Waffle donuts are the best of both worlds. You get the deep golden, crispy edges of a waffle combined with the soft, cake-like center of a donut. One bite and you’ll understand why these have become such a popular homemade treat.
I’ve made these for weekend breakfasts, birthday brunches, and even late-night snacks. They’re fun, customizable, and ready faster than traditional yeast donuts. No deep frying required — just a waffle maker and a simple batter.
If you’re looking for a unique breakfast or dessert that feels special but is actually easy, these waffle donuts are perfect.
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Why You’ll Love These Waffle Donuts
Here’s why this recipe works so well:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- No yeast or rising time needed
- Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside
- Endless topping options
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Easy to customize with different flavors
Once you try homemade waffle donuts, regular waffles and donuts might feel a little ordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Batter:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1¾ cups milk
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate glaze
- Maple syrup
- Sprinkles
- Cinnamon sugar
- Fresh berries
How to Make Waffle Donuts
1. Preheat the waffle maker Turn on your waffle maker and let it heat fully. A hot waffle maker is key for that crispy exterior.
2. Mix the dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
3. Mix the wet ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. A few small lumps are fine — do not overmix.
5. Cook the waffle donuts Lightly grease the waffle maker. Pour enough batter to fill the center (usually about ¼ to ⅓ cup, depending on your machine). Close the lid and cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
6. Cool slightly Remove the waffle donut carefully and place it on a wire rack. Repeat with the remaining batter.
7. Add toppings While still warm, dust with powdered sugar, dip in chocolate glaze, or roll in cinnamon sugar.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per waffle donut)
- Calories: 175–190
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
Based on plain waffle donuts without heavy toppings.
How to Serve Waffle Donuts
These taste best warm. Here are some favorite ways to serve them:
- Classic: Powdered sugar + maple syrup
- Dessert style: Chocolate glaze + sprinkles
- Brunch: Fresh berries and whipped cream
- Cinnamon sugar version for a churro-like flavor
Stack them on a platter for parties and let everyone choose their own toppings.
How to Store Waffle Donuts
Store cooled waffle donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or air fryer for the best texture.
Expert Tips for Perfect Waffle Donuts
- Don’t overmix the batter — this keeps them light and fluffy.
- Always preheat the waffle maker fully before adding batter.
- Use a measuring cup or ladle for consistent size.
- Let them rest on a wire rack instead of stacking so they stay crispy.
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Waffle Donuts — Add 3 tablespoons cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Cinnamon Sugar — Toss warm donuts in a mix of cinnamon and sugar.
- Lemon Glaze — Mix powdered sugar with lemon juice and zest for a bright topping.
- Gluten-Free — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Birthday Style — Dip in vanilla glaze and cover with colorful sprinkles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the batter and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Stir gently before using.
Why are my waffle donuts coming out soft instead of crispy?
Your waffle maker may not have been hot enough, or the donuts were stacked while still warm. Always preheat fully and cool on a wire rack.
Can I use a regular waffle maker?
Yes. Any standard waffle maker works. The shape will just match your machine’s pattern.
How do I make a simple chocolate glaze?
Melt 1 cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon oil or butter. Dip the warm waffle donuts and let the glaze set.
Can I freeze waffle donuts?
Absolutely. Freeze them plain, then reheat in a toaster or oven when ready to eat. Add toppings after reheating.
Final Thoughts
These waffle donuts are pure fun in food form. They’re easy enough for a lazy weekend morning yet special enough to serve when you have guests. The crispy edges and soft centers, plus all the topping possibilities, make them a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Give them a try this weekend — your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will ask for seconds.
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Waffle Donuts
Course: UncategorizedCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes20
minutes350
kcalIngredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Directions
- Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease with oil.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron and cook until golden brown.
- Remove waffle and cut into donut shapes using a cutter.
- Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings or glaze.
