Homemade Waffles

Start your day off right with these fluffy Homemade Waffles! This recipe combines simple ingredients to create light, airy waffles with a hint of cinnamon that'll make your kitchen smell amazing.

In just 15 minutes, you can have a stack of golden, crispy waffles ready to serve. Whether you're cooking for your family on a lazy weekend morning or meal prepping for the week ahead, these waffles are just what you need. Plus, with endless topping options, everyone can customize their plate to their liking!

These homemade waffles have become a weekend tradition in our house. There's something magical about the smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen that brings everyone to the table with smiles on their faces.

Sometimes we go all out with a waffle bar, setting out bowls of fresh berries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream for everyone to customize their own stack. Other times, we keep it simple with just a drizzle of maple syrup. When we're feeling adventurous, we'll even go savory - topping the waffles with fried chicken for a delicious Southern twist!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it fits into our busy lives. I like to make a double batch on Sundays, freeze the extras, and then pop them in the toaster for quick breakfasts during the week. It's a great way to have a homemade breakfast, even on hectic mornings.

What I appreciate most about these waffles is how they bring us together. Whether it's a lazy weekend brunch or a weekday morning dash, there's always time to enjoy a warm, fluffy waffle together. It's a simple pleasure that makes any day feel a little more special.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• All-purpose flour - The simple foundation of our waffles.
• Baking powder - Key for achieving that fluffy interior. Check that it's fresh for maximum lift.
• White granulated sugar - Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning.
• Ground cinnamon - Gives a warm, comforting flavor. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Milk - Whole milk works best, but you can use any type you have on hand.
• Butter - Melted butter adds richness and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Vanilla extract - Enhances the overall flavor. Use pure extract if possible.
• Eggs - Bind the ingredients and contribute to the structure. Room temperature eggs work best.
• Coarse kosher salt - A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors.

How To Make These Homemade Waffles

Let's get started on those fluffy waffles! First, preheat your waffle iron. This ensures it's hot and ready when your batter is prepared.

In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking these together first helps you make sure you get an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.

Now for the wet ingredients. In the same bowl, add milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and eggs. Mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix. A few small lumps are okay – they'll disappear during cooking.

Here's a pro tip: use that leftover melted butter in the bowl to brush your waffle iron. This adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. Just use a pastry brush to apply a thin layer before each waffle.

When you're ready to cook, pour the batter onto the center of the waffle iron. Use just enough to cover the surface – you don't want it overflowing. Close the iron and let it work its magic for 3-6 minutes, depending on your waffle maker's instructions.

Keep an eye on the steam coming from the iron. When it starts to diminish, your waffle is likely done. Most waffle irons also have an indicator light or sound to let you know when it's ready.

As each waffle finishes, transfer it to a serving plate. If you're making a big batch, you can keep them warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.

Remember, waffles are all about customization. Set out a variety of toppings so everyone can create their perfect plate. From fresh berries to chocolate chips, cinnamon whipped cream, or even savory options like bacon or fried chicken, the possibilities are endless!

How To Make Cinnamon Whipped Cream

We serve these with Cinnamon Whipped cream. To make, add 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to a large bowl. With a hand mixer, mix for 2-4 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it dairy-free. Substitute the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or your preferred non-dairy alternative. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Try different flours. Half the all-purpose flour can be swapped for whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. For gluten-free waffles, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer less sweet waffles, reduce the sugar to 1-2 teaspoons. For a different flavor, try using brown sugar or coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
• Experiment with spices. While cinnamon is classic, you could try nutmeg, cardamom, or even a pumpkin pie spice blend for variety.
• Add mix-ins. Fold in chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Add about 1/2 cup of mix-ins per batch.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: You can prepare the fluffy waffle batter the night before and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a quick stir before using, as some separation may occur. This is a great time-saver for busy mornings.

Store: Let any leftover waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag. They'll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the toaster for a quick, crispy breakfast.

Freeze: These homemade fluffy waffles freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They'll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, just toast them straight from the freezer - no need to thaw first.

Recipe Tips

• Don't overmix the batter. A few lumps are fine, and overmixing can lead to tough waffles.
• Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid, giving you super soft waffles.
• Resist the urge to open the waffle iron too early. Wait until the steam subsides to avoid tearing your waffle.
• If you're serving a crowd, keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the batch. Place them directly on the oven rack to maintain crispness.

Why aren't my waffles crispy?

If your waffles are coming out soggy, make sure your waffle iron is hot enough before adding the batter. Also, avoid stacking waffles as they cool - this traps steam and can make them soggy.

My waffles are sticking to the iron. What am I doing wrong?

Make sure to brush your waffle iron with melted butter or oil before each waffle. If you're still having issues, your iron might not be hot enough, or it may need to be replaced if the non-stick coating has worn off.

This easy waffle recipe for waffle maker is all you need to create fluffy homemade waffles. They're perfect for lazy weekends, quick breakfasts, or any time you're craving a special treat. Enjoy your homemade waffle feast!