The vanilla waffles are a delicious twist on the classic breakfast waffle with rich, warm flavor that’s perfect anytime in the morning. These waffles are soft, fluffy and fragrant with the faintest whisper of vanilla. The best part? They are easy to make, you can customize them to be delicious, with different toppings, and they can be made in just a few simple steps. Let’s start on this simple vanilla waffle recipe that we know will be a hit with the whole family!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make roughly 4 servings of these fluffy vanilla waffles:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Waffle Maker
First, preheat your waffle maker. Before you start, make sure your waffle maker is clean — here’s a quick guide on how to clean your waffle maker to keep your waffles tasting fresh every time. For the best cooking results, follow the manufacturer’s directions for your particular model. Grease it slightly with a little bit of oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Whisk until combined for light, fluffy waffles.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then add in the milk, the melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Mix it until everything is blended together.
Mix the Wet and the Dry
Add the wet ingredients to the bowl of dry ingredients. With a spatula, fold the batter gently until just combined. Don’t overmix, though — that will give you tough waffles instead of soft and fluffy ones.
Cook the Waffles
Ladle the batter into the preheated waffle maker, depositing it evenly (note: about ½ to ¾ cup batter per waffle depending on size of your waffle maker). Close the waffle maker and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crispy on the outside — 3 to 5 minutes, depending on your iron.
Serve Warm with Topping of Your Choice
Gently remove the waffles with a fork or spatula, and then enjoy tops with your favorite toppings immediately!
Vanilla Waffles with Topping Ideas
The thing I love about vanilla waffles is they are versatile, and they go beautifully with a wide range of toppings. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Fresh Fruits: Berries, banana slices or diced peaches lend a bright burst of flavor.
Maple Syrup: Traditional and never failing maple syrup also matches the amortization of the vanilla flavor in the waffle.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream provides a light, creamy contrast.
Chocolate Chips: For a kid-friendly treat!
Nut Butter: Adds protein and nutty twist: almond or peanut butter.
Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar lends a simple, elegant touch.
The Best Vanilla Waffle: Tips for Success
Use Pure Vanilla Extract:
If you want the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract, not imitation vanilla. Real vanilla really adds to the flavor. Want to take these vanilla waffles up a notch? Check out these tips to make your waffles taste even better for more flavor-boosting ideas.
Avoid Overmixing:
Stir the batter only as much as needed to combine the ingredients; overmixing will result in denser waffles. Overmixing is a common mistake and can lead to dense waffles. Learn more about why your waffles might turn out hard and how to get them fluffy every time.
Keep Waffles Warm:
If you’re making a number of batches, keep the waffles warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (about 200 degrees) until it’s time to serve.
Add a Pinch of Cinnamon:
If you prefer a hint of spiciness, in the batter you can mix a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Use Buttermilk for Tanginess:
For a little bit of a tangy kick, you can replace the regular milk with buttermilk. It gives it that added fluffiness and richness.
Why You Should Make Vanilla Waffles
Vanilla will not just make your waffle batter smell pleasant, it will also complement the overall taste. You simply can’t go wrong with the mild flavor of vanilla, which complements any topping and makes every bite feel like a treat. Best of all, they’re simple to whip up and easy to customize, for busy weekday mornings or special weekend breakfasts.
With this recipe, you’ll be well on your way to impressing with a plate of warm, fluffy vanilla waffles! Share them with friends and family, and don’t be shy about trying out toppings. Happy waffle-making!
FAQs
Can I use any kind of milk in this recipe?
Yes! You can use regular milk, but you can also try buttermilk or even a dairy-free milk like almond milk. Buttermilk makes the waffles extra fluffy and gives them a little tangy taste.
Why do I need to melt the butter before adding it?
Melting the butter makes it easier to mix with the other ingredients. If the butter is too hard, it won’t mix well and the batter won’t be smooth.
Do I have to use vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract gives the waffles their special flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can still make the waffles. They just won’t have that soft vanilla taste.
How do I stop the waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?
Before you pour the batter, lightly spray the waffle maker with oil or non-stick spray. That way, the waffles will come out easily without breaking.
What can I put on top of vanilla waffles?
You can add fruits like bananas or strawberries, syrup, chocolate chips, whipped cream, or even peanut butter. You can choose your favorite toppings!
Can I save the waffles for later?
Yes! Let them cool down first, then keep them in a container or zip bag in the fridge. You can warm them up in the toaster or oven when you’re ready to eat.
Why did my waffles turn out flat or hard?
This usually happens when you mix the batter too much. Stir it gently, just until everything is mixed. Too much stirring makes the waffles heavy and not fluffy.
How long do I cook the waffles?
Each waffle takes about 3 to 5 minutes to cook, depending on your waffle maker. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks golden brown and crispy outside.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to use the batter right away. But if you really need to, you can keep it in the fridge for a few hours. Just give it a gentle stir before using it.
