There’s something truly magical about a classic waffle—the golden, crispy edges, the soft and airy interior, and the endless possibilities for toppings.
Whether enjoyed with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of fresh berries, waffles are the perfect way to start the day on a sweet note. They’re the epitome of comfort food, but also incredibly versatile, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a fun dessert!
So, let’s get started on how you can make the perfect classic waffle—crispy, fluffy, and ready to take your breakfast game to the next level!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole milk or buttermilk for extra fluffiness)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for greasing the waffle iron)
How to Make Classic Waffles:
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
Start by sifting together the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Sifting helps to break up any lumps and ensures your waffles will be light and fluffy. Give everything a quick stir to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the milk and butter add moisture and flavor. The vanilla extract gives the waffles that lovely aromatic hint that pairs so well with any topping. If you’re using buttermilk instead of regular milk, you’ll get a slightly tangy and richer flavor that makes the waffles even fluffier.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Using a whisk or a wooden spoon, stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can cause the waffles to be dense rather than light and fluffy. The batter should have a thick consistency, but still pourable.
4. Preheat the Waffle Iron:
While the batter rests for a minute, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with a small amount of vegetable oil or cooking spray to ensure your waffles don’t stick. Most waffle irons will have an indicator light to let you know when they’re ready, so keep an eye out!
5. Cook the Waffles:
Once the waffle iron is hot, pour enough batter onto the center of the iron to just cover the surface (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of batter, depending on the size of your waffle iron). Close the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy. Don’t open the waffle iron too soon, as this can cause the waffles to stick or tear. If your waffle iron doesn’t have a timer, simply check the waffles once the steam slows down and the edges look crispy.
6. Serve the Waffles:
Carefully remove the waffle from the iron and place it on a plate. Continue cooking the remaining waffles, greasing the iron between each batch if needed. Stack your waffles high and serve them while they’re still warm.
Why You’ll Love These Classic Waffles:
These classic waffles are the perfect balance of crispy and fluffy. They have a golden exterior with just the right amount of crunch, while the inside remains light, airy, and deliciously soft. The beauty of these waffles lies in their simplicity—the batter is easy to make, and the waffles come out perfectly every time. The slight sweetness from the sugar and the hint of vanilla make these waffles taste like a treat, without being overwhelmingly sweet.
What’s even better is that they’re incredibly versatile! You can top your waffles with whatever you like—whether it’s a classic drizzle of maple syrup, a handful of fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also make them savory by adding crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or sautéed mushrooms.
Tips for Perfect Waffles:
- Don’t Overmix: Lumps in the batter are okay! Overmixing will make your waffles dense instead of fluffy.
- Adjust the Crispiness: If you prefer extra crispy waffles, let them cook a little longer in the waffle iron. Just be careful not to burn them!
- Use Buttermilk for Extra Fluff: If you want even fluffier waffles, substitute regular milk with buttermilk. It adds a light tang and makes the waffles rise beautifully.
- Keep Waffles Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep the waffles warm in a low oven (around 200°F/93°C) while you cook the rest.
- Customize Your Toppings: The possibilities for toppings are endless! You can add fresh fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair your classic waffles with a hot cup of coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice for the perfect breakfast or brunch. For a complete meal, add a side of crispy bacon or a fried egg. These waffles are also a great option for a sweet dessert if you want to enjoy them after dinner with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
