15 Must-Try Types Of Waffles

1. Gaufres / Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles are made with a yeasted batter and come in two main types: Brussels waffles (often referred to simply as Belgian waffles) and Liège waffles.

Brussels waffles are typically rectangular and have a lighter texture as well as deep pockets, making them great for holding toppings like whipped cream, fruits, or syrup.

Liège waffles, on the other hand, are round, denser, and chewier, thanks to the inclusion of pearl sugar in the dough, which caramelizes on the outside during cooking, giving them a sweet and slightly crunchy exterior.

2. American Waffles

American-style waffles are big and fluffy and come in round and rectangular shapes. Typically enjoyed for breakfast with butter, crispy bacon, and maple syrup, they are also served with fried chicken in Southern states. Leavened with baking powder and soda to make them extra fluffy, buttermilk is often used in the batter instead of milk to add a distinct tangy flavor. Pumpkin waffles are another American fall favorite!

3. Waffeln / German Waffles

German waffles are typically heart-shaped and much thinner than Belgian waffles. The batter has more sugar than other waffle types which makes them incredibly delicious on their own.

4. Våfflor / Swedish Waffles

Swedish waffles also known as Frasvåfflor are crispy, round waffles traditionally served with whipped cream and lingonberries. Their eggless batter is often made with sparkling water giving these waffles an extra crispy texture.

In Sweden, waffles were traditionally square until the 19th century. This changed with the introduction of round waffle irons, designed to accommodate the circular holes of the newly invented cast iron stoves.

6. Gaufres / French Waffles

French waffles are not to be confused with Belgian yeasted waffles. French gaufres are made with eggs and no leavening agents, while a generous amount of butter adds extra richness and flavor.

7. Stroopwafel / Dutch Waffels

Stroopwafels are a beloved treat in the Netherlands. Made with two delicate waffle layers and a luscious caramel-like syrup filling, they can be enjoyed on their own or placed over a hot beverage to soften the caramel.

8. Pizzelle / Italian Waffles

An Italian treat, pizzelle are thin, crisp waffle-like cookies that often feature intricate patterns. They’re baked in special pizzelle waffle irons and are typically flavored with anise, vanilla, or other extracts.

9. Gai Daan Jai (雞蛋仔) / Hong Kong Egg Waffles

A popular street food in Hong Kong, these egg waffles translate to “little chicken egg” due to their distinctive egg-shaped cells. The bubble waffles can be eaten plain or filled with various sweet or savory fillings including green tea and ginger.

11. Taiyaki / Japanese Fish Waffles

Taiyaki, which translates to “baked sea bream” in English, is a popular Japanese street food. This sweet treat is shaped like a fish and takes its name from the tai fish, or red seabream, which it closely resembles. A common taiyaki filling is red bean paste which is a mixture made from sweetened adzuki beans.

12. Whey Waffles

Whey waffles have an incredibly soft texture and are packed with protein, especially if they’re made with Greek yogurt and protein powder. The perfect breakfast waffle option!

13. Croffles

Croffles are croissant waffles that are made by cooking croissant dough in a waffle iron. Their crispy, flaky, and rich flavor wins over waffles and croissant lovers alike.

14. Churro Waffles

A waffle with a churro-like texture, coated in cinnamon sugar, and served with chocolate or caramel sauce. Divine!

15. Waffle Cookies

Cookies baked in a waffle maker are a creative twist on traditional oven-baked cookies. Using a waffle maker to bake cookies results in a fun and unique way to different textures and shapes to your favorite cookie recipes. My German gingerbread cookies make delicious waffle cookies for example.

Waffle Toppings

Popular waffle toppings include classic choices like maple syrup and whipped cream. Fresh fruits including berries, Nutella, butter, powdered sugar, and ice cream are also much-loved choices.

Savory options such as cheese, crispy bacon, salmon, and eggs are popular choices for breakfast and brunch waffles.

Check out my 50 waffle toppings for more sweet and savory ideas on how to serve your favorite waffles.

International Waffle Day

International Waffle Day originated in Sweden, where it is known as Våffeldagen. It falls on March 25th, which is the Feast of the Annunciation on the Christian calendar.

History

Waffles have a history dating back to Europe in the 17th century. In 1869, Cornelius Swartwout, a Dutch-American, obtained a patent for the first waffle iron in the United States, designed for use over a coal stove.

A significant advancement in home-cooked waffles occurred in 1911 with the introduction of the first electric waffle iron. This innovation took a transformative turn when General Electric (GE) commercially released the electric waffle iron in 1918.