Easy Homemade Waffles Recipe - Crispy on the outside and light & fluffy on the inside. Drizzled with melted butter and maple syrup, these delicious waffles will melt in your mouth.
Fluffy waffles with a crispy exterior are easy to make with this simple waffle recipe. All you need are a few minutes and some simple ingredients and you'll be on your way to making perfect homemade Belgian waffles.
This is the perfect waffle recipe for weekend brunch with friends and mimosas, and for special occasions like Easter Brunch, Mother's Day, Christmas morning that the whole family will enjoy.
Or make them ahead of time and freeze them for an easy breakfast on busy weekday mornings. Just take them out of the freezer, pop them in the toaster and you'll be on your way!
These fluffy Belgian waffles are so good topped with some Homemade Strawberry Syrup. Looking for more breakfast and brunch ideas? Be sure to check out our other breakfast recipes, like our super delicious homemade pancakes recipe.
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Easy Homemade Waffles Recipe
This delicious recipe was adapted from Chef Emeril Lagasse's recipe for Classic Belgian Waffles. It is hands down the best waffle recipe around and is sure to be a keeper for your recipe box.
Here's What You Need
Notes on Ingredients
Make this easy waffle recipe with simple ingredients from your local grocery store.
Sugar and Eggs
- 4 large eggs - separated. Separate the egg yolk from the egg whites, putting each in a different mixing bowl.
Note: For more information, see this handy article from The Webstaurant Store on How To Separate Eggs. - 2 tablespoons sugar - granulated, white. May substitute brown sugar. Helps give the waffle a little bit of a caramelized crust.
For Sweet Waffles - Increasing the amount of sugar will make a sweeter waffle. Use ¼ cup sugar.
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Provides flavoring.
- 4 tablespoons butter - salted, melted. Plus more for serving. Waffles will taste better if made with melted butter. But you may substitute vegetable oil or unsalted butter.
- 2 cups whole milk - May substitute 2% milk, or buttermilk.
Flour Mixture
- 2 cups all purpose flour - Refined flour like all purpose flour will produce the fluffiest waffles.
Substitution Suggestion: May substitute whole grain flours like whole wheat, smelt, millet, or quinoa, or a gluten-free option, like almond flour. However, the result will be a denser, heavier waffle.
Gluten-Free Option: We have not tested a gluten-free recipe. But here's a highly rated gluten-free waffle recipe from Audry over at Mama Knows Gluten Free that looks delicious. - 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder - Gives waffles and other baked goods a light and airy texture. Most baking powder is double acting, which means it gives two rises: one happens when it is combined with liquid, and the second happens when it is exposed to heat.
- ¾ teaspoon salt - Enhances flavor.
Equipment
- waffle iron - There are a few different waffle irons you can use and we've linked to them all just in case you're looking for a new waffle maker. We use a standard waffle iron. But a traditional round flip Belgian waffle maker, or Dash mini waffle maker work well too.
- mixing bowls - 1 large bowl and 2 medium bowls are needed for this recipe.
- measuring spoons
- dry measuring cups
- liquid measuring cup
- hand mixer - or a stand mixer with a wire whip attachment. A wire whisk will also work.
- silicone spatula - Used to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.
- ladle - Used to transfer batter to the waffle iron. A 1-cup dry measuring cup will also work.
- non-stick cooking spray - Used to make sure the waffle doesn't stick to the waffle iron.
Summary Of Recipe Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron.
- Separate eggs into two separate bowls.
- Beat egg yolks and sugar together.
- Add wet ingredients.
- Sift dry ingredients together (flour mixture).
- Add flour mixture.
- Beat egg whites in a separate bowl.
- Fold in egg whites.
- Cook waffles.
Step By Step Instructions
Preheat Waffle Iron. The indicator light will go off when the iron has come up to cooking temperature and it's ready.
How To Make Waffle Batter
Separate Eggs. Separate whole eggs and place the eggs yolks into a large bowl and the egg whites into a medium bowl.
