Warm, cozy, and bursting with the flavors of fall, these Apple Cinnamon Waffles are everything I crave on a chilly morning. They’re golden and crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and packed with juicy apple and a hint of spice. With the comforting essence of apple pie in waffle form, they make weekend breakfasts feel extra special without a lot of effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled and grated (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Butter or oil spray, for greasing the waffle iron
Directions
I preheat my waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, I beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until well blended.
I pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
I gently fold in the grated apple.
I lightly grease the hot waffle iron with butter or oil spray.
I pour in the batter and cook according to my waffle maker’s directions until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
I repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing between batches as needed.
I serve the waffles warm with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 waffles.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal per waffle
Variations
I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth, especially during the holiday season. For a heartier version, I swap in half whole wheat flour. If I’m feeling indulgent, I top them with caramelized apples or a drizzle of maple glaze. And for a dairy-free version, I use almond milk and coconut oil—still delicious.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in the toaster or oven to bring back their crispiness. They also freeze beautifully—just separate layers with parchment paper and keep them in a freezer bag. I reheat from frozen in the toaster for a quick breakfast anytime.
FAQs
How do I keep the waffles crispy after cooking?
I place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven (around 200°F) while I finish the rest. This keeps them crisp and warm without steaming.
Can I use applesauce instead of grated apple?
I prefer grated fresh apple for texture, but unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch—use about ⅓ cup per waffle batch.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
I like Honeycrisp or Fuji for their sweetness and firmness, but Granny Smith is great if I want a little tartness.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
I don’t recommend making the batter more than an hour ahead, as the baking powder can lose its effectiveness. But I often prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix just before cooking.
Are these waffles freezer-friendly?
Yes, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They reheat well in the toaster without losing their crisp texture.
Conclusion
These Apple Cinnamon Waffles are a cozy breakfast favorite that never disappoints. Whether I’m savoring them on a slow fall morning or whipping them up for family brunch, they bring a touch of comfort and nostalgia to the table. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with real apple flavor, they’ve earned a permanent spot in my breakfast rotation.
Recipe:
Apple Cinnamon Waffles
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, cozy, and filled with fall flavors, these Apple Cinnamon Waffles are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with juicy apple and warm spices—perfect for a special weekend breakfast or a comforting weekday treat.
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled and grated (preferably Honeycrisp or Fuji)
Butter or oil spray, for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then whisk in the milk, melted butter (or oil), and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated apple.
- Lightly grease the hot waffle iron with butter or oil spray.
- Pour in the batter and cook according to your waffle maker’s directions until golden brown and crisp.
- Repeat with remaining batter, greasing between batches as needed.
- Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, or whipped cream.
Notes
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra holiday flavor.
Swap in half whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
Top with caramelized apples or maple glaze for indulgence.
For dairy-free, use almond milk and coconut oil.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze with parchment paper between layers.
Reheat in toaster or oven to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
