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. Hi Haleigh, we haven’t personally tried adding berries directly into the better but other readers have with great results! We would love to hear how it turns out for you!

  1. I was looking online for boxed pancake or waffle mix and I came across your recipe. You have convinced me that homemade from scratch is the better choice. I have a round, flip-over, Belgian waffle iron and it does a good job of cooking. I do think you couldn’t go wrong if you amend your basic recipe to incorporate some of the suggestions people have made here. A little freshly ground nutmeg and a sprinkle of cinnamon as well as a teaspoon of vanilla can do wonders for the flavor. Another “trick” for crispy on the outside, tender on the inside waffles is to add a fourth of a cup of cornstarch to the dry ingredients. Remember to have eggs at room temperature when you beat the egg whites. It only takes a minute to whip up a couple of whites even with a manual egg beater. I stir the melted butter into the batter separately just ahead of the egg whites. It makes a silky finish.4 stars

  2. Yum! This recipe creates the PERFECT waffle. They cook up nicely and have that fluffy texture (thank you egg whites!). Great recipe!!5 stars

  3. Y’all!!! Let me tell you something. These are the best waffles. My husband who doesn’t even like waffles said this was the best he’s ever eaten. So, stop tripping, put your bowl and beaters in the freezer the night before so that they are good and cold and whip up those egg whites. Do add a bit of vanilla and cinnamon. And then enjoy with some real maple syrup. Thank you for an awesome recipe. I love your website.5 stars

  4. Holly, these helped us feel like we were at a nice B&B; so good, and easy to do on the spur of the moment when we felt like having a fancier breakfast this morning! Had with air-fried sausage links–so yummy. Thank you! Your recipes are reliably delicious! ☀️5 stars

  5. These were Excellent. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe. Everyone in my family enjoyed them. The only modification that I made was to add 2 tsp of vanilla as several others mentioned. I also heated up syrup with some blueberries for a topping along with some whipped cream. What can I say — waffles are a splurge for me so the extra calories won’t hurt too much :-)5 stars

  6. Best waffle recipe I have made. I can stop looking for a waffle recipe. I will make these again. I added one large peeled and diced apple to make apple waffles.5 stars

  7. I am excited to try this recipe, just waiting for my waffle iron to arrive from Amazon!

    One question. If I freeze any extra waffles do I reheat them in a toaster?

    Thanks, Holly5 stars

  8. Your waffle recipe sounds like my Moms and hers are the best. There are 2 spices she uses Nutmeg and Cinnamon. Try them with the spices they are perfection.

  9. This waffle recipe is one of the best I’ve ever had. Very fluffy and flavorful. But I have one question, can you keep the leftover waffle batter or would it be better to make the waffles and then freeze them?5 stars

  10. It was perfectly fluffy and crispy! There wasn’t one waffle under cooked, over cooked, not crispy, or not fluffy. I am going to give this recipe to all of my friend. I’m bad at cooking but this was pretty smooth sailing for me. Better than my friend’s waffles who is a professional baker.5 stars

  11. Hi, going to be on a time frame when I make these to get my guests to the airport, wondered if I could make the batter the night before? I am worried that the beaten egg whites might not survive an overnight in the fridge.

    1. I would suggest measuring all of the ingredients and then beating the eggs and mixing the batter just before cooking.

  12. I was looking for a recipe that would come out fluffy and light like Eggo’s because that is the waffle of choice for my husband. We both loved them he even though they were Eggo’s which was a great compliment. I used buttermilk and adjusted the recipe as instructed for the use of buttermilk.5 stars

  13. Great flavor! This came out nice and light/fluffy, as promised. Thank you for posting such great recipes. I’ll be trying out many more of your recipes.5 stars

  14. I usually use waffle mix but didn’t have any and tried this recipe. Found a keeper for sure. Took a little more time and effort but it was worth it! It just added more “love” to the outcome (cooking for your family is love)..5 stars