Best Egg Yolks and Sugar Together. Using a hand mixer, beat together egg yolks and sugar for 2 minutes until they are pale yellow and the sugar has dissolved.
Add Wet Ingredients. Add vanilla and milk to the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk to combine. Add a slow steady stream of the melted butter while whisking or using the hand mixer on low. This will prevent lumps in the batter.
Flour Mixture. Sift together flour mixture into a medium sized bowl.
Add Flour Mixture. Add flour mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time (in about 3 separate increments). Stir or use the hand mixer on low until just combined. Do not over mix.
Let Batter Rest (optional). Let batter rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before moving on to next step.
Beat Egg Whites. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they have stiff peaks. This will take approximately 5 minutes using a hand mixer on high speed.
Fold In Egg Whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold stiffened egg whites into the batter. Do not over mix.
Blender Waffles
Alternate Method: Skip separating the eggs and instead, add all ingredients to a blender or a food processor and process to combine. Be careful not to over mix.
Let the batter rest for an hour before cooking the waffles according to the instructions below.
Homemade Waffle Mix Recipe
Make Ahead Option: Make homemade waffle mix to have on hand for a time-saving easy breakfast. This is also a great vacation meal planning tip to use when you're packing for that family camping trip.
Homemade Waffle Mix Recipe: Just sift together all of the dry ingredients and store the waffle mix in an airtight container.
Then when you're ready to make them, mix together the wet ingredients, add the dry waffle mix you made and whisk it all together into a slightly lumpy batter. Cook waffles according to the instructions below.
How To Cook Waffles
Cook Waffles. Spray hot waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and add 1 ladleful of waffle batter (approximately 1 a cup of batter) to the waffle iron.
Close the lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Avoid Messy Spills: The first time around, add only a little batter at a time until you can gage just how much batter the iron will hold before it spills batter out of the sides.
How To Know When Waffles Are Done
A little bit of steam will escape from the sides of the iron as the waffle cooks. The waffle will be done cooking when the steam stops and the indicator light on the waffle maker has turned off.
Serve Immediately after each one is made, or make them all and keep them warm in the oven until the whole family is ready to sit down and eat together.
Serve Immediately. The best way to avoid soggy waffles is to serve them immediately, hot, as they come off of the waffle iron.
Keep Warm In Oven. Place cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet with a wire rack to prevent them from getting soggy. When ready to serve, stack them on a platter to serve them on a buffet, or for a family style breakfast.
Serve a warm waffle with a pat of butter, some maple syrup, and your favorite breakfast sides, like fresh fruit or some delicious oven bacon.
We love to serve these fluffy waffles with some Homemade Strawberry Syrup. If you love fresh strawberries, this is the syrup for you. It's super easy to make and so delicious.
Variations
Next time, try one of these delicious waffles variations.
- Strawberry Waffles - Make strawberry waffles by adding ½ cup of diced fresh strawberries to the batter. Top with some Homemade Strawberry Syrup.
- Blueberry or Banana Waffles - Add ½ cup blueberries or diced bananas to the batter. Serve with maple syrup and butter.
- Buttermilk Waffles - Swap whole milk for buttermilk.
- Chocolate Chips - Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Use room temperature ingredients so that they combine better. Melted butter will coagulate if it is poured into cold milk causing the batter to be lumpy.
- Do Not Over Mix. The batter should be a little lumpy after the flour mixture is added to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the stiffened egg whites into the batter so as not to deflate its volume.
- Use A Hot Waffle Iron. Make sure the waffle maker is hot before adding batter, or waffles will be flatter and more dense. The baking powder needs a burst of heat to activate and cause the waffles to rise, giving them a fluffy texture.
- Use Cooking Spray. Spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray before ladling in the batter.
- For Crispy Waffles. Try making yeasted waffles for a crisp exterior, as recommended by Joe Sevier in his article, "How To Make Crispy Waffles, Every Time" on Epicurious.com.
