Orange Cranberry Waffles (A Cozy Winter Breakfast)

 

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.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make holiday pizza night a fun activity for the whole family! Easy cookie-cutter pizza shapes like gingerbread men and snowmen let kids help create a festive, delicious dinner or appetizer.

Fun Holiday Pizza Night: Easy Pizza Shapes Kids Can Help Make

Make dinner a fun holiday activity this season! These festive pizza shapes—gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, and more—are easy to make with store-bought dough and simple toppings. Kids can help with cutting, decorating, and adding their favorite toppings, turning pizza night into a holiday tradition everyone will love.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Holiday-themed cookie cutters (gingerbread men, snowmen, stars, etc.)

• Pizza dough (store-bought dough such as Pillsbury, naan bread, or premade pizza crusts)

• 14-ounce can peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand or mashed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 8 fresh basil leaves, torn

• Mozzarella cheese, torn or shredded

• Optional toppings: sliced olives, mini pepperoni, or other kid-friendly favorites

Instructions with Tips for Getting the Kids Involved!

• Preheat the oven according to your pizza dough or crust package directions.

• Prepare the sauce: Place peeled tomatoes in a bowl and crush by hand or with a masher. For a smoother sauce, pulse the tomatoes with an immersion blender about three times. Stir in the salt and torn basil leaves. Set aside.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids help tear the basil leaves and stir the sauce—they love feeling like “chefs”!

• Cut the dough: Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface if needed. Use holiday cookie cutters to cut dough into festive shapes. Carefully transfer the shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Kid Tip: Allow kids to press the cookie cutters into the dough and pop out the shapes—they get a hands-on holiday activity.

• Assemble pizzas: Spoon a small amount of sauce onto each dough shape, spreading gently while leaving a small border around the edges. Top with mozzarella cheese and any optional toppings.

  • Kid Tip: Let kids sprinkle the cheese and decorate with toppings—they’ll love making each pizza unique!

• Bake: Follow your dough’s recommended bake time until crust is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Smaller shapes may cook faster, so keep an eye on them.

  • Kid Tip: This is a great time to teach kids about oven safety—remind them to watch from a safe distance or wear oven mitts if helping near the tray.

• Serve: Let cool slightly before serving, then watch the kids enjoy their creations!

• Kid Tip: Let kids arrange the pizzas on a festive platter—they’ll feel proud showing off their creations.

Tips & Variations

• Kid-friendly fun: Have a decorating contest if you have more that one kid by letting them add the toppings themselves—they’ll love decorating their own pizzas.

• Holiday twist: Use different cookie cutters for stockings, trees, or candy cane shapes.

• Party-ready: These mini pizzas are also perfect as a holiday appetizer plate for friends, neighbors, or classroom parties.

• Quick version: Use premade mini pizza crusts or naan for super fast prep.

Make It a Holiday Tradition

Turn a simple pizza night into a fun, festive activity that the whole family looks forward to. With a few easy steps, a little creativity, and some holiday spirit, these mini pizzas are sure to become a favorite holiday tradition.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

 

Whip up warm bakery-style donut holes in minutes! These 4-ingredient air fryer donuts are soft, buttery, and coated in sweet cinnamon sugar.

The Shortcut Donuts Everyone’s Talking About — Air Fryer + 4 Ingredients

I used to make these little golden donut holes in my old Fry Daddy (yes, I’m dating myself here!). Back then, the smell of dough and hot oil meant something delicious was on the way—but cleanup was a whole different story not to mention the health factor. Thankfully, times have changed. The air fryer is my new kitchen superhero, giving me the nostalgia of homemade donuts without the grease or the fuss.  What's better than recreating a dish that brings back such pleasant memories.   And, with no oil splattering just quick, golden, sugar-dusted blissful donut holes.

The first time you toss these warm donut holes in melted butter and cinnamon sugar, you’ll know exactly what I mean. The air fryer works its magic, turning simple biscuit dough into soft, pillowy bites that melt in your mouth. They’re buttery on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and that sweet cinnamon aroma fills your kitchen with cozy, Sunday-morning warmth. It’s the kind of smell that draws everyone to the kitchen.  Good right?

And the best part? These 4-ingredient air fryer donut holes fit any moment. Whip them up for a weekend breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or a sweet surprise for a kids’ party. They come together so fast you’ll wonder why you ever stood over a pot of hot oil. One bite, and you’ll be hooked—because this shortcut is just too delicious to resist.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You’ll be amazed at how simple these shortcut donuts are — just 4 everyday ingredients you might already have on hand!

