We have a waffle iron that only comes out on the good weekends. The batter is a close cousin of my pancakes, but waffles have something pancakes do not, all those crisp pockets that hold pools of syrup and melted butter.

The outside shatters a little when you cut in, and the inside stays soft and light. My kids like to pull them apart square by square.

I make the batter while the iron heats, and by the time everyone wanders to the table there is a stack keeping warm in the oven. Some mornings just call for the sound of a waffle iron and a slow cup of coffee.

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Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Waffles

Crisp on the outside, soft and light inside.
The buttermilk gives them a gentle tang and good rise.
Batter comes together in one bowl in minutes.
Freeze the extras for quick weekday breakfasts.

Ingredients for Buttermilk Waffles

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/3 cup butter, melted

How to Make Buttermilk Waffles

Heat your waffle iron. It needs to be fully hot before the batter goes in.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, and melted butter until blended.
Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. A few lumps are fine. Do not overmix.
For lighter waffles, separate the eggs, whisk the whites to soft peaks, and fold them in at the end.
Pour batter onto the hot iron and cook until the steam stops rising and the waffle is deep golden, following your iron’s guidance.
Move finished waffles to a rack in a 200°F oven to keep them crisp while you cook the rest. Do not stack them, or they steam and go soft.

Tips

A tablespoon of cornstarch in the flour helps them crisp up and stay that way.
Let the batter rest 5 minutes while the iron heats so it thickens slightly.
Keep waffles on a rack, not stacked, so trapped steam does not soften them.
Freeze cooled waffles and reheat them right in the toaster.

Frequently Asked Questions

No buttermilk? Stir 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice into 2 cups of milk and let it sit 5 minutes.

Why are my waffles soggy? Usually the iron was not hot enough, or they were stacked after cooking. Use a hot iron and cool them on a rack.

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