If you’re looking to bring an extra touch of spooky sweetness to your breakfast or brunch table, you have to try this Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe. Imagine rich, velvety dark chocolate waffles with a tender crumb, studded with melty semi-sweet chocolate chunks, and crowned with festive Halloween marshmallow Peeps that add a burst of whimsy and gooey fun. This recipe transforms ordinary waffles into a playful, delicious celebration of the season that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike. Once you make these, they’ll become your go-to treat for chilly autumn mornings and Halloween gatherings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the rich cocoa powder to the light, fluffy whipped egg whites, every component is essential to getting these waffles just right.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure and a tender crumb to the waffles.
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark hue to the batter.
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar: Introduces subtle sweetness and moisture thanks to its molasses content.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: A leavening agent to help the waffles rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps with browning and reacting with buttermilk for lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 2 eggs, separated (room temperature): Egg yolks enrich the batter while whipped egg whites give lift and fluffiness.
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature): Adds tanginess, tenderness, and reacts with leaveners to create lightness.
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the waffles moist without weighing them down.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, sweet aroma and flavor depth.
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped: Melts into pockets of gooey richness throughout the waffles.
- Halloween-themed marshmallow Peeps: Fun seasonal toppers that bring playful color and gooey marshmallow delight.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures that all your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and ready to combine with the wet ingredients without lumps.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This creates a rich, flavorful base that will keep your waffles tender and moist.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in 2-3 additions, stirring lightly after each. Be gentle here—you want to combine everything without overmixing, which can make the waffles tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Chopped Chocolate
Carefully fold the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate into the batter. These chocolate chunks will melt slightly when cooked, creating little gooey surprises in every bite.
Step 5: Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a hand mixer until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for adding fluff and lift to your waffles, giving them a tender, airy texture.
Step 6: Fold Whipped Egg Whites into the Batter
Gently fold the soft egg whites into your waffle batter, taking care not to deflate them. This gentle mixing will keep your batter light and help your waffles puff up beautifully.
Step 7: Cook the Waffles
Preheat and grease your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it evenly, and cook until the waffles are crisp and cooked through. Cooking times may vary depending on your waffle maker but usually fall between 3-5 minutes.
Step 8: Add the Peeps
Top your hot waffles immediately with Halloween-themed marshmallow Peeps for a spooky, sticky twist. If you’re making stacked waffles, allow them to cool completely before adding Peeps to prevent melting.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe fresh and warm for the ultimate gooey, chocolaty treat. If you want to soften the marshmallows later on, gently reheat the waffles in a low oven.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance these waffles with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a few extra chocolate chips for that added touch of indulgence. Fresh berries can also add brightness and balance the rich chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these waffles with crispy bacon or savory sausage for a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this treat into a decadent dessert as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive Halloween brunch, arrange the waffles on a platter with edible eyes made from candies or chocolate chips. Layer waffles with marshmallow Peeps in between for a dramatic stack that’s perfect for sharing at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to a month and allow you to enjoy this Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe anytime you like.
Reheating
Reheat waffles in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness. To bring back that melted marshmallow magic, warm them briefly at 200°F after adding Peeps.
FAQs
Can I use regular marshmallows instead of Peeps?
Absolutely! Regular mini marshmallows or large marshmallows cut into fun shapes work perfectly if you don’t have Halloween Peeps on hand. The visual effect won’t be quite the same, but the melty, sweet taste remains delicious.
Do I really need to separate and whip the egg whites?
Yes! Whipping the egg whites separately and folding them in makes the waffles light and fluffy rather than dense. It’s a little extra step that gives a big difference to texture.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the batter fresh, especially because of the whipped egg whites. You can mix dry and wet ingredients separately ahead, but fold in the egg whites right before cooking for best results.
What type of chocolate should I use?
Semi-sweet chocolate is ideal for a balanced sweetness that complements the dark cocoa. You can use chocolate chips or finely chop a chocolate bar for more interesting melting pockets.
How do I prevent the marshmallow Peeps from melting too quickly?
Adding Peeps right before serving while the waffles are warm gives a delightful gooey texture. For layered waffles, let them cool before topping with Peeps to keep them looking festive and intact.
Final Thoughts
This Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe is a fun, delicious way to celebrate the spooky season with a creative twist on a classic breakfast favorite. Whether you’re indulging in a festive family brunch or surprising trick-or-treat guests with a sweet treat, these waffles bring joy, flavor, and a dash of Halloween magic to your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the cozy, chocolaty goodness with those you love!
Print
Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy a spooky twist on breakfast with these Dark Chocolate Marshmallow Halloween Waffles, featuring rich cocoa-infused batter studded with semi-sweet chocolate chunks and topped with festive Halloween-themed marshmallow Peeps. Perfect for a fun and indulgent fall morning treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs, separated (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Halloween-themed marshmallow Peeps (pumpkins, ghosts, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Waffle Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with buttermilk, vegetable or canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture in 2 to 3 additions, stirring lightly each time to blend. Be careful not to overmix to keep the waffles tender.
- Add Chocolate Chunks: Fold in the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate gently into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter to maintain airiness without deflating the mixture.
- Preheat and Grease Waffle Iron: Heat your waffle iron and grease it according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffles: Pour batter onto the waffle iron and cook until waffles are crisp and cooked through; cooking times will vary depending on your waffle maker model.
- Add Marshmallow Peeps: Immediately top hot waffles with Halloween-themed marshmallow Peeps. For layered waffles, allow them to cool completely before adding Peeps to avoid melting.
- Serve: Serve the waffles right away for a gooey, festive treat. If needed, reheat waffles in a 200°F oven for a few minutes to soften the marshmallows before serving.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs and buttermilk help create a lighter batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense waffles.
- Use a non-stick spray or brush oil on the waffle iron to easily release waffles.
- Allow waffles to cool completely before adding marshmallow Peeps if stacking to prevent melting.
- Reheat leftover waffles at low oven temperature to soften marshmallows for best texture.
