson crumb, like breakfast decided to dress up for a party.

Common Questions

→ What gives these waffles their red color?

The vibrant red hue comes from a tablespoon of red food coloring added to the batter.

→ Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, replace buttermilk with regular milk plus 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk's acidity.

→ How do I make the waffles fluffy?

Whisk dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine gently without overmixing. Slight lumps in the batter help keep the texture light.

→ What syrups pair well with these waffles?

Maple syrup or chocolate syrup complement the cocoa and vanilla notes nicely for extra sweetness.

→ Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Yes, adding chocolate chips to the batter provides extra richness and texture.