1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little melted butter, even if it’s non-stick, to prevent sticking and ensure a crisp exterior.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps and the cocoa powder is fully incorporated, giving the mixture a uniform brown color.

3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly pale yellow from the eggs.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few small lumps; overmixing can lead to tough waffles. The batter should be thick but pourable.

5. Pour about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter (or the amount recommended by your waffle iron manufacturer) onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. Most waffle irons will indicate when they are done, often with a light or by ceasing to steam.

6. Carefully remove the cooked waffle and place it on a plate. You can keep waffles warm in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200 F (95 C) while you cook the remaining batter. Serve immediately with fresh sliced strawberries and your favorite toppings.