Buttermilk Waffles

Name: Buttermilk Waffles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 2 cups buttermilk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Cooking spray or additional melted butter for greasing the waffle iron

Homemade Buttermilk Waffles are golden and crisp on the outside yet soft and fluffy in the center! Easy to make and rich in flavor, they’re better than anything you’ll find in a box. Serve them warm with your favorite toppings!

close up image of buttermilk waffles topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries, syrup and a slab of butter.

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If you have a waffle iron in your kitchen, here’s another excellent excuse to pull it out! These classic buttermilk waffles provide all the elements of a perfect homemade waffle. They’re fluffy on the inside while golden brown and crispy on the outside. However, they’re extra flavorful thanks to the addition of tangy buttermilk!

This easy buttermilk waffle recipe can easily be doubled to serve a large crowd. Or, keep them on hand for busy mornings when you need something quick.

This waffle recipe is already super easy, but I also recommend checking out all of my Secrets to Making The Very Best Crispy Waffles so they turn out perfect every single time!

top down image of buttermilk waffles topped with fresh blueberries and strawberries, syrup and a slab of butter.

Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

I love the fact that just like homemade pancakes, these buttermilk waffles only require simple pantry staple ingredients and can be enjoyed as a dessert, too! Turn this favorite breakfast food into a decadent sweet treat with a choice of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chocolate chips – the options are endless!

The use of buttermilk instead of whole milk adds a tangy twist to the waffle batter, making it even better than your local diner’s recipe. The end result is a tender waffle that’s tangy with just a hint of sweetness you’ll love.

If the idea of starting your day with a warm and fluffy waffle sounds like a slice of heaven, be sure to also try my Bisquick Pumpkin Waffles, Chocolate Chip Waffles, or Strawberry Waffles. There’s something for everyone!

Ingredients for Buttermilk Waffles

See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

All-purpose flour – All-purpose flour is the best for making light and crispy waffles, but you could use cake flour or pastry flour instead. 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free flour is ideal when catering to those with gluten sensitivities.
Granulated sugar – Light brown sugar is another option.
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Large eggs – Bring to room temperature for better mixing. Here’s the best way to crack an egg!
Buttermilk – This tangy buttermilk cuts through some of the sweetness and also adds moisture, richness, and flavor! Milk can be used instead, but the difference is noticeable.
Unsalted butter – Allow your melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the waffle batter. Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil could also be used.
Vanilla extract
Cooking spray – Or additional melted butter for greasing the waffle iron.

Variations

Make chocolate waffles by adding 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the batter. You may need to adjust the liquids in this recipe when making this variation as cocoa powder absorbs moisture.
Add some warmth to these buttermilk waffles by including 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the batter.
For extra sweetness and churro flavor, brush the freshly cooked waffles with melted butter and dip both sides in a shallow plate of cinnamon sugar!
Consider add-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and fruit (fresh or frozen blueberries, chopped strawberries, or mashed bananas).
Use whole milk instead of buttermilk, or make buttermilk from scratch by mixing whole milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice.

flour mix with a whisk in a large glass bowl.

How to Make Buttermilk Waffles

Preheat the waffle iron: Plug in your waffle maker to preheat. Follow the manufacturer’s directions about heating the waffle iron.
Make the waffle batter: Whisk the dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the beaten eggs with the rest fo the wet ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and gently stir just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter!
Cook the waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron, and pour an appropriate amount of batter into the center of the waffle iron. Check the manufacturer’s guide for the amount of batter to use (it’s usually about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of batter per waffle). Close the lid, and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the waffles are golden brown and crispy.
Remove and repeat: Carefully remove the cooked waffle from the iron using a fork or a spatula, and transfer it to a cooling rack or plate. Cover it with a kitchen cloth to keep it warm! Then, grease the iron again, and repeat the process until all the waffle batter is cooked.
Serve: Serve your buttermilk waffles with your choice of delicious toppings!

Quick Tip

Preparing your waffle maker is key! Always preheat the waffle maker before adding the batter, and allow the waffle maker to reheat for 1-2 minutes between cooking waffles. You’ll know the iron is hot enough when you can flick water onto the surface and it sizzles and evaporates. It’s also good to lightly spray your waffle maker with non-stick spray each time you make a waffle to prevent it from sticking!

How to Store Buttermilk Waffles

Once cooled, transfer leftover buttermilk waffles to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Or, freeze your waffles for up to 2 months. To do so, place them on a baking sheet, and transfer them to the freezer for a few hours or until solid. Then, place the waffles in a sealable bag with a sheet of parchment paper in between each waffle, and store them in the freezer.

To reheat, warm your waffles thawed or frozen in a toaster, the microwave, or in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many delicious ways to top buttermilk waffles! Here are a few of our favorites:

Chocolate syrup, maple syrup, or honey
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
Sliced bananas
Cinnamon sugar
Peanut butter
Chocolate chips
Chopped nuts
Caramel sauce or Dulce de leche

FAQs

What is the difference between a waffle and a Belgian waffle?

The size and thickness differ between regular waffles and Belgian waffles. Waffles are typically about 4 inches in width and ½ inch thick. Meanwhile, Belgian waffles are larger, about 6 inches in width and 1 inch thick. Belgian waffles also have deeper pockets to hold more syrup and toppings.

Can these buttermilk waffles be heated in a toaster?

Yes, if the toaster can fit the size of a waffle. If it can’t, cut the waffle down to size or toast it in a regular oven.

Should I let the waffle batter rest?

This recipe includes baking powder and baking soda, so there is no need to rest the batter before cooking the waffles. Waffle batter without baking powder or soda should rest for about 10 minutes to thicken and ensure the waffles become light and fluffy.

Can I use this waffle batter to make pancakes?

Absolutely! While this recipe is meant for a waffle iron, it can double as a pancake recipe as well. However, if you are looking to make pancakes, you might as well use our Best Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes recipe to make the real thing!