Recipe FAQS
Waffle mix is a richer batter that pancake mix. It contains more butter, eggs, and sugar than pancake mix.
Mix the batter together except for the egg whites. Then, let the batter rest for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
Before cooking the waffles, beat the egg whites into stiffened peaks. Then, gently fold them into the batter just before cooking.
Freezing and Storage
Freeze and store leftover waffles in an airtight container, freezer bag, or zip bag. Make sure to press out all the air before sealing the bag to keep ice crystals from forming.
How To Reheat Waffles
Reheat waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer for an easy breakfast.
Easy Homemade Waffles are as easy as that to make! We hope you enjoy our super simple, super tasty recipe. Try it and let us know how you like it. We'd love to hear from you!
xo ~ Seanna
What To Serve With Waffles
There are so may yummy ways to enjoy these delicious waffles. Here's a few ideas for you:
- Maple Syrup
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup - Fresh and sweet fruit syrup. So good.
- Chicken & Waffles
- Ice Cream
- Blueberries or Other Fresh Berries or Fresh Fruit
- Chocolate Chips
- Sweet & Spicy Candied Bacon
More Breakfast And Brunch Recipes
If you love waffles, you're gonna love our other breakfast and brunch recipes.
- Homemade Strawberry Syrup - Made with fresh strawberries and simple syrup, and has a sweet strawberry flavor.
- Cinnamon Rolls - (Oven + Air Fryer Instructions) - Best ever buttery, soft & gooey cinnamon rolls just like Grandma used to make.
- Blueberry Muffins - Easy blueberry muffin recipe for moist muffins with juicy blueberries, a hint of lemon, and a crunchy sugar topping.
- Easy Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole - aka funeral potatoes, are a family favorite and the perfect side dish for everyday family dinners or for holiday meals. Make this easy crowd pleaser and you'll have them coming back for more!
Hungry for More? Subscribe to my Newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for all of the latest recipes.
📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Waffles Recipe
Equipment
- non-stick cooking spray
Ingredients
Sugar and Eggs
- 4 eggs separated
- 2 tablespoons sugar granulated
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 cups milk whole
Flour Mixture
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat Waffle Iron.
- Separate Eggs. Separate whole eggs and place the eggs yolks into a large bowl and the egg whites into a medium bowl.4 eggs
- Egg and Sugar Mixture. Using a hand mixer, beat together egg yolks and sugar for 2 minutes until they are pale yellow and the sugar has dissolved.2 tablespoons sugar
- Add Wet Ingredients. Add vanilla and milk to the egg and sugar mixture. Whisk to combine. Add a slow steady stream of the melted butter while whisking or using the hand mixer on low. This will prevent lumps in the batter.1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 cups milk, 4 tablespoons butter
- Flour Mixture. Sift together flour mixture into a medium sized bowl.2 cups all purpose flour, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, ¾ teaspoon salt
- Add Flour Mixture. Add flour mixture to the wet ingredients a little at a time (in about 3 separate increments). Stir or use the hand mixer on low until just combined. Do not over mix.Let Batter Rest (optional). Let batter rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour before moving on to next step.
- Beat Egg Whites. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until they have stiffened into white peaks. This will take approximately 5 minutes using a hand mixer on high speed.
- Fold In Egg Whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold stiffened egg whites into the batter. Do not over mix.
- Cook Waffles. Spray hot waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray and add 1 ladleful (approximately 1 cup) of waffle batter to the waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to manufacturer's instructions or about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
Video
Notes
Ingredients
- eggs - separated. Separate the egg yolk from the egg whites, putting each in a different mixing bowl.
- sugar - granulated, white. May substitute brown sugar. Helps give the waffle a little bit of a caramelized crust. For Sweet Waffles - Increasing the amount of sugar will make a sweeter waffle. Use ¼ cup sugar.
- pure vanilla extract - Provides flavoring.
