Homemade Mini Waffles Recipe is made from scratch using a mini waffle maker. Made without buttermilk, these waffles have a light and crispy texture with a fluffy interior.
If you love this recipe, you should try my other waffle recipes: avocado chocolate chip waffles or the pumpkin waffles recipe!
Why You'll Love these mini waffles?
These are one of those breakfast waffle recipes I keep coming back to when I want something homemade without pulling out a big waffle maker. The batter comes together quickly, and the Dash Mini Waffle Maker makes perfectly portioned waffles with crisp edges and a soft, fluffy center. Plus, they’re just the right size for little hands, making them especially fun for kids.
I also love how practical a mini waffle maker is. Whether you’re in a college dorm, a small apartment, or simply short on counter space, this tiny appliance takes up hardly any room and is easy to tuck away when you’re done. And with Dash making everything from classic round waffles to fun shapes, breakfast becomes a little more exciting—especially for kids!
-maria doss
★★★★★
"Turns out perfect everytime. Makes just enough for the day and one day of leftovers for myself and toddler. They crisp right back up in the toaster. CRISPY waffles everytime. Thank you!"
- CHELSEA
Jump to:
Mini waffles are simply smaller versions of traditional waffles, usually around 3 to 4 inches in diameter. They use the same basic waffle batter ingredients—but their smaller size changes the cooking time and gives them a fun, bite-sized feel.
The good news is that mini waffles don’t need a special batter. You can use a regular waffle batter; the key is simply using the right amount for your mini waffle maker.
For this recipe, each ingredient has a job:
- Butter helps create those crisp, golden edges.
- Sugar encourages browning and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Flour provides structure.
- Eggs add richness and help the waffles hold their shape.
- Baking powder gives the waffles their fluffy lift.
Because mini waffles use less batter and have a smaller cooking surface, they cook much faster than full-size waffles—often in under 2 minutes. That quick cooking also means you get a higher ratio of crispy golden exterior to soft, fluffy center, which is one of my favorite things about them! You might also enjoy trying chocolate waffles, which are a slight modification of this recipe.
Mini Waffle Ingredients
Scroll down to the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and amounts.
- Flour – Using standard all-purpose flour provides the ideal structure for waffles. For a healthier variation, consider replacing half of the flour with almond flour.
- Leavener – 2 teaspoons of baking powder adds necessary lift to make them fluffy.
- Milk – Opt for whole or skim milk; however, I prefer to avoid fat-free options. I haven't tested non-dairy milks like almond milk or oat milk yet.
- Butter – Use unsalted butter; omit salt if using salted butter. For a healthier alternative, you can substitute melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Egg - Eggs are essential for structure and binding; flax eggs are not suitable substitutes in this recipe.
How to make mini waffles in a mini waffle maker?
You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.
💡 Batter consistency - A thick waffle batter might not yield the crispiest mini waffles. Ensure the batter has a thick yet pourable consistency to achieve a light and fluffy texture with a crisp exterior.
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Step 5 - Preheat your mini waffle maker. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter for each waffle and cook until golden brown.
Waffle maker - I used the Dash mini waffle maker, which creates a perfect 4-inch round size, which is ideal for college dorms or tiny apartments. However, you can use any waffle iron you have.
Tips for Success
- Color – Cook until they achieve a deep golden brown for guaranteed crispiness! This typically takes 5-6 minutes in the Dash waffle maker.
- Don’t over mix – As with all baking recipes, over mixing will make them chewier.
- Milk – I prefer using whole milk for added richness.
- Almond Flour - Replace half the plain flour with almond flour for a healthier twist or make almond flour waffles using the linked recipe.
- Make it healthy - Use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
- Preheat the waffle iron - A hot waffle iron starts cooking the waffles immediately, ensuring the best texture.
- Grease the iron – This ensures they don't stick to the iron. I prefer to spray mine with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pancake batter will not work as a replacement.
FAQs
For the standard Dash Mini Waffle Maker, I use about ¼ cup of batter per waffle. This is enough to fill the cooking surface nicely without having the batter overflow around the sides of the 4-inch waffle maker.
If you’re using a different mini waffle maker, the capacity can vary, so I recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions. When in doubt, start with a little less batter—you can always add more to your next waffle once you see how much your particular machine holds.
The two biggest culprits behind overflowing mini waffles are using too much batter and opening the waffle maker too soon. Since the batter spreads and puffs up as the lid closes, you don't need to fill the cooking surface to the top.
