The Best Waffles – These buttery, sweet waffles are made with simple ingredients but packed with tons of flavor!
OK confession time…I’ve always favored waffles to pancakes. There, I said it! I only ordered pancakes in restaurants because, well, you got more (usually around 3) than you would if you ordered a Belgian waffle (just one large waffle). As a kid, I definitely ordered with my eyes so pancakes were the obvious choice.
However, when it came to making them at home, I loved Eggo waffles and would even make my own waffles from scratch using a waffle iron. I loved the fun shape and how each of those little nooks held syrup so well. Plus, they had a great balance of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
That love for waffles has continued on in my adulthood, but I usually just stick to the frozen Eggos because life gets in the way. This pandemic, however, has lead us to do more cooking at home, which includes lots of fun breakfasts. One of those breakfast was these incredible waffles that my husband made. They’re buttery, light, and perfectly balanced with just enough sweetness. I couldn’t stop eating them so I knew it was a recipe worth sharing with you.
Waffle batter vs Pancake batter
Some people think that you can use pancake batter to make waffles. Those people would be close but the resulting waffles would be thin and lacking a crispy exterior. You see – there are 2 main differences between pancake batter and waffle batter that give waffles their unique texture:
- Waffle batter has more sugar to help with caramelization on the outside of the waffle
- Waffle batter uses more oil or fat to also help with the crisping on the outside of the waffle
How are these waffles made
The process for making waffles is super simple. In fact, it’s one of the first things I learned to make on my own as a kid. Back then, I used a premade batter but today we’re going to make them from scratch.
First, you start by whisking the dry ingredients together. Then, the wet ingredients are added and whisked together. The wet ingredients include only egg yolks instead of the whole egg. We do this so we can separately whip the egg whites and fold them into the batter for a lighter texture. You may have done this in cake recipes for the same reason.
Once the batter is made, it’s added to a hot waffle iron and cooked until nice and brown on the outside. No flipping or turning required. Just patience.
When the waffles are done, serve with sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, and or maple syrup.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions on the waffle maker to make sure you cook the waffles properly.
- Make sure the waffle iron is hot before adding the batter. This ensures the waffles are crispy on the outside but light and fluffy on the inside.
- You don’t need a mixer to beat the egg whites. I did mine by hand and they came out just as good. The process took longer but at least I didn’t have to dirty the mixer!
The Best Waffles
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs separated
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 2 sticks unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- sliced strawberries, powdered sugar, maple syrup for serving
Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. In a large bowl, add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until combined. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add egg yolks, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk together to combine. Add to dry ingredients and whisk together just until combined.
- Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Add to batter and gently fold in just until combined.
- Spray nonstick spray on preheat waffle iron. Add batter to waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer's instructions. Mine held 1 cup of batter but yours could hold more or less depending on the size of the iron. Repeat with all of the batter.
- Serve with sliced strawberries. powdered sugar, and maple syrup.
Notes
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Oh, these waffles look gorgeous. Delicious! I bet they taste heavenly with all the butter inside. This is the perfect breakfast treat.
These waffles were so GOOD! My children loved them and the hubby asked me to make them again this week. Great recipe that we will be saving!!!
Wow those waffles look amazing! We just got a new waffle maker so this is perfect. And I totally agree—- waffles are better than pancakes!
I can never have enough of crunchy crispy edges soft delicious waffels. These are so much fun to eat compared to pancakes. If I can make it every day, my family would eat it without complaining for breakfast lunch and dinner. They are crazy about waffels. Love simple but most delicious waffels
Even my kids prefer waffles over pancakes. This looks delicious and crunchy on the side. Perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee.
I’m with you — waffles are so much better than pancakes. To me, pancakes are a bit flavorless unless you pour loads of good stuff on top. Waffles with their light crunch are so much more appealing. You give lots of great tips for making them a success. I haven’t made waffles in a long time but your recipe sounds too good to pass up. I’ll be making them soon.
These waffles look SO much better than Eggo! Frozen waffles may be more convenient but I’d absolutely take the time to make something that comes out looking as delicious as your waffles. 🙂
I love that you can beat the egg whites by hand! That’s one less thing to clean. And these look incredible!
Ok I am definitely one of those people that thought I could use my pancake batter to make waffles. Makes so much sense why they never came out like I wanted! Thank you…these were deeeeeeelish!!
Great, classic recipe!! All the good stuff like eggs, whole milk and Sugar.
This waffles looks really delicious and my kids will definitely love this. Yum!
These waffles sound amazing! I LOVE belgian waffles!
yum! in fact, all your breakfast recipes look amazing!
Look delicious. My kind of breakfast!
Love your presentation. Picture perfect delicious. The best Breakfast platter one could enjoy. I just want to grab the toppings.
Waffles are a favorite in our house and these do not disappoint!
The most perfect sweet waffles for a leisurly weekend breakfast.
Oh I am definitely a sucker for a good waffle! These look perfectly light and fluffy. Now I am hungry
They certainly look amazing! My family just inhale waffles and pancakes so we’re sure to try these!
These waffles look like they are from a high end restaurant. Nkce plating also! Looks delicious and mouth watering!
OMG my mouth is watering! These waffles look so delicious!