Classic Homemade Waffles
Made with basic pantry ingredients, this quick & easy Classic Homemade Waffles recipe is infused with cinnamon and maple syrup in every bite. Stack them high and enjoy, whether it’s for Sunday brunch or breakfast-for-dinner!
Fluffy Homemade Waffles
There are some waffle recipes that require the careful addition of egg whites and several steps to achieve light, fluffy waffles. And there are yeasted waffles recipes that depend on an overnight rise – although fantastically delicious, not always practical or convenient. But this waffles recipe is not one of those. In fact, I’m pretty sure this is one of the quickest, easiest waffle recipes out there. The batter is simple, made with common ingredients, but I included two secret additions – cinnamon and maple syrup – to give them a touch of warm flavor throughout.
To prepare this Classic Homemade Waffles recipe, just whisk to combine the ingredients, then pour the batter into the hot waffle maker. That’s it. And just a few minutes later, the waffles are ready. This delicious recipe is so quick and easy!
The hardest thing about making waffles is that they can often be time-consuming, especially if you need to feed a large group, since you can only make as many as your waffle maker. So whenever we make these, I like to make a few extra and pop them in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast later. And on those nights I just don’t know what to make for dinner? Breakfast-for-dinner it is!
What You’ll Need
This waffles recipe uses the ingredients you’d expect, as well as a few favorite add-ins for flavor – maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Whole milk – Milk keeps the waffles moist and adds flavor. If you have time, bring your milk to room temperature before you begin making the batter so it incorporates more smoothly with the melted butter. You could also microwave the milk briefly, to take the cold edge off.
- Eggs – Eggs ensure rich, moist waffles, while also providing flavor, structure, and leavening. Same for the eggs– if you have time, it’s best to bring them to room temperature before making the waffle batter.
- Butter – Butter adds delicious richness to the waffles, giving them a more indulgent flavor. It also helps to give a crisper texture.
- Maple syrup – It’s fun to sweeten waffles with maple syrup, rather than some other sweetener. It adds just a touch of that classic maple flavor right into the waffle. If you prefer to use sugar, just substitute the syrup for 2 tablespoons granulated sugar.
- Vanilla – I think that all waffles deserve some vanilla! It enhances the sweetness, plus goes so well with the maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Flour – Flour gives the waffles structure. Be sure to measure using the spoon and level method, as adding too much flour can result in a dry waffle.
- Baking powder – Baking powder helps the waffles rise so they become light and fluffy and tender.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a bit of warmth and spice to the waffles. I tend to shake some cinnamon into all my batters for waffles and pancakes!
How to Make the Best Waffles
Grab your waffle iron. These waffles are super easy to make!
- Preheat the waffle iron. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preheating.
- Prepare the waffle batter. Whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Add in the dry ingredients. Whisk until no large lumps of flour remain, but don’t over mix.
- Cook the waffles. Brush the hot waffle iron plates with melted butter or spray them with nonstick baking spray. Add 1/2 cup batter to the center of the waffle iron. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting the amount of batter and cook time as needed.
Tips for Success
This waffles recipe is very straightforward, but here are a few things to keep in mind.
- Preheat the waffle iron properly. For the waffles to cook properly, with a crisp outside and soft inside, the waffle iron needs to be hot before adding the batter.
- Don’t over mix the batter. Whisk the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Over mixing will cause the batter to lose some fluffiness.
- Keep the waffles warm while the others cook. Making waffles for a crowd? Waffles can be kept warm on a baking sheet in a 200° F oven for up to 30 minutes. Be sure to lay them flat, in a single layer, and not stack them on top of each other. Stacking them traps steam and will cause the waffles to lose their crispness.
Easy Variation Ideas
This homemade waffle recipe keeps it simple, but if you prefer your breakfast with a little extra something, you can easily add in extra ingredients. Be sure to brush the hot waffle iron with melted butter or spray with nonstick baking spray. And then sprinkle a bit of your favorite add-in over the batter after spooning the batter into the waffle maker. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate. Use your preferred chocolate chips – semisweet, dark chocolate, white chocolate, etc.
- Berries. Fresh or frozen berries can be used.
- Cereal. Just sprinkle a bit of your favorite cereal over the batter.
- Make it savory. If you prefer savory waffles, skip the maple syrup and cinnamon. Then add in cheese, chopped bacon, chives, or other savory ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
If you want to keep it classic, enjoy your waffles topped with some butter and maple syrup.
Other waffle toppings include whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, peanut butter, berries, bananas, or any combination of these. Whipped cream and fresh berries is a great combo that we enjoy regularly at our house!
Can I Freeze Homemade Waffles?
Yes, waffles are great for freezing!
I like to make a few extras so there’s some in the freezer for a quick and easy breakfast anytime. (Something that makes our girls VERY happy.) Before freezing, allow them to cool completely to avoid any excess moisture. Then transfer to a freezer baggie and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pull one or two from the freezer and pop in the toaster until heated through, or heat/crisp it up under the broiler in the oven. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the waffles will not be crisp.
How to Store & Reheat Extras
- How to store waffles. Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Allow them to cool first as excess moisture in the container will affect the texture.
- How to reheat waffles. I recommend reheating waffles in the toaster or under the oven’s broiler, which will help to bring back their crispness. If crispness is not a goal, or you’re short on time, use the microwave – just know that the waffle will not be crisp.
More Breakfast Ideas:
- Overnight Egg Bake
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Ripple
- Skillet Fried Potatoes with Bacon and Egg
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
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Homemade Waffles
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups whole milk at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons ¼ cup butter, melted gently and cooled a bit
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon add more if you like!
Instructions
- Preheat waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Next add in the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Whisk just until no large lumps of flour remain. Take care to not over mix.
- Brush hot waffle iron plates with melted butter or lightly spray with nonstick baking spray. Add ½ cup batter to the center of the waffle iron. Cook until the waffle is crisp and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adjusting batter amount and cook time if needed. Waffles can be kept warm in a 200° F oven on a baking sheet, in a single layer, for up to 30 minutes.
Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Or freeze in a freezer safe baggie or container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information:
Andrea and the girls say these are the best waffles. I will have to try these.
Waffles are the best