This easy Waffle Recipe makes light, fluffy waffles with crisp, golden edges and a tender center. Separating and whipping the egg whites gives these homemade waffles an extra airy texture.

Serve topped with whipped cream, strawberry freezer jam, or hot fudge sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar.

fluffy Waffle Recipe in a stack on a plate

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Waffle Recipe

  • Flavor: These waffles are lightly sweet with a buttery, vanilla flavor, crisp golden edges, and a soft, fluffy center.
  • Tools: An electric mixer makes quick work of whipping the egg whites, while a waffle maker cooks them to crisp, golden perfection.
  • Make Ahead: Double the batch so you can pop these freezer-friendly waffles into the toaster for weekday breakfasts.
  • Time-Saving Tip: Want an even quicker version? Try this shortcut for Bisquick waffles instead.
  • Serving: Keep finished waffles warm in a low oven so everyone can enjoy them together.

Total Time: 33 Min Servings: 6 Servings Cooking Method: Waffle Maker

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for homemade waffles recipe including milk, butter, salt, flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs
  • All-Purpose Flour: Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly from the container, which can pack in too much flour and make the waffles heavy.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the waffles develop crisp, golden-brown edges. You can reduce it slightly for savory toppings, but don’t omit it entirely if you want that golden, crisp exterior.
  • Eggs: Separating and whipping the whites creates an especially light, fluffy texture. For a quicker version, use whole eggs and reduce the milk as noted in the recipe.

Variations

  • Cinnamon Waffles: Add ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients.
  • Blueberry Waffles: Sprinkle a small amount of fresh or frozen blueberries over the batter after it is added to the iron. Do not thaw frozen berries first.
  • Chocolate Chip Waffles: Add mini chocolate chips sparingly so melted chocolate does not stick to the plates.
  • Lemon Waffles: Add finely grated lemon zest to brighten the vanilla batter.
  • Belgian Waffles: Try this same batter in a Belgian waffle maker.

Waffle Toppings

Savory: You can make dinner versions with savory toppings, too! Make pizza waffles with pizza sauce and shredded cheese, or go with a classic chicken and waffles for a fun twist on dinner.

Sweet: Try topping them with fresh berries, strawberry sauce, blueberry sauce, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a cozy treat everyone will love.

And don’t forget to add a side of crispy oven bacon and fresh fruit salad for the perfect Sunday brunch.

How to Make Waffles

beaten egg whites for making homemade waffles
  1. Whisk together wet ingredients and dry ingredients separately. Beat egg whites until stiff.
mixing homemade waffles batter in a bowl
  1. Stir together wet and dry ingredients until just combined being careful to not overmix (some lumps are okay!).
waffle batter in a bowl
  1. Gently fold in egg whites.
Homemade Waffles being cooked on a griddle
  1. Cook in pre-heated waffle iron until golden brown and cooked through.

Waffle Wisdom

  • Preheat the Waffle Maker: Do this before adding the batter. A properly heated iron sets the crust quickly and prevents pale, soft waffles.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix only until the flour is moistened. A few small lumps are better than an overmixed batter.
  • Gently Fold the Egg Whites: Fold with a spatula using broad, gentle strokes so the batter keeps as much air as possible.
  • Use Oil: Lightly brush or wipe the iron with oil. Aerosol cooking spray can leave a sticky residue on some nonstick waffle plates.
  • Fill the Waffle Wells Perfectly: Use enough batter to cover most of the wells without filling the iron to the edge. The batter will spread when the lid closes.
  • Don’t Stack: Place cooked waffles directly on an oven rack in a 200°F oven. Stacking them traps steam and softens the crisp exterior.

Save Some for Later

Fridge: Keep leftover waffles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze waffles in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in the toaster, on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 350°F in the oven, or in the air fryer.

More Sweet Breakfast Favorites

Did you enjoy this Waffle Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text
close up of fluffy Waffle Recipe.
4.97 from 1356 votes

Waffle Recipe

Servings 6 servings
This easy waffle recipe makes buttery, golden waffles with crisp edges and light, fluffy centers. Serve them with warm syrup, fruit, or a pat of butter.
Servings 6 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
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Ingredients  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs yolks and whites divided, room temperature
  • 1⅔ cups milk
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter melted (or vegetable oil)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions 

  • Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions (or to 400°F if your waffle maker has a temperature gauge).
  • Place flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • In a small bowl, mix egg yolks, milk, butter, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl, beat egg whites with a mixer on medium high speed until stiff peaks form. *see note
  • Add the egg yolk mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently fold in the egg whites.
  • Drop by large spoonfuls onto greased waffle iron until most of the wells are covered. Close the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Video

