Preheat a waffle maker to medium heat (on our waffle maker we use “3”).

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, sea salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Separate egg whites from yolks (make sure to save both parts of the egg).

Put the egg whites in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, or in a large bowl (to beat by hand or with a hand mixer). Put the yolks in a small bowl and set aside.

Beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.

Transfer beaten egg whites to a bowl and set aside in the refrigerator.

Add egg yolks and butter to the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, and mix on medium speed until combined.

Add milk, applesauce and vanilla extract and mix on medium speed until combined.

Once the mixture is smooth, the dry ingredients and beat until incorporated.

Fold the beaten egg whites into the batter by hand with a spatula.

Stir in chocolate chips

Spray waffle maker lightly with non-stick spray and scoop 1 cup of batter into the center of the waffle plates.

Cook on medium heat for 4-8 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown.

Repeat with remaining batter until it has all been used.

To keep warm: preheat oven to “warm” setting and put each batch of waffles on a large baking sheet in the warm oven until ready to serve.