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. Using buttermilk, this recipe is almost identical to the recipe my dad got from the owner of his favorite breakfast spot in 1957 when he told her he was getting married and wouldn’t be able to afford to eat there anymore. It’s been a family favorite ever since, and I’m making some today with sliced strawberries and real maple syrup. Another favorite topping when I was a kid was canned peaches, drained and run through the blender with some freshly grated nutmeg. My siblings and I called it “Peach Slop.”5 stars

  2. This recipe is the best for making waffles! They are fluffy and extremely GOOD! Thank you, and I will make sure to try the other recipes as well.
    In all Honesty, you deserve 10 STARS!5 stars

  3. Wonderful!! Very clear and simple recipe for great waffles. Reminds me of my Mom’s favorite waffle recipe.5 stars

    1. Hi Steve, I have never tried this recipe with malted powder so I am not sure of the adjustments. Maybe another reader can offer some guidance.

  4. I just made These were my 2 sons and my nephew and they loved them.They were delicious thank you5 stars

  5. These came out absolutely perfect. I think the key really is mixing the egg whites separately.5 stars

  6. These were THE BEST waffles! Crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. Thanks for sharing!5 stars

  7. Great basic recipe. Tastes great alone, or serves as a blank canvas for endless add ins. I didn’t separate the eggs and my waffle still came out fluffy.5 stars

  8. This is a great recipe. I have made it several times and they are perfect .Today, however, all I had was egg whites and no access to an electric beater. I gave up looking for stiff peaks after my arm got tired. Honestly they are still terrific.5 stars

  9. This is now my go to recipe for waffles. So light and crispy, and not too sweet! Also love that I can sub butter for oil.5 stars

  10. can you substitute almond flour for the flour and they still come out ok? my son was just diagnosed with celiac disease and I dont know how to do things with other flours3 stars

  11. I made these today. They are truly delicious! Light and fluffy on the inside, but crisp on the outside. Everyone loved them! This will be my go-to recipe for waffles from now on.5 stars