Buttermilk Waffles

published Dec 21, 2021
summer
Buttermilk waffle
Credit: Photo: Danielle Acken | Food Stylist: Aurelia Louvet

These buttermilk waffles are fluffy and rich, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or dessert.

Makes8 to 10 waffles

Prep5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook20 minutes to 30 minutes

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Buttermilk waffle
Credit: Photo: Danielle Acken | Food Stylist: Aurelia Louvet

In my house, waffles are beloved. Not only do we eat them for breakfast and brunch, but I’ve also been known to use them as a base for an ice cream sundae, or pair them with a piece of Nashville hot chicken.

Here, I’ll teach you how to make the very best buttermilk waffles. Grab your waffle iron and some pantry staples, and let’s get started!

How Do You Make Buttermilk Waffles from Scratch? 

Start by melting butter in the microwave, then prepare the batter while it cools. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Whisk the butter into the wet ingredients.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and whisk to combine. When the waffle maker is piping hot, spray the surface with cooking spray, then pour in 1/2 cup of batter per waffle. Cook the waffles until golden-brown, then repeat until you’ve used all the batter.

Credit: Photo: Danielle Acken | Food Stylist: Aurelia Louvet

How Does Buttermilk Affect Waffles?

Not only does buttermilk give the waffle its signature tang, but the acid in the buttermilk also works with the leaveners (baking soda and powder) to help the waffle rise, giving it the fluffiest interiors.

Can You Substitute Milk for Buttermilk in Waffles? 

No buttermilk? While it may be tempting to substitute milk, you’ll be missing out on the acid buttermilk provides. To combat this, make your own buttermilk by combining milk (or cream, for a richer waffle) with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

These buttermilk waffles are fluffy and rich, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, dinner, or dessert.

Prep time 5 minutes to 10 minutes

Cook time 20 minutes to 30 minutes

Makes 8 to 10 waffles

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons

    (1 stick) unsalted butter

  • 2 1/4 cups

    all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons

    granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon

    baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon

    baking soda

  • 2

    large eggs

  • 2 cups

    buttermilk

  • 2 teaspoons

    vanilla extract

  • Cooking spray

  • Serving options: butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream

Instructions

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  1. Heat a waffle iron to medium-high heat. Meanwhile, make the waffle batter.

  2. Cut 1 stick unsalted butter into 4 pieces and place in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until melted, 45 seconds to 1 minute. (Alternatively, melt on the stovetop.) Let cool a bit while you prepare the batter.

  3. Place 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

  4. Place 2 large eggs, 2 cups buttermilk, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract in a medium bowl, and whisk to combine. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the butter and whisk until combined. Pour into the flour mixture and whisk until just combined, thick, and smooth.

  5. When the waffle iron is ready, coat the surface with cooking spray. Pour in the amount of batter recommended by the manufacturer into the center of the iron. Close the lid and cook until the waffle is golden-brown and cooked through.

  6. When the waffle is ready, remove from the iron to a wire rack. If not serving immediately as they are made, place directly on a rack in a 200ºF oven to keep warm. Repeat making waffles with the remaining batter, coating the waffle iron with more cooking spray before each waffle.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Cooked waffles can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 4 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. Rewam in a 300ºF oven until heated through.