• Sugar – Gives the donuts their classic sweetness and helps the cinnamon coating stick beautifully.

• Cinnamon  – Adds that warm, cozy flavor everyone loves in a fresh donut.

• Unsalted Butter  – A quick dunk in butter makes the sugar-cinnamon coating cling and gives each bite a rich, bakery-style taste.

• Refrigerated Biscuit Dough (1 can, 16.3 ounces, such as Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuits) – The ultimate shortcut! This ready-to-bake dough transforms into fluffy, golden donut holes in minutes.

Substitutions and Variations

Don’t have everything on hand? No worries — these donuts are super flexible!

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Sugar: Swap white sugar for light brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

• Cinnamon: Try a pumpkin pie spice blend for a cozy fall twist.

• Butter: Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter to make them dairy-free.

• Biscuit Dough: Crescent roll dough or refrigerated pizza dough can work in a pinch — just adjust the cooking time slightly.

Tasty Variations:

• Glazed Donut Holes: Skip the cinnamon sugar and drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

• Filled Donuts: Use a piping bag to fill cooled donut holes with jam, chocolate hazelnut spread, or vanilla pudding for a fun surprise!

Kitchen Tips & Notes

A few quick tips to make your donut-making extra easy:

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — give the donuts space to puff up evenly.

• Shake halfway through cooking for even browning on all sides.

• Work in batches to keep the sugar coating warm and ready.

• Toss while hot — the butter and cinnamon sugar stick best when the donuts are fresh from the fryer.

• Serve immediately for the perfect mix of warm, fluffy inside and crispy-sweet outside.

How to Store & Reheat

These donut holes are best eaten warm, but you can save leftovers (if there are any!).

• To Store: Place cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• To Reheat: Warm in the air fryer at 320°F for 2–3 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer softness.

• Pro Tip: Roll them in a bit of extra cinnamon sugar after reheating to refresh the coating!

       Set the Mood       

These donut holes deserve a whole vibe—start here ↓

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

    RECIPE IS DOWN BELOW👇     

Coconut Dream Pancakes – Fluffy, Sweet & Island-Inspired!

Fluffy and sweet, these Coconut Dream Pancakes are made with coconut milk, shredded coconut, and a hint of vanilla—perfect for a tropical twist on your breakfast routine.

Coconut Dream Pancakes – Fluffy, Sweet & Island-Inspired!

There are some flavors that instantly transport you—and for me, coconut is one of them.  My husband and I got married in at sunset on a beach in Hawaii.  The morning of the wedding I had my very first taste of coconut pancakes. We were excited, and glowing with wedding day anticipation, sitting at a breezy beachside café with ocean waves in the distance and a stack of warm, golden pancakes in front of us. One bite, and I was hooked. Sweet, creamy coconut nestled into each fluffy bite—it was pure island bliss. Ever since, coconut pancakes have held a special place in my heart; transporting me back to my wedding day. They're my little taste of paradise, no airplane travel required.

These Coconut Dream Pancakes are my homemade tribute to that magical moment. The batter is rich with coconut milk, coconut sugar, and shredded coconut for a flavor that’s comforting, nostalgic, and just the right amount of tropical. They’re soft, fluffy, and cook up beautifully golden—perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or special breakfasts with the family. Easy enough for a weekend treat, but special enough to make memories around the table.

Best of all, these pancakes are a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you're making breakfast for picky kids or treating yourself to something extra, this recipe will upgrade your everyday pancakes with bold, unforgettable flavor and just a touch of island escape.  Add syrup, fresh berries, or a pat of butter—and let every bite take you to your happy place.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Baking & Pantry

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Coconut sugar
• Kosher salt
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened shredded coconut

Dairy & Refrigerated

• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Coconut milk (canned or carton, full-fat or light)
• Butter (for cooking and serving)

Oils

• Canola oil (or any neutral oil)

Optional Toppings

• Maple syrup
• Fresh berries

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

No need to make a special grocery run—here are some easy swaps if you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak the recipe:

• Coconut Sugar → Brown sugar or granulated sugar work just as well.

• Canola Oil → Substitute with melted butter, coconut oil, or any neutral oil.

• Sour Cream → Try plain Greek yogurt or plain regular yogurt for a similar creamy tang.

• All-Purpose Flour → You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed.