If you're unsure how much your waffle maker can hold, start with a little less batter than you think you need. It’s much easier to add more to the next waffle than to clean up batter that has spilled over the sides!
And don't worry if your first waffle looks a little small—that's actually helpful. It gives you a good idea of how much batter your particular waffle maker needs, so you can adjust the amount for the next one.
Yes, I recommend lightly greasing your mini waffle maker, even though most models have a nonstick surface. A thin coating helps the waffles release easily and gives you a little extra insurance against sticking.
You don't need much—just a light coating before each batch is enough.
The easiest ways to grease your waffle maker:
Use a pastry brush: Dip a silicone or heat-safe brush into melted butter or a little vegetable oil, then lightly brush it over the cooking surface.
Use cooking spray: This is the quickest and most convenient option. Just give the surface a light, even spray before adding the batter.
Avoid soaking the plates with oil. Too much grease can make the waffles greasy and may cause excess oil to spill out as the waffle cooks.
One of the easiest ways to tell if your mini waffles are ready is to watch the steam. When the steam coming from the sides of the waffle maker has mostly stopped and the lid opens easily without pulling on the waffle, they're usually done.
For my recipe, I find that about 4–5 minutes gives the waffles a beautiful golden-brown color with crisp edges. Since waffle makers can vary, use the first waffle as your test and adjust the cooking time as needed.
And one important tip: try not to keep opening the lid every few seconds! Opening it too early can cause the waffle to split, stick, or lose its shape. Give it time to cook and crisp up before checking.
Absolutely! You can use regular waffle batter in a mini waffle maker. A mini waffle maker works the same way as a full-size waffle iron—the main difference is simply the size of the cooking surface.
The key is to use less batter so it has room to spread and puff up without overflowing. For a standard Dash Mini Waffle Maker, I use about ¼ cup of batter per waffle, which fills the cooking surface nicely.
So if you already have a favorite waffle batter, there’s no need to make a separate recipe—just adjust the amount you pour into the mini waffle maker.
More Waffle Recipes
Mini Waffles Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar white / brown / coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
- 1 egg large
- ¾ cup milk whole or skim
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled to lukewarm
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Whisk all dry ingredients in a small bowl.
- Whisk all wet ingredients in a larger bowl and stir in the flour mixture, until just combined. Do not overmix!Tip: The batter should be thick yet pourable; add a bit more milk if it seems too thick.
- Grease hot waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the waffle iron. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions; typically, it takes 5 to 6 minutes per waffle.Tip: Cook until they achieve a deep golden brown for guaranteed crispiness!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information, based on third-party calculations, should be seen as estimates, not guarantees, as various factors like product types, brands, processing methods, and more can alter the nutritional content in recipes.
How to serve mini waffles?
These mini waffles are best served warm, with a little softened salted butter, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, and plenty of fresh berries. It’s a simple breakfast, but honestly, sometimes that’s all you need!
Want to make them a little more fun? Turn them into mini chicken and waffles by topping them with crispy air fryer chicken nuggets and a drizzle of hot honey. Or go savory with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage, or even a little cheese.
And if you’re hosting brunch, set up a mini waffle bar with a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own. From fresh fruit and yogurt to whipped cream, chocolate, and other decadent toppings, you can take these little waffles in just about any direction!
To keep the waffles warm until serving time, preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Place the cooked waffles on a wire rack-lined baking sheet and keep them in the oven until ready to serve. This will allow heat to circulate around them and help maintain their crispness.
Mini Waffle Toppings
- Basic - Softened salted butter and warm maple syrup.
- Fresh fruits - Sliced bananas and fresh berries.
- Chocolatey - Nutella, chocolate chips and whipped cream.
- Healthy - A drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter, sliced bananas and toasted almonds.
- Tropical - Use coconut oil instead of butter to make the Dash mini waffles, top with chopped fresh pineapple and shredded coconut.
- Dessert - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, easy candied walnuts, stovetop candied pecans, chocolate or salted caramel sauce.
- Birthday cake - Stir some rainbow sprinkles into the batter before cooking. Serve with sweetened whipped cream, chocolate sauce and maraschino cherry.
- With chicken dishes - Top with chicken nuggets or tenders, warm maple syrup and a dust of confectioners sugar for mini chicken and waffles.
- Asian - A scoop of black sesame ice cream, toasted sesame seeds and shredded coconut.
- PB&J - A swirl of peanut butter and your favorite jelly!
Storage
Skip the frozen waffles from the store. I usually make a double batch or freeze any leftovers for a quick, homemade grab-and-go breakfast on busy mornings before the kids head to school.
