This Buttermilk Waffles recipe is one I’ve made countless times, and it never fails. The buttermilk gives the waffles a soft, airy texture and a hint of tang that balances the sweetness. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels both easy and cozy.
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Why This Recipe Works
I make these Buttermilk Waffles whenever I want a breakfast that feels cozy, classic, and just a little extra special. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Fluffy Inside, Crisp Outside: The texture is everything here. The buttermilk and baking soda work together to make the waffles light and airy inside with a perfectly crisp edge, just like the lift you get in these Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes.
- Tangy Buttermilk Flavor: Buttermilk adds a gentle tang that balances the sweetness and gives the waffles a rich, full flavor. It’s subtle but makes all the difference in every bite.
- Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You probably have everything you need already—flour, eggs, butter, and sugar. Nothing fancy, just a few pantry staples that come together beautifully.
- Easy to Make Ahead: You can mix the batter the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook the waffles fresh in the morning. It’s a great trick for busy weekends or brunch with friends.
- Perfect for Toppings and Twists: These waffles are a blank canvas for anything you love—berries, syrup, or even a scoop of ice cream. And if you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, try my Chocolate Waffles with Cardamom for a spiced, chocolatey version.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of the waffle batter that provides structure and a soft, tender crumb. You can replace part of it with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor.
- Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the waffles brown nicely while cooking. Adjust the amount if you prefer them less sweet.
- Baking Soda – Reacts with the acidity of the buttermilk to create air bubbles, which help the waffles rise and stay soft inside.
- Buttermilk – The key ingredient that gives these waffles their signature tang and fluffy texture. If you don’t have any, make your own by mixing milk with a little vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
- Butter – Adds richness and a crisp, golden edge to the waffles. Melted butter blends easily into the batter. You can use oil instead, but butter gives the best flavor.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy buttermilk. You can swap it for almond extract for a slightly different flavor.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and melted butter, then add eggs and mix until smooth.
- Make the batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Mix until just combined: Gently stir until combined (a few lumps are okay), then fold in the vanilla extract.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter sit for at least 10 minutes to help create light, fluffy waffles.
- Preheat the waffle iron: Lightly grease and preheat your waffle maker according to its instructions.
- Cook the waffles: Add batter to the waffle iron (about 2 tablespoons for mini or ⅓–½ cup for large) and cook until golden and crisp.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with syrup, whipped cream, berries, or your favorite toppings.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Flavor Mix-Ins: I like to stir in mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts before cooking. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for extra flavor.
- Mini Waffles: I love using my mini waffle maker for bite-sized waffles. They cook fast and are perfect for kids or brunch platters.
- Topping Ideas: Try topping with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup. For something fun, go with peanut butter, Nutella, or a drizzle of honey.
What to Serve with Fluffy Buttermilk Waffles
Breakfast
- These Buttermilk Waffles are a weekend favorite and pair beautifully with other breakfast classics. Try them alongside Bacon Pancakes for a sweet and savory combo everyone will love.
- They’re also delicious served with Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Biscuits or Easy Ham and Cheese Crepes for a hearty brunch spread.
- For something indulgent, add a slice of Croissant French Toast Bake on the side.
Sauces & Extras
- Top your waffles with a pat of Sweet & Savory Compound Butter or a spoonful of Homemade Butter Recipe for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- For a sweet touch, serve them with Classic Shortbread Cookie Recipe or a warm Easy Cheese Danish Recipe for a bakery-style breakfast at home.
FAQs
Are buttermilk waffles the same as Belgian waffles?
Not exactly. Belgian waffles are made with yeast and have deeper pockets, while buttermilk waffles are lighter and easier to make. Both are delicious, just slightly different in texture.
Why are my waffles not crispy?
If your waffles are soft, they may need a little more time in the waffle iron. You can also place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crisp while you finish the batch.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the batter and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a gentle stir before cooking the next morning for fresh, fluffy waffles.
What’s the best way to keep waffles warm while cooking the rest?
Place cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm and crisp until you’re ready to serve.
Can I make these waffles savory?
Yes. Skip the sugar and vanilla, then add shredded cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon bits. They make a great base for fried chicken or eggs.
