Description
This easy homemade waffle recipe creates perfectly crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside waffles in just 25 minutes. Made with simple pantry ingredients, these classic American-style waffles are ideal for weekend breakfasts, special brunches, or meal prep. Customize with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing the waffle iron
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Having a properly preheated waffle iron is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for consistent rise.
- Combine the wet ingredients. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the eggs are fully incorporated. The butter should be melted but not hot, or it might cook the eggs.
- Create the waffle batter. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the mixture together until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—do not overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, chewy waffles instead of tender ones. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will cook out.
- Let the batter rest. Allow the batter to sit for 3-5 minutes. This rest period lets the flour fully hydrate and the baking powder activate, resulting in fluffier waffles.
- Grease the waffle iron. Lightly spray or brush both plates of your preheated waffle iron with cooking spray or melted butter. Even non-stick waffle irons benefit from a light greasing to ensure easy release and extra crispiness.
- Pour the batter. Using a ladle or measuring cup, pour the recommended amount of batter onto the center of the waffle iron (usually about 3/4 to 1 cup, depending on your waffle iron size). The batter should spread to about 1 inch from the edges when you close the lid.
- Cook the waffles. Close the waffle iron lid and cook according to your waffle iron’s instructions, typically 3-5 minutes. Resist the urge to open the lid early—this can cause the waffle to tear. Most waffle irons have an indicator light that tells you when the waffle is done. The waffle should be golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and keep warm. Carefully remove the waffle using a fork or tongs (never use metal utensils on non-stick surfaces). Place finished waffles on a cooling rack set on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm and crispy while you cook the remaining waffles. Avoid stacking waffles directly on top of each other, as this creates steam and makes them soggy.
- Repeat with remaining batter. Re-grease the waffle iron lightly between each waffle. Continue cooking until all batter is used.
- Serve immediately. Top with your favorite toppings such as pure maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, butter, powdered sugar, or chocolate chips. Enjoy while hot and crispy!
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: The key to tender waffles is mixing until just combined. Lumpy batter is perfectly fine!
- Batter Consistency: The batter should be pourable but slightly thick—similar to pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add milk 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and milk at room temperature mix more easily and create a smoother batter.
- Waffle Iron Variations: Cooking times vary by waffle iron. Belgian waffle makers typically need 4-5 minutes, while thinner American-style makers need 3-4 minutes.
- Doubling Recipe: This recipe doubles easily for feeding a crowd. Just keep finished waffles warm in the oven at 200°F.
- Make-Ahead: Mix dry ingredients the night before for even quicker morning prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 waffles
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 145mg