Norwegian Waffles

Soft, tender and sweet, these Norwegian Waffles are a delicious treat for dessert or breakfast! 

Using just 6 ingredients and a heart shaped waffle maker, this will become your go-to waffle recipe!

These irresistible Norwegian waffles are made with just a hint of vanilla and a few basic ingredients. Using a heart shaped waffle iron and a simple batter, you’ll able to create a scrumptious dessert that everyone will adore!

Just like my mini pancakes, this batter is fast to make and fun to eat. Totally made from scratch and super delicious, Norwegian waffles are scrumptious with compotes like blueberry, raspberry or strawberry and a dollop of sour cream.

Keep in mind that Norwegian waffles are soft, sweet and thin, unlike other waffles that are thick and crispy. These waffles are traditionally served as dessert or as a snack rather than at breakfast. However, you can serve these cute, heart waffles whenever you like!

You’ll love this recipe because:

• You can mix up the batter with just a large mixing bowl and a whisk.
• This batter is made with basic ingredients.
• These Norwegian waffles are soft, tender and sweet which makes them the perfect base for your favorite waffle toppings.
• It uses a traditional heart shaped waffle iron to make the cutest waffles for someone you love.

You will also love my delicious Nutella pancakes, egg white frittatas or sourdough french toast that everybody in my house asks me to make again and again!

Surprise the ones you love with these heavenly heart shaped waffles that are perfect with any of your favorite toppings!

For complete ingredient quantities and full instructions, please scroll to the printable recipe card bottom of the page.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour - I use unbleached, wheat flour for this recipe. 
• Baking powder - be sure that your baking powder is fresh so that you get the right amount of lift.
• Salt - fine salt that dissolves into the batter is what you’re looking for.
• Granulated sugar - another basic ingredient that you’ll need is regular white sugar 
• Eggs - Free range eggs are my preference but use whatever you have on hand. I use large eggs which weigh about 2 ounces or 60 grams. In some countries, that’s considered extra large.
• Buttermilk - this is easily available at supermarkets and gives the characteristic tanginess to these Norwegian waffles. 
• Butter - unsalted butter is what I prefer but if you only have salted butter use it omitting the extra salt from the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract - another ingredient that’s easy to get a the supermarket. Please don’t use vanilla essence, it doesn’t give the sweet perfume that vanilla extract does.

Instructions

Be sure to preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Hint: It might take a couple of times to get the correct amount of mixture for each waffle -  it did for me. I used about ½ cup of batter for each waffle and cook for 3 minutes.

Substitutions

• Buttermilk - you can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar to a 2-cup measuring cup. Fill the cup up with whole milk to the 2-cup line.
• Vanilla extract - instead of vanilla extract use the scraped seeds of one small vanilla bean.

Variations

• Traditional - adding ground cardamom to the batter is very traditional. Use ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom added to the dry ingredients.
• Spices - other spices can be used such as ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or ginger.

Equipment

To make these Norwegian waffles, a heart shaped waffle maker is essential. I’ve had mine for years but they are easily available in many stores and also online - check Amazon.

Storage

Leftover waffles can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for 3 or 4 days. Warm and refreshen in a toaster before serving.

They can also be frozen for longer storage. Be sure to separate each waffle with nonstick paper or freezer plastic so that you can take just one out as needed. Pop in the toaster to warm through. Don't use the microwave to reheat or they will be tough.

Tips for Success

Norwegian waffles are traditionally cooked in a heart shaped waffle iron and are quite thin. It is important to heat the waffle iron thoroughly - for at least 10 minutes or according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Treat this batter as you would muffins. Be gentle when folding in the dry ingredients and the butter. Over beating will cause tough waffles.

Don’t skip resting the batter for 30 minutes. During this time the gluten will relax and the flour will have time to absorb the liquid. It really does make a noticeable difference and the waffles will be lighter with a better texture.

Allow time to cook the Norwegian waffles all the way through. In my heart shaped waffle iron, this was 3 minutes or a little more. You can tell if they’re cooked because the waffle maker will have stopped steaming and the waffles will be well browned and slightly crispy on the outside.

FAQ

What to serve with Norwegian waffles?

These gorgeous Norwegian heart shaped waffles are traditionally served for dessert with spread with lingonberry jam and lashings of sour cream or with Norwegian brown cheese. But you can serve these with any sweet toppings you enjoy.

Stack up your waffles and bring them to the table with your choice of toppings like:-

• Any ice cream such as my amazing Mango Ice Cream.
• Butter and store bought or homemade Strawberry Jam.
• Coulis such as this Strawberry couli.
• Fruit sauces like this Cherry sauce and whipped cream.
• Mascarpone Cream.

Made this recipe?
Let me know if you liked it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a review below. Please share a photo of your creation by tagging me on Instagram @marcellina.in.cucina!

This updated and improved recipe was first published on November 12, 2016.