Some mornings just deserve waffles. Not the frozen kind you pop in the toaster and hope for the best — I mean the real deal: tall stacks of golden, fluffy, slightly tangy waffles straight off the iron. This classic buttermilk waffles recipe is the one that fills your kitchen with that warm, buttery aroma and makes everyone linger at the table just a little longer.
When I was growing up, Sunday mornings were for sleeping in and for waffles. My mom would wake up early, whip up her buttermilk batter, and fire up the old waffle iron. I can still hear the satisfying sizzle as the batter hit the hot plates and smell the faint sweetness of vanilla and butter wafting through the house. By the time she set the stack on the table — steaming and golden — it didn’t even matter if it was raining outside. It felt like sunshine.
So here we are. I’m passing along that feeling, one bite at a time.
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Fluffy & Golden: The Best Classic Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these classic buttermilk waffles are the ultimate cozy breakfast. Slightly tangy from real buttermilk and easy to make, they’re perfect for weekend brunch or a weekday treat.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 waffles 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
½ cup melted unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your waffle iron.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until combined.
Pour wet ingredients into the dry and stir gently — don’t overmix.
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form, then fold them gently into the batter.
Lightly grease the waffle iron with butter and pour batter in, cooking according to your waffle iron’s instructions until golden and crisp.
Serve warm with syrup, butter, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Don’t skip beating the egg whites — it makes the waffles extra fluffy.
The batter can be made a few hours ahead and kept in the fridge.
Leftover waffles freeze beautifully; just reheat in a toaster or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle iron
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Why You’ll Love This Classic Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
These waffles strike that perfect balance: crispy on the outside, soft and airy inside. The buttermilk gives them a subtle tang that keeps them from tasting overly sweet, which makes them ideal for piling on fresh berries, a drizzle of real maple syrup, or even a dollop of whipped cream. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for weekday mornings but special enough for weekend brunch.
The Secret to Great Classic Buttermilk Waffles
Here’s the little secret: it’s all in the buttermilk and the technique. Buttermilk not only adds flavor but also reacts with the baking soda to create light, tender waffles with just the right amount of chew. And don’t skip letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking — it helps the gluten relax and results in fluffier waffles.
Another pro move? Separate the eggs. Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold them gently into the batter. It takes an extra five minutes but gives you that irresistible cloud-like interior that soaks up syrup beautifully without turning soggy.
Pro Tips to Nail It Every Time
- Preheat your waffle iron properly. If it’s not hot enough, you’ll get pale, limp waffles. Let it fully heat up — even past the indicator light — for the best crispness.
- Don’t overmix. Lumps in the batter are your friend here. Overmixing develops too much gluten and makes the waffles tough.
- Keep them warm. If you’re making a big batch, pop finished waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to stay warm and crisp while you finish the rest.
- Use real buttermilk. Sure, you can fake it with milk and lemon juice, but true buttermilk gives that authentic tang and texture you’re looking for.
For more serving ideas and presentation inspo, check out this beautiful waffle board on Pinterest — it’s full of creative ways to make your breakfast shine.
Fun Variations to Try
While I’ll always swear by the classic, it’s fun to play around once in a while:
- Chocolate chip waffles: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the batter right after pouring it onto the iron.
- Savory cheddar-chive waffles: Fold in shredded sharp cheddar and chopped fresh chives for a perfect brunch twist.
- Spiced autumn waffles: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the batter for a cozy fall vibe — especially good with apple butter.
If you’re in the mood to switch it up, my best fluffy pancakes recipe is another breakfast favorite you can’t miss — soft, tall, and just as cozy
Final Thoughts
There’s something timeless about a plate of warm, homemade waffles. They feel both indulgent and comforting — like a hug you can eat. This classic buttermilk waffles recipe isn’t just breakfast; it’s a ritual, a way to slow down and savor a simple pleasure. Whether you’re making them for family, friends, or just yourself, you’re crafting more than a meal. You’re creating memories — one crispy, fluffy bite at a time.
So dust off that waffle iron and give yourself (and anyone lucky enough to join you) a morning to remember. You won’t regret it.
