The first bite delivers a wave of warm chocolate-hazelnut bliss, with a crispy golden exterior giving way to a tender, fluffy interior swirled with ribbons of melted Nutella. These Belgian waffles transform your everyday breakfast into a bakery-worthy indulgence that feels fancy but comes together in your own kitchen with surprising ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 30 minutes from mixing bowl to breakfast table, no overnight prep required
- Deep pockets catch pools of melted Nutella and any toppings you add, making every bite flavor-packed
- The yeasted batter creates authentic Belgian texture — crispy edges with an airy, almost custard-like center
- Freezes beautifully for grab-and-go breakfasts all week long
- Impressive enough for brunch guests but simple enough for a Tuesday morning treat
Pro Tips
- Let your batter rest for 5-10 minutes after mixing — this activates the leavening and creates those signature deep pockets
- Swirl Nutella onto the waffle iron just after pouring the batter, not before, so it melts into gorgeous ribbons without burning
- Don’t open the waffle maker early, even if it smells done — wait until steam stops escaping to ensure crispy edges
- For extra depth of flavor, add a tablespoon of hazelnut extract or fold in finely chopped toasted hazelnuts to the batter
Chocolate Hazelnut Nutella Belgian Waffles
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your Belgian waffle maker according to manufacturer’s instructions. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently warm the Nutella in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until pourable, then whisk it into the wet ingredients.
- In a clean bowl using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Some lumps are fine — do not overmix.
- Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter in two additions, using gentle sweeping motions to maintain airiness. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour the recommended amount of batter for your waffle maker onto the center of the iron, then drizzle about 1 tablespoon of Nutella over the batter in a swirl pattern.
- Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden brown and steam stops escaping, typically 4-5 minutes depending on your machine. Avoid opening early to prevent sticking.
- Carefully remove the waffle with a fork or silicone tongs and place on a wire rack. Repeat with remaining batter, re-greasing the iron between batches.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy, or keep finished waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a baking sheet until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular waffle maker instead of a Belgian waffle iron?
Yes, though the texture will be thinner and crispier throughout rather than fluffy inside. Reduce the batter amount per waffle and watch cooking time closely since regular makers heat faster.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen waffles?
Pop them straight from the freezer into a toaster or toaster oven at medium-high heat until heated through and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
Can I substitute another nut butter for Nutella?
You can, but the flavor profile will change significantly. Standard peanut or almond butter will make the waffles savory rather than dessert-like. Look for chocolate hazelnut spreads or add cocoa powder to sweeten nut butters.
Why are my waffles sticking to the iron?
Make sure your waffle maker is fully preheated and well-greased with cooking spray or melted butter before each batch. Also check that you’re not opening it too early — waffles need to fully set before lifting.
Storage & Serving
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months with parchment paper between each one. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh strawberries, or go full decadence with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and an extra drizzle of warm Nutella. They’re also wonderful as a dessert base topped with vanilla ice cream.
These waffles prove that weekend breakfast magic doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients — just a good waffle iron and a jar of Nutella standing by.