I never knew how much I love cherries until I finally tried them fresh off the farm. Dark cherries are so juicy and sweet. If you have an abundance of cherries, or too many bags of frozen cherries, you’ve got to make these Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles. They’ve got miniature chocolate chips and chopped cherries in the waffle batter and then they’re cooked in the waffle maker until golden brown. They’re absolutely incredible and the perfect summer breakfast during cherry picking season.

Cherry season starts in early summer and it peaks by mid July. If you have the opportunity to pick fresh cherries, from a local farm, they’re unbelievable when ripe. They’re so sweet and juicy. Cherries are the perfect fruit to bake with.

Don’t stress though, because they waffles are just as good with frozen dark cherries that you can get at your local grocery store. It makes the waffles a bit more convenient to make because you just grab the bag out of your freezer. We like this waffle recipe so much that I keep frozen cherries in my freezer all year long – just to make this recipe!

If you want to take your Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles to the next level, you’ve got to try making my Homemade Cherry Syrup recipe to top them! You can also make it from fresh or frozen cherries. I make a batch for these waffles and then use it on top of ice cream, pancakes or even mix it into drinks.

Looking for even more great breakfast recipes? Here are some of my reader favorites that they continue to make:

• Sausage Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
• Cinnamon Apple Waffles
• Gingerbread Waffles
• Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole

How To Make Homemade Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles

You can use any type of waffle iron that you’d like for this recipe. The waffle iron, or waffle maker, that you pick will determine the thickness and shape of your waffles. I like a classic Belgian Waffle Maker and that’s how I made mine. Just follow the manufacturer directions to the amount of batter you’ll use. It’s usually between 1/3 – 1/2 cup per waffle.

What To Serve With Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles

I love to enjoy my waffles with many topping choices. It also makes it fun for the kids if they can pick what they want to add on top of their waffles. Make some homemade whipped cream, add maple syrup, try my cherry syrup recipe or let butter melt over the top.

How To Keep Leftover Waffles

Store your waffles in an airtight food storage container or put them in freezer bags. You can keep them on the countertop for up to 3 days or you can put them in the freezer immediately. They freeze very well. Keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just pop them into the toaster to reheat and watch that they don’t burn. The edges will crisp up again.

Tips For The Perfect Homemade Waffles

Every waffle maker is different. It’s best to read the owner’s manual and know how to use your waffle maker. Some irons don’t need non-stick cooking spray and others require the use of it. Also, don’t over mix your waffle batter. Waffle mix should be smooth enough to flow freely through the iron plate, but it should never be over-mixed. Lastly, don’t lift the lid too early. Trust the timer on your waffle iron and don’t be tempted to peek!

Buttermilk Substitution Ideas

There’s nothing worse than going to make a recipe, especially a breakfast recipe, and realize that you don’t even have everything that you need. There’s not even time to go to the grocery store. These Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles call for buttermilk. It gives it a great flavor that brings out the sweetness of the cherries. Use these Buttermilk Substitutes if you don’t have any at home – they’re great in a pinch.

If you have leftover buttermilk, after making the waffles, and you want to get rid of the buttermilk, try making some biscuits! My Buttermilk Biscuits and Pumpkin Buttermilk Biscuits are the perfect way to use leftover buttermilk.

What You’ll Need From The Grocery Store:

• All-Purpose Flour
• Baking Powder
• Ground Cinnamon
• Baking Soda
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Almond Extract
• Fresh or Frozen Cherries
• Miniature Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Step-By-Step Directions To Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Waffles

In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon and baking soda.

In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, oil and extract until blended. Add to dry ingredients; stir just until moistened. Stir in cherries and chocolate chips.

Bake waffles according to manufacturer’s directions until golden brown. Serve with syrup and, if desired, additional chocolate chips.