In our family, one of the fun things to do in the summer is to host a pool party. We always have so much fun preparing snacks for the gathering – it’s team-work involving three generations of our family and a group of fun loving teenagers (our daughter Aimiya, our niece Akari, and their teenage friends). And, waffle cones are the must-haves on our snack menu.
Why waffle cones?
Waffle cones are the perfect vessels to hold your snacks.
Besides being the perfect containers for ice cream or yogurt, waffle cones (and waffle bowls) can be used to contain salads and light bites.
And, for our family, waffle cones are made especially for our beloved grandmother Katherine – who bought me my first waffle cone at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk when I was five. Grandma Katherine doesn’t travel as much now, and our waffle cones bring her fond memories at the boardwalk.
For the girls, they’ve been decorating waffle cones every year since they were little kids, making waffle cones together is nostalgia to them as well.
How to make waffle cones?
You need three things:
- Waffle cone batter – you can make the batter from scratch or use a waffle cone mix. Tip: you need a whisk.
- Waffle cone maker – you get a more consistent texture using a waffle cone maker. However, you can use a griddle or a crepe pan, they work well too. Tip: If you are cooking the waffle batter in a skillet or a pan, use a small offset spatula to smooth out the batter into a thin layer.
- Waffle cone roller – it’s easier to have a cone-shape form to roll out a waffle cone. Most waffle cone makers include cone rollers. You can buy a waffle cone roller or make one yourself. Tip: For a DIY cone roller, make the cone using a sturdy paper material, tape the seam. Then cover the cone with aluminum foil. Spray the aluminum cone with non-stick spray before using it to roll out your waffle cones.
Waffle cone batter
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4 Tbs. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1/4 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- (Makes 10 waffle cones)
- Let’s do the wet ingredients, follow by the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl (use a glass bowl or a stainless steel bowl),
- Whisk eggs and sugar until it’s frothy (you see tiny bubbles in the mixture)
- Whish in the butter, milk and vanilla.
- Tip: sift your flour helps making a smoother batter.
- Once they are combined, slowly whisk in the flour and salt.
- Whisk until you get a smooth texture and the batter has a thin consistency.
- Tip: Just add a little milk to thin the batter if needed.
Waffle batter variation
We love the yummy flavors of chocolates or cupcakes; they are definitely wonderful variations to make. What about – channeling your creativity to add flavors that are good to your taste. For example, add cinnamon to the batter will give it more warmth. What about substituting the white sugar with brown sugar – if you enjoy the taste of molasses. What about making a savory waffle cone with a kick – tabasco or Sriracha anyone?
Here are three helpful tools to make waffle cones:
Using the waffle cone maker
- Heat up your waffle cone maker, choose the browning setting you prefer.
- Tip: organize – get a clean kitchen towel ready – to help you roll out the hot waffle cone.
- Tip: organize – get a rack ready – to hold your warm waffle cone.
- When your waffle cone is ready to bake, scope ¼ cup of batter and pour it in the center, close the lid.
- Typically it takes 90 seconds to bake a cone – the ready indicator light will come on when your waffle cone is ready.
Using the waffle cone roller
- Once the waffle batter is baked, remove the thin-layer of waffle cone and place it on the kitchen towel.
- Using the cone roller, form the waffle cone by rolling it out while it’s still warm (use the kitchen towel to aid the roll – the waffle is fairly warm to your touch).
- Squeeze the end to seal and hold the seam for 10 seconds.
- Place your waffle cone on a rack to cool.
- It’s ready for decoration or to eat.
Fillings for your waffle cones
- For dessert snacks, besides ice cream, consider yogurt, custard, fruits with crème patisserie.
- For a light bite, consider chicken salad, mac n cheese, fried rice, roasted mixed nuts.
- Homemade waffle cones are made with love – they are the perfect vessels to hold any snacks you want – they will always taste delicious.
