This Compact, Holiday-Themed Waffle Maker Set Is Perfect for Delicious (and Adorable) Breakfasts

For the most part, I’m not a breakfast person. I’d usually skip this meal as a kid, and if you looked in my family’s pantry over the years, you’d probably find an old box of Cocoa Puffs and nothing more. But, my sentiments changed when I started attending regular weekend sleepovers at my childhood best friend’s house. In the mornings, we’d be awoken by the delicious smell of crispy bacon, just like the cliché goes. My favorite part, though, was when her mom would make us pancakes — in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head or with smiley faces drawn on in syrup — or waffles adorned with all the toppings a kid could ask for: berries, chocolate chips, whipped cream, the works.

Recently, we discovered a product here at Kitchn that brought all these fond memories to the forefront of my mind. The Dash mini waffle makers, which arrive in a set of two from Amazon, are perfect if you want to create a special breakfast for you or your household. Maybe you don’t have the skills to make pancakes in the shapes of beloved cartoon characters, but this holiday-themed duo creates waffles that are just as cute. Surprise your loved ones this holiday season with a gingerbread man or a pretty snowflake on a fluffy honeycomb background.

If we’re being honest, though, these waffle makers aren’t just for kids. Start your own day off on a positive note by pouring your batter into one of the machines, pressing the lid down, and creating a wintery meal that’s not only yummy, but also visually suited to the season. You’ll grow happier still when you discover how easy it is to clean the waffle maker’s nonstick cooking surfaces.

With your purchase, you’ll also receive a recipe guide and quickly come to find that you can prepare way more than just waffles in the appliance. “I’m not much for sweet, carby waffles, but I tell ya, cooking an egg with a little cheese and precooked meat is WAY easier in these little bad boys than it is to break out a pan and a spatula and fire up the stove, then clean it up,” one reviewer shared. “Plus, now I’m the cool aunt who makes skull waffles with bloooood (red sprinkles) for lunch.”

That’s right, there are versions of these waffle makers that create other fun images, namely skulls and pumpkins. You can certainly use the irons year-round despite these designs, but if you prefer not to, the good news is that each one is relatively small. They won’t take up a ton of space on your counter or in your cabinet. And, did we mention you get two for under $30? That’s practically nothing for all the priceless smiles these waffle makers are sure to produce.

Buy: Dash Mini Holiday Waffle Maker, 2-Pack, $28.15 (normally $29.99)