Hi, I am Lilly Mathuse and these waffles are my little weekend win. I first threw this together on a rainy Sunday in Bristol while Ellie was bouncing off the furniture and Muffin the dog kept trying to steal crumbs. It was messy and kind of perfect.
They are chocolate without being cloying, and the oats make them satisfyingly filling. I often turn them into fluffy chocolate waffles when I want something a bit more celebratory, and honestly they make getting out of pajamas for breakfast feel worth it.
This is also my absolute favourite for a weekend breakfast recipe because it feels special while still being quick enough for real life. You can make them with what you already have, and most kids actually eat them. Small miracles happen.
Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup quick-cooking oats, ½ cup white sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
In another bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups milk, 2 eggs, and ¼ cup melted butter.
Stir the egg-milk mixture into the flour mixture until the batter is just combined.
Pour the prepared batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per waffle. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Serve and enjoy.
Start with a waffle iron. You absolutely cannot skip this if you want the grid and crisp edges. Mine is battered and loved, and I still use the little booklet it came with to remember heat settings. Preheat it properly so you do not end up with soggy waffles.
Two bowls are handy: one large for the dry stuff and one for the wet. A whisk is great. A fork works if your whisk is hiding under a pile of laundry. Measuring cups and spoons matter for the baking powder and cocoa. A spatula or a small ladle helps get batter into the iron without a mess. Also keep a cooling rack ready so steam can escape and the waffles stay crisp instead of going limp.
If you melt butter, use a small saucepan or a microwave safe dish and watch it closely. Muffin will investigate any splatter. And yes, keep a decent sponge handy because batter is sticky and the sink will remember you later.
About the oats. I stick with quick oats because they mostly melt into the batter, so you do not get unexpected chewy bits that toddlers reject. I learned this the hard way when Ellie called one waffle “too bumpy” and spat it out. Lesson learned. Quick oats give a tender crumb without fuss.
Preheat the waffle iron for a full five minutes. A hot surface seals the outside and traps steam for light, airy insides. If the iron is not hot enough, waffles come out flat and heavy. Spray the plates lightly with oil even if yours says nonstick; it makes flipping out easier and keeps that pretty grid intact.
When you mix, pour the wet into the dry and stir only until combined. Do not overmix. A few little lumps are fine. Overstirring develops gluten and makes the batter tough. For baking with cocoa powder, sift it first so you avoid bitter clumps and get even chocolate flavour. I do this when I have a minute and it really lifts the texture.
Add a pinch more cinnamon if you like warmth. It plays with cocoa in a friendly way and adds depth without more sugar. If the batter sits and thickens, thin with a splash of milk. Oats soak up liquid, so a little extra keeps the batter pourable and consistent.
Cocoa and fruit is a favourite. Fold in a cup of blueberries or drop in banana slices for pockets of sweetness and moisture. For one of Ellie’s playdates I did blueberries and everyone loved the colour and the burst of fruit. They freeze well too, making them freezer friendly waffles for rushed mornings.
For spice lovers, add ginger or fresh grated nutmeg with the cinnamon. It makes the chocolate feel more grown up. Or stir in toasted nuts or seeds at the end for crunch and healthy fats. I sometimes add walnuts after a yoga class. Well, after one of my rare yoga sessions.
Toppings are where you can get playful. Maple syrup is classic. Greek yogurt adds a tangy creaminess that balances the cocoa. Sliced strawberries or bananas brighten the plate. Ellie likes peanut butter on hers and then refuses to share.
Think about sides. Scrambled eggs add protein and turn this into a proper kid friendly breakfast. Bacon is great if you want salty contrast. For something lighter, a fruit salad with mint refreshes the palate. A little pat of butter and a dusting of powdered sugar is all you need sometimes.
People often ask what to serve with chocolate waffles and I usually say coffee for the adults and milk or hot chocolate for the kids. If you freeze extras, reheat in a toaster to bring back crispness. Or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and call it dessert. Honestly, do what makes you smile.
How do I make oatmeal waffles if I lack a waffle iron?
No waffle iron? No problem. Pour the batter into a hot oiled skillet and cook like pancakes until bubbles form, then flip. The texture is softer than waffles but just as chocolatey. I have done this when my iron broke and Ellie did not notice the difference.
Can these be made as freezer friendly waffles for busy weeks?
Yes. Cook a batch, cool completely, then stack with parchment between and freeze in a bag. They keep about a month. Toast or warm them in the oven to crisp them up before serving.
What if I want to cut sugar but still enjoy baking with cocoa powder?
Try reducing the sugar by a quarter. Cocoa gives a natural bitterness so you do not need as much sweetness. Taste the batter and add a little honey if required. I tested this and Ellie still loved them.
Any tips for making this a kid friendly breakfast without the mess?
Involve kids in simple tasks like measuring oats and sprinkling fruit. Cut waffles into strips for easy little hands. Serve toppings in small bowls so kids can build their own plate. Use a spray that stops sticking on the iron to make cleanup easier.
What to serve with chocolate waffles if I want variety?
Try smoothies with banana and yogurt to echo the flavours. Or pair with sausage links for salty contrast. Yogurt parfaits with granola also work well to balance the sweetness.
Okay. One more thing. Actually, scratch that. You will figure out what your family likes and that is the best part.
These Chocolate Oatmeal Waffles are easy to throw together and perfect for a cozy weekend at home. Made this recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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