There’s nothing quite like the scent of Pumpkin Waffles wafting through your kitchen on a crisp fall morning. This recipe captures everything we adore about autumn—spiced pumpkin flavor, pillowy centers, and beautifully crisp edges. Whether you’re cozying up with a big mug of coffee or serving brunch for family, Pumpkin Waffles are that delightful treat you’ll find yourself craving long after pumpkin spice season fades.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these waffles is easier than you might expect, and every ingredient is a building block for deliciousness. Each one adds something special—be it warm spice, cozy texture, or that unmistakable golden color that makes Pumpkin Waffles so festive.

All-purpose flour: Gives the waffles a soft yet sturdy base, so they’re fluffy but hold up to toppings.
Brown sugar: Adds just the right hint of sweetness and a lovely caramelly undertone, especially when combined with the spices.
Baking powder: This is your ticket to lofty, light waffles every single time.
Baking soda: Helps the batter rise and ensures tenderness inside each square.
Salt: A pinch brings all the flavors forward and keeps the sweetness balanced.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that signature pumpkin spice aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtly earthy, nutty note, making the spice mix complex.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and depth of flavor that balances the pumpkin.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for that deep, spicy warmth.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show—brings moisture, richness, and gorgeous color.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and give the waffles a lovely, tender texture.
Milk: Keeps the batter smooth for easy mixing while adding moisture and richness.
Unsalted butter (melted): Makes the waffles golden and irresistibly crisp at the edges.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a sweet, inviting finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Waffles

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Turn on your waffle iron and let it heat fully while you whip up the batter. This ensures your Pumpkin Waffles will cook evenly and get that perfect golden crispness. If your waffle iron tends to stick, lightly mist or brush it with oil or nonstick spray right before the first batch.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This quick step guarantees the spices will be evenly distributed throughout the batter so every waffle is packed with cozy flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth and creamy. The pumpkin brings not just color but a luxurious texture that makes these waffles memorable.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until you see just a few streaks of flour left; a light touch prevents overmixing, so your Pumpkin Waffles stay tender inside while crisp outside. If you want, fold in some chocolate chips or chopped pecans for a fun twist.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Lightly grease your waffle iron (if needed), then scoop in just enough batter to cover the grids—usually about a third to half a cup, depending on your machine. Close the lid and cook according to your manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 3 to 5 minutes, until the waffles are golden and steam starts to slow down. Transfer finished waffles to a wire rack in a warm oven to keep them crisp as you finish the batch.

How to Serve Pumpkin Waffles

Garnishes

The best part of serving Pumpkin Waffles is loading them up with your favorite toppings! Classic maple syrup and a pat of butter are always welcome, but don’t be afraid to go all out—try a dollop of whipped cream, a shower of toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for a morning treat with bakery-style flair.

Side Dishes

If you want to round out your breakfast or brunch spread, Pumpkin Waffles play nicely with salty bacon or savory breakfast sausages. Prefer something lighter? Offer a bowl of fresh fruit seasoned with a squeeze of lemon, or serve alongside a thick Greek yogurt for a satisfying contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut your Pumpkin Waffles into quarters and stack them high, interleaving with layers of cream cheese frosting for a “waffle cake.” Or, offer a toppings bar with syrups, nuts, fruit, and chocolate chips so every guest can create their own masterpiece. These waffles can even double as the “bread” in a breakfast sandwich with eggs and cheese for something delightfully unexpected.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Waffles stay fresh for up to two days when stored in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge. To maintain their crispness, let them cool completely on a wire rack before packing—stacking while warm can make them a bit soggy.

Freezing

Pumpkin Waffles freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade coziness any day—just let them cool, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen waffles to a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment, and stash them for up to three months.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Pumpkin Waffles straight from the fridge or freezer in a toaster or oven at 350°F until piping hot and crisp again. Microwaving will warm them quickly but won’t deliver that signature crunch. If serving a crowd, lay waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Waffles with fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you’ve got homemade pumpkin puree on hand, feel free to substitute it for canned in this recipe. Just be sure to drain excess liquid so your batter isn’t too thin and your waffles stay fluffy and flavorful.

What kind of milk works best in this recipe?

You can use any kind of milk—dairy or plant-based—without any issues. Whole milk will make the waffles extra rich, but almond, oat, or soy milk are all fantastic dairy-free alternatives.

How do I keep Pumpkin Waffles crisp while serving a crowd?

The trick is to place cooked waffles directly on a wire rack in a low oven (about 200°F) as you finish each batch. This keeps them warm and crisp until everyone is ready to dig in—no more sad, soggy waffles.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easy to scale up if you’re feeding a bigger group or want extra waffles to freeze. Simply double all ingredients and cook in batches, keeping the finished waffles warm in the oven.

Can I add mix-ins to the pumpkin waffle batter?

Definitely—mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or even a swirl of cream cheese take these Pumpkin Waffles to the next level. Just fold your favorite additions into the finished batter before cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to a stack of Pumpkin Waffles soon! Whether you savor them as an indulgent weekend breakfast or as a cozy autumn brunch centerpiece, these waffles are sure to become a cherished favorite year after year. Happy cooking!

Pumpkin Waffles Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the flavors of fall with these scrumptious Pumpkin Waffles. Perfectly spiced and wonderfully fluffy, they make for a cozy and delicious breakfast treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth.
Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Cook Waffles: Grease the waffle iron, pour in the batter, and cook until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For crispier waffles, cook slightly longer and keep warm in the oven.
Try whole wheat flour for a healthier option or add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron
Cuisine: American