Name: Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ¼ cups buttermilk; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 13 reviews

I absolutely adore cozy, comforting breakfasts, and this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites. Every bite offers that perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior, with a warm blend of pumpkin and spices that instantly makes me feel like fall is right around the corner, no matter the season. It’s an easy recipe that never fails to impress, whether I’m serving a casual weekend brunch or a special holiday spread with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

From the moment I mix the batter, I know I’m in for a treat. The flavor profile is truly enchanting—the subtle sweetness of brown sugar mingles with the aromatic pumpkin pie spice, while the pumpkin puree adds a lovely moistness and richness. Baking soda and baking powder ensure these waffles rise beautifully, giving me that fluffy texture inside that contrasts perfectly with the golden, crisp outside. I find myself savoring every bite and wishing I could make these every morning.

What really makes this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe stand out is how simple it is to prepare. I love that I don’t have to fuss around for hours or hunt down hard-to-find ingredients. It comes together quickly with pantry staples and a few fresh items. Plus, it’s so versatile—I enjoy them on chilly fall mornings, during festive holiday brunches, or anytime I want a little extra cozy magic on my plate. Once you try it, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe handy all year long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two golden brown waffles stacked unevenly on a white plate with a white marbled textured surface underneath. The top waffle has a scoop of light cream-colored butter or cream in the center, sprinkled with small rough pieces of brown pecans. Syrup is being poured over the butter, flowing down the sides and into the waffle pockets. More chopped pecans are scattered on and around the waffles. The background is softly blurred with orange pumpkins, adding a warm, cozy feel. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, from adding flavor and texture to bringing that beautiful color to the waffles. You’ll find that each component is straightforward but essential to capturing the essence of true pumpkin spice perfection.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure and lightness to the waffles.
Brown sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Baking powder and baking soda: The dynamic duo that ensures fluffy, tender waffles with great rise.
Pumpkin pie spice: This warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves brings out that classic pumpkin flavor we all crave.
Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and spicy notes.
Buttermilk: Imparts a subtle tang and helps keep the waffles moist and tender.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that adds moisture, richness, and that unmistakable autumn vibe.
Eggs: Provide stability and help hold everything together.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and contributes to that crispy golden crust I love.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the waffles warm after cooking. Then, preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the top and bottom plates or spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt. This mix ensures even distribution of flavor and leavening.

Step 3: In a separate bowl or a large glass measuring cup, whisk the wet ingredients: buttermilk, canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and melted butter. Make sure everything is well combined, creamy, and uniform in texture.

Step 4: Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a rubber spatula just until combined and the batter is moist but still slightly lumpy. Overmixing will result in dense waffles, so I always stop as soon as I see no more flour pockets.

Step 5: Pour about a scant 1/2 cup of batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Close the lid gently and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the waffle is golden brown and crisp. The cooking time might vary a bit depending on your waffle iron, so keep an eye out for that beautiful color and texture.

Step 6: Transfer the finished waffle to the preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe makes approximately 4 to 6 servings, depending on how hungry you and your guests are! The prep time is quick—only about 10 minutes. Cooking takes around 20 minutes in total, which includes cooking batches of waffles and keeping them warm. Overall, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend brunch or special weekday breakfast.

How to Serve This Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe

The image shows several square waffles stacked closely together, each waffle having a golden-brown color with a slightly crispy texture. The waffles have deep grid patterns filled with dark amber syrup that glistens under the light. On top of some waffles, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with light brown cinnamon powder, with syrup drizzled over it, adding a glossy shine. The waffles have uneven edges and look thick and fluffy inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these waffles, I love to keep things cozy and indulgent. They’re fantastic topped with a generous pat of butter that melts into the crags, paired with real maple syrup or a drizzle of honey for that perfect sweetness. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla yogurt brings a lovely creaminess that balances the spice beautifully.

For a little extra sparkle, I sometimes add toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top—they provide a wonderful crunch that contrasts nicely with the soft interior. Seasonal fruit, like spiced apple slices or fresh berries, also complement the pumpkin flavors fabulously and add a refreshing dimension to each bite.

As for drinks, I often enjoy these waffles with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a warming duo. For festive occasions, a spiced apple cider or a pumpkin latte pairs perfectly, enhancing the autumnal vibes. I always recommend serving them warm to highlight their crispy texture, but they’re still quite tasty at room temperature if you’re making a brunch spread.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer gluten-free, swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works wonderfully—just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture. For a vegan version, I replace the eggs with flax eggs and use coconut or almond milk instead of buttermilk, adding a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to mimic that tang.

If you like a little twist on flavor, try incorporating a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the spice notes, or swap out pumpkin pie spice for your own mix of cinnamon and nutmeg for a more personalized touch. You can even fold in mini chocolate chips or a handful of raisins for extra bursts of sweetness during cooking.

While I almost always use a waffle iron, you can adapt this batter to make pancakes if you’re short on time or equipment. Just pour the batter onto a hot griddle or pan and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden. You lose a bit of that crispy edge, but the nourishing pumpkin spice flavor remains front and center.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any waffles leftover, I recommend letting them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container or zip-top bag and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Using parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from sticking together, which makes reheating easier.

Freezing

These waffles freeze beautifully! I like to flash freeze them first by placing the waffles on a baking sheet in a single layer and freezing until firm (about an hour). Then I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This method allows you to enjoy these delicious waffles anytime without fuss.

Reheating

When I’m ready to eat leftovers, I reheat waffles in a toaster or toaster oven. This is my favorite way to bring back the crispiness that’s so signature to this recipe. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain texture, as it tends to make the waffles soggy. If you only have a microwave, try a quick heat followed by a brief toast to revive the crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You can absolutely use fresh pumpkin, but you’ll need to roast and puree it first. Be sure to cook it until very soft and strain any excess water for the best consistency. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has a more subtle flavor and may slightly alter the taste and moisture balance.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can mix your own with common spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. Usually, about 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of the others works well for 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.

Can I make these waffles gluten-free or vegan?

Yes! For gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes binders. For vegan, use flax eggs or chia eggs and plant-based milk plus a splash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Melted coconut oil or vegan butter replace regular butter nicely.

How do I know when my waffles are done cooking?

Your waffles are done when they are a deep golden brown and the steam coming from the waffle iron slows down considerably. Most waffle irons have indicator lights, but the color and crisp texture are the best indicators for this pumpkin spice version.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

I prefer making the batter fresh for best fluffy texture, but you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it covered. The batter might thicken a bit, so give it a gentle stir before cooking. Using refrigerated batter sometimes results in a slightly denser waffle but still deliciously flavorful.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Pumpkin Spice Waffles Recipe a try because it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug wrapped in a crispy golden package. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for bringing a little extra joy to your breakfast or brunch table. Once you experience the blend of spices and pumpkin baked into fluffy, crisp waffles, I’m pretty sure it’ll become a new classic in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.