Make Your Valentine a Sweet Breakfast!

Rise a little earlier, quietly head to the kitchen, and make something special for your valentine. These chocolate waffles are rich and crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside — and they come together quickly enough that you'll be back before anyone notices. Set out a little toppings bar with whipped cream, berries, syrup, chocolate chips, and bananas and let everyone build their own.

The recipe also adapts easily with gluten-free or oat flour if needed.

Ingredients

• 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp espresso powder (optional, but deepens the chocolate flavor)
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

Topping ideas: berries, confectioners' sugar, candy hearts, hemp seeds, whipped cream, syrup, chocolate chips, bananas

Instructions

1. Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder.
2. Whisk in the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Preheat your waffle iron to the crisp setting.
4. Pour about ¾ cup of batter per waffle and cook for 4–6 minutes until crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. Note: because the batter is dark, color isn't a reliable indicator of doneness — go by time and texture instead.

Makes approximately 4 waffles. Double the recipe for a larger group.