Notes

  • Refrigerate leftovers for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 6 months. Place sheets of wax paper or parchment between waffles before placing in freezer bags. Reheat briefly in the toaster until crisp. Watch for burning. 
  • This recipe assumes you are using unsalted butter. If using salted butter, eliminate the salt ingredient.
  • *Whipped egg whites make the lightest, fluffiest waffles, but you can make this recipe without beating the egg whites. If you do not, then reduce the milk to 1 1/2 cups, and add whole eggs to the butter mixture.
  • Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you make the remaining waffles.
  • Buttermilk Waffles: To make, replace milk with buttermilk, reduce baking powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons, and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. 
To Make the Best Waffles
  • Don’t overmix the batter, it should be slightly lumpy.
  • Preheat the waffle maker and lightly wipe with vegetable oil. Do not use cooking spray.
  • Put enough batter in the iron so the waffle compartment is almost full so it will cover the edges when closed.
4.97 from 1356 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 313 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 247mg | Potassium: 378mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 534IU | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Waffle Recipe with syrup and butter with writing
Waffle Recipe on a plate and top photo with syrup and butter with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. She is also the author of the best selling cookbook “Everyday Comfort,” which delivers hearty, home-cooked meals designed for real life.
See more posts by Holly

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Comments

  1. I tripled this recipe for my family of 11–it was a big hit! It was all eaten. I used King Arthur GF flour instead of wheat flour and it turned out AMAZINGLY! I bake only gluten free as my father is severely allergic to wheat. Just know that it works perfectly as gluten free as well! I put some frozen blueberries in a few batches as well. AMAZING!! Thank you for sharing such an awesome recipe. I will use it again.5 stars

  2. Delicious and perfect instructions. You have to beat the egg whites, don’t be lazy, makes all the difference-5 stars

  3. yum! I didn’t separate the eggs and so only used the suggested 1½ cups oat milk.
    Honestly I was just too lazy plus I always wanted to see if separating really made a difference. I found out it does, but tonight I got to find out that I really really like the compact texture of NOT separating.

    This will be my go to waffle recipe from now on. Thank you!5 stars

  4. These are the best waffles I’ve ever made! AND I didn’t have any vanilla! We just moved into a home and not quite unpacked yet.. including my good old Pancake Mixand my vanilla. So I found this recipe online and it wasn’t until I had everything out that I realized I didn’t have any vanilla. So I looked around my half-empty pantry and saw some cookies I had bought at Walmart earlier this week! So I took 3 of the iced snickerdoodle cookies and smashed them up and tossed them in the batter!!! These were the best waffles I’ve ever had! And I’m in no doubt, even without the cookies, these are the best! Easy and fluffy and yummy !!! 5 stars *****

  5. the best waffle recipe ever!-so easy that even I can’t get it wrong! My kids love them and the recipe us failproof so they come out just as you say , crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside! Thank you for sharing!

    1. Hi Lauren, you can save the recipe by clicking the heart on the bottom right of the screen. I hope this helps!

  6. I made Buttermilk Waffles following the recipe as directed. Folding in the egg whites is a game changer. The Waffles were delicious!! I separated some of the Waffles and made breakfast sandwiches. Half sausage egg and cheese and half bacon egg and cheese, drizzled with maple syrup. The sandwiches were equally delicious.5 stars

  7. Best waffle recipe I’ve tried. Perfect texture and taste. I beat the egg whites with a whisk and I do think it made them fluffier.5 stars

  8. Definitely over 5 star waffles. What a Thanksgiving morning..After making my hubby waffles from Bisquick that was a total packy bomb I looked on google & found this recipe & yes I folded in the egg whites & did everything as asked & they were a success..after 3 hrs making breakfast he’s happy & full, now on to Thanksgiving Dinner is it bed time yet 5 stars

  9. These turned out amazing! I had a late night hankering for something sweet, so I whipped these together really quick. They’re delicious and super fluffy. If I were to make these again, I might add some vanilla extract.5 stars

  10. I am so impressed! I made these with my 9 year old for supper. He was so happy. Really nice crisp on outside but so fluffy and tender inside.5 stars

    1. I haven’t tried keeping the batter in the fridge but I would suggest preparing your wet ingredients (and refrigerate) and dry ingredients, and mix together when you’re ready to make the waffles. If you have leftover batter, I recommend making the rest of the waffles and freezing them made.