Light, fluffy, and perfectly golden, these BEST Buttermilk Waffles are the ultimate breakfast treat that will charm every waffle lover at the table. With their crisp edges and tender interiors, this homemade recipe strikes just the right balance between classic comfort and impressive brunch fare. The tangy buttermilk lends a subtle depth, and the rich aroma of butter and vanilla makes each bite pure joy. Whether you’re cooking up a cozy weekend family meal or serving a crowd, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for the BEST Buttermilk Waffles every single time!

BEST Buttermilk Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What truly makes the BEST Buttermilk Waffles shine is the carefully chosen, simple ingredients. Each one plays a pivotal role in creating the signature fluffiness, crispness, and rich flavor that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure, forming the base for tender waffles with a soft crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness for balance and helps with browning for that gorgeous golden color.
Baking powder: Gives the waffles a lovely rise and guarantees they’re lofty instead of flat.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to create extra lift and a gentle tang.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the waffles from tasting bland.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while helping to achieve that signature light texture.
Buttermilk: The secret to the BEST Buttermilk Waffles—adds incredible moistness and a delicious subtle tang.
Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Brings richness to every bite and helps the waffles crisp up beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Infuses every waffle with irresistible, classic aroma and warmth.

How to Make BEST Buttermilk Waffles

Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Iron

Start by turning on your waffle iron, letting it heat up fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This allows your batter to crisp instantly when it hits the iron, making all the difference in texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt, setting the stage for seriously fluffy waffles.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is silky smooth. This luscious liquid mixture is what gives the BEST Buttermilk Waffles their melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, then stir until just combined. Don’t overmix! It’s completely fine (even preferred) if there are a few little lumps—the less you stir, the lighter your waffles.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Lightly grease your hot waffle iron with a bit of non-stick spray or melted butter. Ladle the batter onto the iron, close the lid, and cook according to your machine’s instructions until the waffles are deep golden and crisp. As each waffle is done, transfer it to a wire rack in a low oven to keep them crispy if you’re making a big batch!

How to Serve BEST Buttermilk Waffles

Garnishes

There’s something magical about dressing up your BEST Buttermilk Waffles! Try a pat of good butter melting into the crevices, a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup, clouds of whipped cream, or a tumble of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. For extra sparkle, a dusting of powdered sugar always does the trick!

Side Dishes

Waffles love company! Serve them alongside crispy bacon, savory breakfast sausage, hash browns, or even a fluffy scramble. For a lighter meal, add a bowl of yogurt and some fruit—everyone gets to build their perfect plate!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow a brunch crowd, cut your waffles into quarters and offer a DIY topping bar with fruit compotes, flavored syrups, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts. Mini waffle stacks with toothpicks make adorable bite-sized party treats too. These BEST Buttermilk Waffles are a showstopper however you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra waffles, you’re in luck: they store beautifully. Allow them to cool completely, then stack with parchment between each and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, preserving their texture and flavor.

Freezing

BEST Buttermilk Waffles freeze incredibly well! Once cooled, arrange waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy homemade waffles on any busy morning.

Reheating

To restore that just-cooked magic, pop waffles straight from the fridge or freezer into a toaster or toaster oven. Toast on medium until heated through and edges are crisp again—no soggy waffles here!

FAQs

Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by adding 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 2 cups of milk, letting it sit for a few minutes. This mimics the tang and acidity that makes the BEST Buttermilk Waffles so special.

How do I avoid soggy waffles?

Once cooked, place waffles directly on a wire rack (never stacked) in a low oven to keep that irresistible crunch until you’re ready to serve. Stacking hot waffles causes steam to get trapped, making them soft.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Absolutely! For ultimate convenience, you can whip up the batter and keep it refrigerated for up to 1 hour. Give it a tender stir before using, and your BEST Buttermilk Waffles will turn out just as fluffy and fresh.

What toppings go best with these waffles?

Fresh berries, classic maple syrup, whipped cream, toasted nuts, fruit compote, and even a scoop of ice cream make fabulous toppings for BEST Buttermilk Waffles. Feel free to get creative and let everyone customize their own!

Can I use this recipe for pancakes?

Great news: absolutely! The same batter makes delightfully fluffy pancakes—just ladle it onto a hot griddle and cook until bubbles form, then flip. Expect all that signature buttermilk flavor in every bite.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a waffle devotee or seeking a new breakfast tradition, these BEST Buttermilk Waffles deserve a spot in your recipe collection. They’re easy to make, infinitely customizable, and guaranteed to bring warm smiles to the table. Give them a try this weekend—you won’t be disappointed!

BEST Buttermilk Waffles Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These BEST Buttermilk Waffles are a delightful breakfast treat that are fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch!

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; do not overmix.
Cook Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle iron, pour the batter, and cook according to your waffle iron’s directions until golden brown and crisp.
Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.