How long do they keep?
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap them individually or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes – These Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes are thick, soft, and irresistibly tender. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect for breakfast.
- Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze – These incredibly luscious Apple Fritters with Vanilla Lemon Glaze combine pillowy dough with sweet apples and a citrusy glaze.
- Zucchini Fritters Recipe – This Zucchini Fritters Recipe is my favorite way to turn fresh zucchini into something crispy, savory, and totally irresistible. They’re simple, fast, and full of flavor. The crispy parmesan crust makes all the difference.
- Easy French Toast With Caramelized Bananas – This recipe for Easy French Toast With Caramelized Bananas is almost too good to be true. Top this decadent breakfast with maple syrup and whipped cream.
If you try this buttermilk waffles recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Buttermilk Waffles Recipe
Servings: 6 servings
This Buttermilk Waffles recipe is one I’ve made countless times, and it never fails. The buttermilk gives the waffles a soft, airy texture and a hint of tang that balances the sweetness. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels both easy and cozy.
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar, or add less for less sweet
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups buttermilk, see notes to make your own
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 ½ tablespoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
- In another medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and butter. Add eggs and stir until combined.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and gently stir together until just combined (it’s ok if there will still be lumps). Fold in vanilla. Let batter rest for at least 10 minutes.
- Spray a waffle iron with non-stick cooking spray, then preheat.
- Mini waffle iron: pour in 2 tablespoons of batter, (or until batter reached about ½ inch to the edge of the iron). Cook until ready. The light will indicate when cooked.
- Large waffle iron: pour about ⅓ – ½ cup of batter into the waffle iron (or until batter reached about ½ inch to the edge of the iron). The light will indicate when cooked.
- Top with whipped cream, syrup, and berries or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Let the batter rest for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps the leavening agents activate and gives the waffles a lighter texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter. A few small lumps are fine and will keep the waffles tender instead of dense.
- Preheat the waffle iron fully before adding the batter. A hot iron ensures even cooking and crisp edges.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron between batches to prevent sticking and help the waffles release easily.
- Measure the batter carefully. Too much can overflow, while too little won’t fill the waffle iron evenly.
- Keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack. This keeps them crisp while you finish the rest.
- For extra crispy waffles, let them cook a little longer or toast them briefly after cooling.
- Make your own buttermilk if needed by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Put the leftover buttermilk in your fridge to use in a batch of mashed potatoes, homemade biscuits, scones, ranch dressing, and pancakes.
- Add-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts can be folded into the waffle batter for variety.
- Freeze leftovers in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp.
Katie datskaya
So soft and delicious! Topped off with some raspberry jam! Yum! And I even got to make my own buttermilk 😉
lena gladstone
So happy to hear that Katie. Love that you made the buttermilk with my easy tips.
Verochka
These are the only waffles I make. Light, fluffy and delicious. Makes a perfect brunch topped with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
lena gladstone
So glad to hear that you love this recipe too Verochka. Thank you for giving it a try,
mariham
The BEST waffles you’ll ever make! One of our family favorites
lena gladstone
I love this recipe so much, one of my favorites. So happy you loved it too Mariham.
Daniel
The best recipe! I make pancakes too and all my kids love it!
lena
Daniel, I’m so glad you enjoyed it and as well as the kiddos! It’s one of our absolute favorites.
Edita Chuklanov
I love how fluffily they get, great ratios on the recipe. Kids and adults approved!
lena
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try Edita, I love to hear that it was enjoyed by kids and adults.
Lori
These were amazing. The batter was super fluffy. We made some with cooked bacon in the batter, and some with chocolate chips. Loved both! Great flavor. We cooked the rest of the batter the next day. Delicious!
lena
I love this recipe so much, one of my favorites. So happy you loved it too.
Lesya
I love the recipe!! Kids ate them right out of the waffle maker! ? New weekend brunch recipe! Thank you Lena ❤️
Olga
Very fluffy, flavorful and delicious waffles. I used GF 1 to 1 flour and they came out incredible. Quick and easy recipe. Will be a staple for breakfast in our family for sure. Thank you Lena!