This waffle recipe for a waffle maker delivers crisp, golden waffles on the outside and soft, fluffy centers—every single time. In this post, I’m sharing my go-to homemade waffle recipe, tested repeatedly across different waffle irons to ensure consistent results. You’ll learn exactly how to make waffle batter from scratch, the best tips for using a waffle iron, easy flavor variations (including citrus and cozy winter spice), and how to store or freeze leftover waffles for busy mornings. This is a simple, reliable waffle recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust This Recipe (and Why It Works)
- A Little Story Behind This Waffle Recipe
- Why I Love This Homemade Waffle Recipe
- Ingredients Overview (and Why They Matter)
- Variations & Flavor Ideas
- How to Make Waffles in a Waffle Maker
- Expert Tips for Perfect Waffles Every Time
- How to Store & Make Ahead
- Final Thoughts
Why You Can Trust This Recipe (and Why It Works)
As a lifestyle expert and professional recipe developer, I’ve tested countless waffle recipes over the years—at home, for brands, and for everyday breakfasts that actually need to work on real mornings. I’ve made this waffle recipe in Belgian waffle irons, classic waffle makers, and even well-loved older machines. I know where waffle batter goes wrong (too dense, too soft, not crisp enough), and this recipe is built to avoid all of that. I test until perfect, and I only share recipes I truly make on repeat in my own kitchen.
A Little Story Behind This Waffle Recipe
Waffles have always felt like a small luxury in my house—something simple, but special. I started refining this waffle recipe when I wanted something better than boxed mix but just as easy. After many batches (and many breakfasts), this version became the one: easy, quick, adaptable, and dependable. It’s the waffle recipe I use when we go away to the mountains for the weekend, when I’m hosting brunch, and when I want a cozy breakfast that feels elevated without being fussy.
Why I Love This Homemade Waffle Recipe
- Crispy edges with a fluffy interior
- Uses pantry-staple ingredients
- Works in any waffle maker or waffle iron
- Easy to customize with seasonal flavors
- Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
This is a basic waffle recipe done right—no separating egg whites required, but with tips if you want extra lift.
Ingredients Overview (and Why They Matter)
- All-purpose flour: The perfect balance for structure and tenderness
- Baking powder: Gives waffles their rise and airy texture
- Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with browning
- Milk or oat milk: Keeps the waffle batter smooth and pourable
- Eggs (room temperature): Bind the batter and create structure
- Oil or melted butter: Ensures crisp waffles that don’t dry out
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor
Variations & Flavor Ideas
One of my favorite things about this waffle recipe is how adaptable it is:
- Orange or Lemon Zest: Add 1–2 teaspoons to the batter for bright citrus waffles
- Winter Spiced Waffles: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon (plus a pinch of nutmeg)
- Belgian-Style Waffles: Use melted butter instead of oil for richer flavor
- Dairy-Free Waffles: Use oat milk and olive oil or canola oil (instead of butter)
- Extra Fluffy: Separate the eggs, whip egg whites, and gently fold them in
How to Make Waffles in a Waffle Maker
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron.
- Pour batter into the waffle maker and cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately or keep warm on a wire rack in a low oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Waffles Every Time
- Don’t overmix the waffle batter—lumps are okay
- Let the waffle iron fully preheat before adding batter
- Use a wire rack instead of stacking waffles to keep them crisp
- Measure flour correctly (spoon and level) for best texture
How to Store & Make Ahead
- Fridge: Store cooked waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 2 months)
- Reheat: Toast straight from frozen for best texture
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This easy waffle recipe for a waffle maker is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s simple, adaptable, and consistently delicious. Whether you’re making waffles from scratch for a weekend breakfast or freezing a batch for busy mornings, this recipe proves that homemade waffles can be both effortless and exceptional.
If you make it, don’t forget to save, share, and tag me—I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your own kitchen. 🧇✨
Homemade Waffles Recipe (for Waffle Maker)
Crispy, fluffy waffles made in your waffle maker! This easy waffle recipe is perfect for breakfast and can be customized with citrus or cozy spices.
Ingredients
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk (or oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup canola oil, olive oil, or melted butter
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, oil or butter, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Lightly grease your waffle iron if needed.
- Add batter to the waffle maker and cook until golden and crisp (usually 3–5 minutes).
- Serve warm with syrup, fruit, or whipped cream—or freeze for later!
Notes
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