To store, place cooled mini waffles in a ziplock bag and freeze for several weeks. When reheating, my preferred method is to toast one or two in a toaster until hot and crisp. They're perfect for quick weekday mornings before heading to school, college, or work.
Reheating methods
- In a toaster – Pop one or two frozen ones in a bread toaster for 1 to 2 minutes, until thawed and hot.
- Oven method – Place frozen waffles directly on the oven rack in a single layer in a preheated 275°F oven and bake until warmed through.
- In microwave – Microwave one or two for about a minute or until hot. However, this method tends to soften the waffles without crisping them up again.
MADE THIS RECIPE AND LOVED IT? 💚 Please leave a ⭐️STAR rating and COMMENT below- I love to hear your feedback! Tag me with your creations on Instagram and find me on Facebook.
Hi, I’m Maria! I share easy, flavor-packed dinners, high-protein meals, and irresistible baking ideas. If you’ve ever asked, “Don’t know what to cook tonight?” you’re in the right place. And yes—there’s plenty here for breakfast, snacks, and dessert too. More about maria ->
Shannon
I made these and they were delicious.
I ended up not cooking them all the way
done, then I put them in the toaster to crisp them up.
Thank you😊
Maria Doss
Glad you liked it hun - Maria
Devan
Hi all, this is a FABULOUS recipe! If you want waffles for 1-2 people I converted the recipe!
1/2 all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
1 egg
1/4 cup + 6 tsp milk
4 1/2 tsp butter
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Thank you again for the perfect mini waffle recipe! I love it and enjoy it every Sunday!
Maria Doss
Aww... thank you for sharing the conversion - Maria❤️
LL
Thank you too! For this “one person” home. 🙂🙃
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear – Maria ♡
Anne
They were very nice and tasty will definitely make them again I got 6 out of the recipe.
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Chelsey
Turns out perfect everytime. Makes just enough for the day and one day of leftovers for myself and toddler. They crisp right back up in the toaster. CRISPY waffles everytime. Thank you!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Marissa L
Delicious!!!
Your page is horrible to navigate due to the adds but I understand you have to make money!!
The recipe was successful, I added some cinnamon and nutmeg absolutely delicious!
Maria Doss
Glad you loved the waffles and appreciate the feedback. We have dialed back on the ads and hopefully you find it better to navigate next time. Thanks, Maria
Arleen
I bought the mini waffle maker due to your recipe. They are to die for absolutely best instructions ever- a big Thankyou. Will now experiment .take care Arleen x
Caitlin
These were delicious! We added some chocolate chips in the batter right before baking and the kids loved it! Thanks for the recipe!!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear! So glad you love it – Maria ♡
Caroline
Good recipe but THIS IS THE WORST RECIPE PAGE I HAVE EVER BEEN ON. Like searching for a needle in a haystack trying to get the actual information!!!!!!!’
Maria Doss
Hi Caroline, We apologize for you unpleasant experience. You will find a "jump to recipe" button in the beginning of every page and it will take you directly to the recipe - Hope it helps, Maria
America
Super easy and tasty! I'd never made waffles before and they turned out great! I've made them multiple times and they are amazing every time 🙂
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear! So glad you love it – Maria ♡
Louise
Delicious and so easy my eldest was delighted with how they came out
julia
I am 10 and it was the first time I made waffles by myself and I loved them.
Maria Doss
Hi Julia, Wow, that’s amazing! Cooking the waffles by yourself is such a cool achievement! Keep it going hun, Maria
Julia
I'm 10 and it was the first time I ever made waffles by myself and my family loved it.
Granny Dee Dee
That's awesome! Your family is lucky to have a chef like you!
Maria Doss
Absolutely!
Katie
I have made this recipe twice and love it! Only problem is it doesn’t make quite 9 waffles! Otherwise very tasty!
Maria Doss
That’s so great to hear, so glad you loved it - Maria ♡
Danny
Made these earlier for brunch and they were great, I added a little cinnamon too, and will defo make these again. Please could you add the metric measurements too? Thank you! 🙂
Erin
Our go to!
Maria Doss
Love to hear that - Maria ❤️
Emily
These waffles are delicious! They made the perfect waffles in my crofton mini waffle maker from Aldi. It made 7 waffles.
Maria Doss
Love to hear that - Maria ❤️
Alma
I added more milk to the recipe. This is hands down the best mini waffle recipe I have ever made thank you.
Carol
First time making waffles for me and my daughter, and this recipe was perfect. Tasty and fluffy!
Jan
Oh love the flavor and so fluffy