For some reason, waffles always remind me of vacation. Maybe it’s because I associate them with hotels where you can make your own waffles for breakfast. So when I make them at home, it always feels like a special occasion.

These waffles would be perfect for a holiday or celebration, or any time you want breakfast to feel a little noteworthy. They are amazing topped with Cream Cheese Drizzle (recipe follows), but I also love them with just a drizzle of maple syrup.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon table salt
• 4 tablespoons (1⁄2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons natural unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200° F and preheat a waffle iron. Whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl to combine.
2. Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a separate large bowl. Whisk in the egg
yolks and buttermilk. Mix the cocoa powder and red food coloring in a small bowl to make a smooth paste, then whisk the paste into the butter mixture. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until moistened (the batter should be slightly lumpy).
3. Beat the egg whites in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Stir one-quarter of the egg whites into the batter to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining egg whites gently but thoroughly.
4. Spray a waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Cook the waffles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. As they’re done, put them on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven to keep them warm while you cook the remaining waffles.

Cream Cheese Drizzle

Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of table salt
• 3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Directions

To make the cream cheese drizzle: Beat the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla, and salt in a bowl. Beat in enough milk to make a pourable mixture.