Pumpkin Spice Waffles: A Cozy Breakfast Recipe

Pumpkin spice waffles are the perfect way to welcome the fall season! These warm, fluffy waffles are infused with pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, making them a comforting and delicious breakfast or brunch option. This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are guaranteed to impress. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the inviting scent of pumpkin spice!

## Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Spice Waffles

* **Perfect Fall Flavor:** The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a classic fall flavor profile.
* **Fluffy Texture:** Using buttermilk and baking powder ensures light and airy waffles with a slightly crisp exterior.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy them plain, with maple syrup, whipped cream, nuts, or fresh fruit. They’re also great for making waffle sandwiches.
* **Freezable:** Make a big batch and freeze them for quick and easy breakfasts throughout the week.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 cups. Provides the structure for the waffles.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 2 tablespoons. Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
* **Baking Powder:** 4 teaspoons. Creates the light and fluffy texture.
* **Pumpkin Pie Spice:** 2 teaspoons. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that gives the waffles their signature flavor.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 3/4 cups. Adds tanginess and helps to tenderize the waffles. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 3/4 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the rest with milk to reach 1 3/4 cups. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
* **Pumpkin Puree:** 1 cup. Provides the pumpkin flavor and moisture. Make sure you are using 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling.
* **Unsalted Butter:** 6 tablespoons, melted. Adds flavor and richness. Allow the butter to cool slightly before adding it to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the other flavors.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Waffle Iron:** The star of the show! Make sure it’s clean and preheated.
* **Mixing Bowls:** One large bowl for dry ingredients and one medium bowl for wet ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For combining dry and wet ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Ladle or Measuring Cup:** For pouring batter onto the waffle iron.
* **Spatula:** For removing waffles from the iron.
* **Wire Rack (Optional):** To keep the waffles warm and crispy while you make the rest of the batch. Placing them directly on a plate can make them soggy.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect pumpkin spice waffles:

**Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid clumps.

**Step 2: Prepare the Wet Ingredients**

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter (cooled slightly), and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

**Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can result in tough waffles.

**Step 4: Preheat the Waffle Iron**

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that will signal when it’s ready.

**Step 5: Cook the Waffles**

Once the waffle iron is hot, lightly grease it with cooking spray or melted butter. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron, using the amount recommended by the manufacturer. Close the lid and cook according to the waffle iron’s instructions, usually until golden brown and crispy. This typically takes 3-5 minutes.

**Step 6: Remove and Serve**

Carefully remove the waffle from the iron using a spatula. Place it on a wire rack to keep it warm and crispy while you cook the remaining waffles. Repeat with the remaining batter.

**Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**

Serve the pumpkin spice waffles immediately with your favorite toppings. Some suggestions include maple syrup, whipped cream, chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

## Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Waffles

* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough waffles. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
* **Use Room Temperature Eggs:** Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother and lighter texture.
* **Cool the Melted Butter:** Allowing the melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the batter prevents it from cooking the eggs.
* **Grease the Waffle Iron:** Lightly greasing the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter prevents the waffles from sticking.
* **Don’t Open the Waffle Iron Too Soon:** Resist the temptation to open the waffle iron before the waffles are fully cooked. Opening it too soon can cause the waffles to stick and tear.
* **Keep Waffles Warm:** To keep the waffles warm and crispy while you cook the remaining batter, place them on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C).
* **Adjust Spices to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra treat, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.

## Variations and Add-Ins

* **Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Waffles:** Fold 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.
* **Pecan Pumpkin Waffles:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the batter for a nutty flavor and texture.
* **Walnut Pumpkin Waffles:** Substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
* **Gingerbread Pumpkin Waffles:** Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the batter for a more pronounced gingerbread flavor.
* **Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Waffles:** Swirl a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar into the batter before cooking.
* **Savory Pumpkin Waffles:** Reduce the sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 1/4 cup of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Gruyere) and 1/4 cup of chopped herbs (such as chives or thyme) to the batter.
* **Gluten-Free Pumpkin Waffles:** Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Vegan Pumpkin Waffles:** Substitute the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or soy milk) mixed with 1 3/4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a vegan butter substitute.

## Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin spice waffles are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are some ideas:

* **Maple Syrup:** The classic choice for waffles.
* **Whipped Cream:** Adds a light and fluffy topping.
* **Chopped Nuts:** Pecans, walnuts, or almonds add a crunchy texture.
* **Fresh Fruit:** Berries, bananas, or sliced apples add sweetness and freshness.
* **Pumpkin Butter:** Intensifies the pumpkin flavor.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Adds a decadent touch.
* **Chocolate Sauce:** A chocolate lover’s dream.
* **Powdered Sugar:** A simple and elegant garnish.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** Adds warmth and sweetness.
* **Ice Cream:** For a dessert-like treat.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** For a savory and sweet combination.
* **Fried Chicken:** Make waffle sandwiches with crispy fried chicken.
* **Eggs:** Serve alongside scrambled, fried, or poached eggs for a complete breakfast.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Whisk it gently before using.
* **Storage:** Cooked waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in a toaster, oven, or microwave.
* **Freezing:** To freeze waffles, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per waffle, without toppings)

* Calories: 250-300
* Protein: 5-7g
* Fat: 12-15g
* Carbohydrates: 30-35g
* Fiber: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.*

## Pumpkin Waffle Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 waffles
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15-20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
* 4 teaspoons baking powder
* 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup pumpkin puree
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Instructions:**

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Do not overmix.
4. Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter.
6. Pour batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Remove waffles and serve with your favorite toppings.

Enjoy your delicious pumpkin spice waffles! This easy recipe is sure to become a fall favorite. Experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect waffle masterpiece. Happy cooking!