• Unsweetened Shredded Coconut → Sweetened shredded coconut can be used, just reduce the sugar slightly if desired.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? These fun twists keep the coconut base but add new layers of flavor:

• Tropical Fruit Boost – Add diced pineapple, mango, or banana to the batter for bursts of natural sweetness.

• Nutty Crunch – Stir in chopped macadamia nuts or toasted almonds for added texture.

• Chocolate Coconut Delight – Mix in mini chocolate chips for a decadent take kids will adore.

• Coconut Lime Pancakes – Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the batter for a bright citrus twist.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Don’t overmix the batter – A few small lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make your pancakes tough instead of fluffy.

• Test your skillet heat – Drop a small bit of batter into the pan—if it sizzles gently, it’s ready. Too hot and the pancakes will brown before cooking through.

• Keep them warm – Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

• Make-ahead tip – You can mix the dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.

• Freezer-friendly – Let pancakes cool, then freeze between layers of parchment in a zip-top bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

Triple the Chips, Triple the Fun: Chunky Monkey Muffins

Moist and fluffy banana muffins packed with milk, dark, and bittersweet chocolate chips. This small-batch Chunky Monkey Muffin recipe makes just 8 indulgent treats—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert!

Triple the Chips, Triple the Fun: Chunky Monkey Muffins

If you’ve been around my kitchen—or my blog—for any length of time, you know muffins are kind of my thing. From fruity bursts to spiced classics, I’ve built quite the lineup of small-batch muffin recipes for every craving. But some mornings (or afternoons, or let’s be honest—late-night kitchen raids) call for something decadent. Something melty and chocolate-studded and worthy of those big bakery-style domed tops. Enter: Chunky Monkey Muffins.

These beauties are a chocolate lover’s dream wrapped in the warm hug of ripe banana. We’re talking three kinds of chocolate chips—milk, dark, and bittersweet—folded into a moist, tender banana muffin batter that comes together in one bowl. That’s right: no fancy steps, no mixer, and minimal cleanup. Just stir, scoop, and bake your way to muffin magic.

What I love most about these muffins (besides how fast they disappear) is how comforting they are. They’ve got that nostalgic banana bread warmth, paired with rich chocolate pockets that melt into every bite. And thanks to a tall fill and the right oven temp, they rise into those gorgeous golden domes that make you feel like you picked them up from a corner bakery—only better, because you made them yourself.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Produce

• Ripe bananas

Dairy & Eggs

• Milk
• Eggs

Baking & Pantry

• All-purpose flour
• Sugar or sugar substitute
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Canola oil (or other neutral oil)
• Milk chocolate chips
• Dark chocolate chips
• Bittersweet chocolate chips (or a mixed bag of chocolate chips if preferred)

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Milk:  Any plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)  Or use buttermilk for added richness and tang

• Canola Oil:  Melted butter or coconut oil (adds richness and flavor)  Applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lighter version

• All-Purpose Flour:  Whole wheat flour (1:1, but may yield a denser texture)  Gluten-free all-purpose blend (with xanthan gum if needed)

• Sugar:  Coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup (adjust liquids slightly if using liquid sweeteners)  Granulated monk fruit or stevia blend (if sugar-free)

Variations

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the batter or swirl it on top before baking for that classic Chunky Monkey vibe.

• Cinnamon Banana-Choco Muffins: Add ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a cozy spice note.

• Nutty Monkey: Stir in ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and richness.

• Coconut Dream: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• Use very ripe bananas – The spottier and softer, the better! They’ll add natural sweetness and ensure a moist, tender crumb.

• Don’t overmix – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense or rubbery muffins.

• Fill muffin wells to the top – For those gorgeous, domed tops, don’t be shy—this batter is meant to rise high!

• Start with a hot oven – Baking at 400°F gives the muffins a blast of heat that encourages a dramatic rise right from the start.

• Top before baking – Press a few extra chips into the tops of each muffin before they go into the oven for that professional, picture-perfect look.

• Check early – Ovens vary, so check at 18 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to emails at the top of this page and follow along on Facebook,  and Pinterest for all of the latest updates.

😋Muffin Talk:

Did you treat yourself to a bakery-style indulgence from your own kitchen?  I'd love to know what your favorite muffin flavor is.  Leave me a comment below and let's start a discussion!   

If you bake a batch, I’d love to see how they turn out. Snap a pic and tag me on Instagram [@SliceofSouthern] so I can share your delicious creations! Let’s keep the muffin magic going—one flavor at a time. 💛 #ChunkyMonkeyMuffins #MuffinMood