The Very Best Waffles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These waffles are incredibly light and airy, with a hint of sweetness and spice. The secret to their fluffiness is the combination of buttermilk, cornstarch, and the careful balance of leavening agents. The separation of the egg white ensures a light and crisp texture that’s hard to beat. They’re easy to make, and the flavor is simply irresistible. Perfect for weekend brunches, holidays, or a special treat, these waffles will quickly become a favorite in your breakfast rotation.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup milk
• 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large egg, separated
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, buttermilk, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the beaten egg white, being careful not to deflate it, until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
7. Lightly grease your waffle iron with cooking spray or a small amount of vegetable oil.
8. Pour the batter onto the preheated waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 3-5 minutes), until golden brown and crisp.
9. Serve the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 waffles (depending on the size of your waffle iron)
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 3-5 minutes per batch
• Total time: 15-20 minutes

Variations

1. Add-ins: Feel free to fold in chocolate chips, berries, or chopped nuts into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
2. Vegan version: Use plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute for a vegan version.
3. Spices: Add more spices like cardamom, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile.
4. Whole wheat waffles: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover waffles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the waffles in the toaster for a quick and easy crisp-up or heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make these waffles without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using as a buttermilk substitute.

2. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a more nutritious version, but the texture may be slightly denser.

3. Can I use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites?

Yes, you can use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the egg whites. Just be sure to beat them until stiff peaks form for the best texture.

4. Can I make this batter ahead of time?

You can make the batter up to 1 hour ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and stir gently before using. However, it’s best to fold in the egg whites right before cooking.

5. How can I make my waffles crispier?

To make your waffles extra crispy, make sure your waffle iron is preheated thoroughly and lightly grease it. Additionally, cooking the waffles slightly longer can give them a crispier texture.

6. Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these waffles gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.

7. Can I add sugar to the waffle batter?

The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of sugar, which provides just a subtle sweetness. You can adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer sweeter waffles.

8. How do I prevent my waffles from sticking to the waffle iron?

Make sure to lightly grease your waffle iron with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent the waffles from sticking.

9. Can I use this batter for pancakes?

Yes, this batter can be used for pancakes. Just adjust the cooking time by cooking them on a griddle or frying pan over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.

10. How do I make waffles for a crowd?

You can make waffles in batches, keeping the cooked waffles warm in the oven at 200°F (93°C) while you cook the remaining batches. Alternatively, you can freeze the waffles and reheat them later.

Conclusion

The Very Best Waffles are light, fluffy, and packed with warm, comforting flavors. With a delicate spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the fluffiness from the egg whites and the tang of buttermilk, these waffles are a breakfast favorite that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them with syrup, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, they’re the perfect way to start your day.

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