- butter - salted, melted. Plus more for serving. Waffles will taste better if made with melted butter. But you may substitute vegetable oil or unsalted butter.
- whole milk - May substitute 2% milk, or buttermilk.
- all purpose flour - Refined flour like all purpose flour will produce the fluffiest waffles. Substitution Suggestion: May substitute whole grain flours like whole wheat, smelt, millet, or quinoa, or a gluten-free option, like almond flour. However, the result will be a denser, heavier waffle. Gluten-Free Option: We have not tested a gluten-free recipe. But here's a highly rated gluten-free waffle recipe from Audry over at Mama Knows Gluten Free that looks delicious.
- baking powder - Gives waffles and other baked goods a light and airy texture. Most baking powder is double acting, which means it gives two rises: one happens when it is combined with liquid, and the second happens when it is exposed to heat.
- salt - Enhances flavor.
Equipment Notes
- waffle iron - There are a few different waffle irons you can use and we've linked to them all just in case you're looking for a new waffle maker. We use a standard waffle iron. But a traditional round flip Belgian waffle maker, or Dash mini waffle maker work well too.
- mixing bowls - 1 large bowl and 2 medium bowls are needed for this recipe.
- hand mixer - or a stand mixer with a wire whip attachment. A wire whisk will also work.
- silicone spatula (rubber spatula) - Used to scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure all ingredients are incorporated.
- ladle - Used to transfer batter to the waffle iron. A 1-cup dry measuring cup will also work.
- cooking spray - Used to make sure the waffle doesn't stick to the waffle iron.
Blender Waffles
Alternate Method: Skip separating the eggs and instead, add all ingredients to a blender or a food processor and process to combine. Be careful not to over mix. Let the batter rest for an hour before cooking the waffles according to the instructions below.Homemade Waffle Mix Recipe
Make Ahead Option: Make homemade waffle mix to have on hand for a time-saving easy breakfast. This is also a great vacation meal planning tip to use when you're packing for that family camping trip. Homemade Waffle Mix Recipe: Just sift together all of the dry ingredients and store the waffle mix in an airtight container. Then when you're ready to make them, mix together the wet ingredients, add the dry waffle mix you made and whisk it all together into a slightly lumpy batter. Cook waffles according to the instructions.Freezing and Storage
Freeze and store leftover waffles in an airtight container, freezer bag, or zip bag. Make sure to press out all the air before sealing the bag to keep ice crystals from forming.How to Reheat Waffles
Reheat waffles in a toaster, toaster oven, or air fryer for an easy breakfast.Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients. Use room temperature ingredients so that they combine better. Melted butter will coagulate if it is poured into cold milk causing the batter to be lumpy.
- Do Not Over Mix. The batter should be a little lumpy after the flour mixture is added to the wet ingredients. Gently fold the stiffened egg whites into the batter so as not to deflate its volume.
- Use A Hot Waffle Iron. Make sure the waffle maker is hot before adding batter, or waffles will be flatter and more dense. The baking powder needs a burst of heat to activate and cause the waffles to rise, giving them a fluffy texture.
- Use Cooking Spray. Spray waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray before ladling in the batter.
- For Crispy Waffles. Try making yeasted waffles for a crisp exterior, as recommended by Joe Sevier in his article, "How To Make Crispy Waffles, Every Time" on Epicurious.com.
Variations
Next time, try one of these delicious waffles variations.- Strawberry Waffles - Make strawberry waffles by adding ½ cup of diced fresh strawberries to the batter. Top with some Homemade Strawberry Syrup.
- Blueberry or Banana Waffles - Add ½ cup blueberries or diced bananas to the batter. Serve with maple syrup and butter.
- Buttermilk Waffles - Swap whole milk for buttermilk.
- Chocolate Chips - Add ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter.
Nutrition
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Russ B
LOVE these waffles! Perfect with strawberries!!
Seanna Borrows
Thanks Russ! Love these on weekends!