Buttermilk waffles are quick and easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. This recipe makes fluffy, flavorful waffles!

plate of buttermilk waffles topped with syrup and fresh berries

If I had to choose on sweet breakfast meal, it would hands down be buttermilk waffles. Normally I like savory breakfasts, but there’s something about waffles that is so satisfying. I think it’s the little pockets holding puddles of maple syrup (kind of like this french toast casserole). Here is my go-to recipe for homemade buttermilk waffles when I want something special for breakfast.

Why this recipe works: Buttermilk and baking powder give these waffles plenty of “lift” or “rise” when cooked, making each waffle perfectly fluffy. The addition of brown sugar and vanilla gives a subtle sweet flavor.

buttermilk waffles ingredients in bowl labeled with text

How to make buttermilk waffles

  1. Whisk together the wet ingredients in one bowl and the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix until combined.
  2. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray, then heat waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Add batter to waffle iron, close and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove waffle from iron and serve warm with syrup and berries.

Wondering what waffle iron to use? I prefer a round Belgian waffle iron because I think the waffles turn out fluffier, but my mom loves her square waffle iron. Both are good choices. It just depends what you prefer!

photo collage demonstrating how to make buttermilk waffles in a mixing bowl and waffle iron

Helpful tips

The secret for crisp and tender waffles is letting the batter rest. The batter will expand and get airy giving the waffles a tender texture. I suggest letting the batter rest for 10 minutes, but it can sit for up to 30 minutes. It’s also important for the ingredient to be room temperature for a more evenly textured batter. However, it is okay if the batter has a few lumps (you don’t want to over-mix it!)

Finally, make sure the waffle iron is nice and hot. Let it heat up for a bit before adding the waffle batter. The hotter the iron, the crisper the waffles. Don’t worry, the waffles will not burn!

hand holding glass pitcher of maple syrup and pouring syrup over stack of waffles with berries

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make waffles fluffy

Use buttermilk and baking soda to make waffles fluffy. Let the batter sit for at least 10 minutes before cooking. Avoid over-mixing the waffle batter.

How to make waffles crispy

Make sure the waffle iron is very hot for crispy waffles. It also helps to let the batter sit before cooking the waffles.

Can you make waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes, waffle batter will keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Make sure it is in an airtight container. The batter will need a stir if it settled at all.

How to freeze waffles

Place waffles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place in the freezer for an hour. Then transfer to a ziplock bag, remove any excess air and freeze for up to 3 months.

two plates with buttermilk waffles one plate with fresh fruit on waffles the other plate with triangle waffles

Related recipes

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I have plenty of recipes to complete your menu. If you have extra buttermilk, I suggest making buttermilk banana bread. You can also try these homemade buttermilk biscuits and serve them with this sausage breakfast casserole, which can easily be made ahead of time.

A quick and healthy breakfast is banana oatmeal pancakes made in a blender. For birthdays, I love making cake mix waffles with sprinkles! If you’re looking for more, check out all my breakfast recipes.

fork holding bite of buttermilk waffles on plate

Buttermilk waffles are easy to make from scratch. Serve them for weekend breakfast with the kids or treat mom to brunch on Mother’s Day! Whatever the occasion, you will surely enjoy these waffles. If you try the recipe, leave a review in the comments and tag @ifyougiveablondeakitchen on social media.

buttermilk waffles topped with maple syrup and fresh berries

Buttermilk Waffles

Buttermilk waffles are quick and easy to make from scratch with simple ingredients. This recipe makes fluffy, flavorful waffles!
5 (3 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) buttermilk, room temperature
  • ½ cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups (218 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Nonstick cooking spray or butter

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, melted butter, eggs and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
  • Let the batter sit for 10 minutes and up to 30 minutes. Heat waffle iron while batter rests.
  • Spray the waffle iron with nonstick spray, then heat waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a ladle to transfer batter to hot waffle iron (a scant ⅓ cup for an 8-inch round iron). Close and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove waffle from iron and serve with syrup and berries.

Notes

Pro tip: Keep waffles warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 250 degrees F oven.
Store waffle batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Stir the batter before using.
Freeze waffles in an airtight zip top bag for up to 3 months.
Serving: 1waffle, Calories: 263kcal, Carbohydrates: 27g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 77mg, Sodium: 502mg, Potassium: 225mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 501IU, Calcium: 120mg, Iron: 2mg

Adapted from NYT Cooking

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