These orange cranberry waffles use dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a simple, cozy winter breakfast that’s perfect for holidays or weekends.
Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)
Picture this: it’s a cold winter morning, the house is still quiet, and you’re wrapped in a sweater with a warm mug in hand. Outside, it feels gray and chilly, but inside the kitchen is cozy and calm. It’s the kind of morning that calls for a real breakfast — something warm, comforting, and a little special, whether it’s a holiday morning or just a slow weekend in December.
The waffle maker heats up on the counter as the smell of orange zest starts to fill the room. Steam lifts when the lid opens, revealing golden waffles dotted with cranberries, crisp at the edges and soft in the center. Butter melts instantly, syrup drips into every pocket, and suddenly the whole kitchen feels warmer. It’s simple, familiar, and exactly what a winter morning should feel like.
These orange cranberry waffles are made for cozy breakfasts like this — easy enough for a weekend, but festive enough for a holiday morning. Bright citrus and tart cranberries add just the right balance, turning an ordinary breakfast into something that feels a little more special, without any extra fuss.
Enjoy!
What Ingredients Do I Need?
- All-purpose flour - The base of the waffles, giving them structure while keeping the texture light.
- Granulated sugar -Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and bright citrus.
- Cornstarch - Helps create crisp waffle edges with soft, fluffy centers.
- Baking powder & baking soda - Work together to give the waffles lift and an airy texture.
- Salt - Enhances all the flavors and keeps the waffles from tasting flat.
- Dried cranberries - An easy, pantry-friendly option that adds tart pops of flavor without extra prep.
- Buttermilk - Adds richness and a slight tang, keeping the waffles tender.
- Eggs - Bind everything together and help create structure.
- Unsalted butter - Adds flavor and contributes to those golden, crisp edges.
- Orange zest - Brightens the waffles with fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Simple Substitutions
- No buttermilk? - Use milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Out of dried cranberries? - Swap in dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots.
- Dairy-free option - Use plant-based milk and dairy-free butter.
- No orange zest? - Lemon zest works beautifully for a slightly different citrus note.
Variations
- Holiday Spice Waffles - Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for extra warmth.
- Nutty Orange Cranberry Waffles - Stir in finely chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Kitchen Notes and Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter — a few small lumps help keep the waffles light.
- Let the waffle maker fully preheat for the crispiest results.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron between batches to prevent sticking.
- These waffles are best served hot, straight from the waffle maker.
- To keep waffles warm for a crowd, place them on a wire rack in a low oven.
- Leftovers can be frozen and reheated in a toaster for easy winter breakfasts.
Make Ahead & Freezing
- Make the batter ahead: The waffle batter can be mixed and stored, covered, in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a gentle stir before cooking.
- Cook ahead for guests: Waffles can be cooked earlier in the day and kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
- Freezing leftovers: I do this all the time! Let waffles cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp — no need to thaw first.
- Perfect for busy mornings: Having a batch in the freezer makes cozy winter breakfasts easy, even on hectic holiday mornings.
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RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇
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