Description
Learn how to make perfect homemade waffles from scratch with this easy, foolproof recipe. These waffles are crispy, golden, and fluffy with a tender interior. Made with basic pantry ingredients like flour, eggs, milk, and butter, they’re ready in just 25 minutes and freeze beautifully for quick weekday breakfasts. Perfect for weekend brunch or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Waffles:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour (the foundation for light, tender waffles)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness and helps with that golden-brown color)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (the secret to fluffy, rise-y waffles)
- ¾ teaspoon salt (enhances all the flavors)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for richness)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for flavor and crispiness)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature if possible, but cold works too)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (makes everything smell like heaven)
Optional for serving:
- Butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips
Instructions
Start by plugging in your waffle iron and letting it heat up completely. If your waffle maker has a browning dial or temperature setting, set it to medium-high or choose the darker setting. This is the key to getting those crispy, golden edges we’re after.
Let it heat for at least 5 minutes so it’s nice and hot when you pour in that first scoop of batter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisking for about 20 seconds to make sure everything is evenly distributed.
This step might seem simple, but it’s important because it helps your waffles rise evenly and ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. The mixture should look creamy and uniform.
If your butter has cooled and started to solidify a bit, don’t worry—it’ll all come together once you mix it with the dry ingredients.
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, gently stir everything together until just combined.
Here’s the important part: your batter should look slightly lumpy, and that’s exactly what you want! Resist the urge to keep stirring until it’s completely smooth. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and makes tough, chewy waffles instead of tender, fluffy ones. A few lumps are your friends here.
Lightly grease your hot waffle iron with a little oil, melted butter, or a quick spray of cooking spray. Pour in enough batter to cover about three-quarters of the waffle grid—usually around ⅓ cup, though this depends on the size of your waffle maker.
Close the lid and let it cook without peeking for at least 3 to 4 minutes. Most waffle irons will have an indicator light that tells you when they’re done, but you’ll also smell that wonderful toasted aroma and see steam starting to slow down. The waffles are ready when they’re deeply golden and crisp.
Here’s a trick that makes all the difference: instead of stacking your finished waffles on a plate, place them directly on a wire cooling rack. This allows air to circulate around them so they stay wonderfully crispy instead of getting steamy and soft.
If you want to keep them warm while you cook the rest, you can place the wire rack on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven.
Serve your waffles warm with whatever toppings make your heart happy, classic butter and maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Notes
- Don’t open the waffle iron too early — Resist peeking! Opening it before the waffle is set will tear it apart and create a mess
- Use the steam as your guide — When the steam coming from your waffle iron slows down significantly, that’s when they’re usually done
- Avoid the stack trap — Never stack hot waffles on a plate or they’ll steam each other and lose their crispiness
- Grease lightly but consistently — Even non-stick waffle irons benefit from a light spray between each waffle to prevent sticking
- Freeze extras immediately — Let waffles cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American