Simple Fluffy Waffles

This week, I’m sharing breakfast recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. These recipes would be great for Christmas morning, New Year’s Day, or any December morning when you want to make breakfast feel a little more special. We’re starting with these Simple Fluffy Waffles.

The secret to getting waffles especially light and fluffy is separating the eggs. The yolks are mixed into the batter, while the egg whites are whipped until stiff peaks form and then gently folded in at the end. That extra step adds air to the batter and gives the waffles a soft, fluffy interior.

Aside from separating the eggs, this recipe is made with simple pantry staples you probably already have on hand. You only need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and canola oil.

These fluffy waffles are delicious with classic butter and maple syrup, but they are also a great base for flavored syrups and toppings. I have several homemade syrup recipes that pair beautifully with them, and I’m especially partial to my spiced buttermilk syrup. No matter what you choose, these waffles make an easy and delicious breakfast for the holidays or any weekend morning.

• Vanilla Syrup
• Cinnamon Roll Syrup
• Spiced Buttermilk Syrup
• Buttermilk Syrup
• Merry Berry Syrup

Ingredients for Simple Fluffy Waffles

• FLOUR – All-purpose flour gives the waffles their structure while still keeping the inside soft and tender.
• SUGAR – Sugar adds a touch of sweetness and also helps the waffles brown nicely on the outside.
• BAKING POWDER – Baking powder helps the waffles rise and contributes to their light, fluffy texture.
• SALT – Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
• EGGS – The eggs add richness and structure to the batter. Separating the eggs and whipping the whites before folding them in is what helps make these waffles especially fluffy.
• MILK – Milk provides the liquid needed to bring the batter together and helps create a tender texture.
• CANOLA OIL – Canola oil adds moisture and helps keep the waffles soft inside while allowing the exterior to cook up lightly crisp.

Instructions for Simple Fluffy Waffles

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, milk, and canola oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

In a small bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the waffle batter, taking care not to deflate them too much.

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions. Add about 1/2 cup of batter per waffle, or the amount recommended for your waffle maker, and cook until the waffles are golden and crisp on the outside.

Serve the waffles warm with butter, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings. This recipe makes about 9 waffles when using 1/2 cup batter for each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to separate the eggs?
For the fluffiest waffles, yes. Whipping the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter adds extra air and creates a lighter texture.

Can I make these waffles without whipping the egg whites?
You can, but the waffles will be a little more dense. If you are short on time, whisk the whole eggs into the wet ingredients and continue with the recipe.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It is best to cook the waffles soon after folding in the whipped egg whites so you do not lose the air that makes them fluffy.

Can I use a different kind of milk?
Yes. Whole milk, 2%, or 1% all work well. You can also use a plain unsweetened non-dairy milk if needed.

Can I use a different oil instead of canola oil?
Yes. Vegetable oil or another mild-flavored oil can be substituted.

Why are my waffles not fluffy?
The batter may have been overmixed or the egg whites may have been folded in too aggressively. Stir the batter only until combined and fold the whites in gently.

How much batter should I use per waffle?
About 1/2 cup worked well for this recipe, but the exact amount depends on the size of your waffle iron.

How do I keep waffles warm while I cook the rest?
Place the finished waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. This keeps them warm without making them soggy.

Can I freeze leftover waffles?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag with parchment between the layers.

What can I serve on these waffles besides maple syrup?
Try fresh berries, whipped cream, powdered sugar, fruit sauce, peanut butter, Nutella, or a homemade flavored syrup such as buttermilk syrup.

Tips and Tricks

• Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. This is the key to getting the waffles especially light and fluffy. The whites should hold their shape when you lift the beaters.
• Do not overmix the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined. A few small lumps are fine and will help keep the waffles tender.
• Fold the egg whites in gently. Use a spatula and fold rather than stir so you keep as much air in the batter as possible.
• Make sure the waffle iron is fully preheated. A hot waffle iron helps the outside cook up golden and lightly crisp while the inside stays fluffy.
• Keep finished waffles warm in the oven. Place cooked waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest. Avoid stacking them, which can trap steam and make them soft.

For more recipes like this, try:

• Peaches and Crream Waffles
• Easy Blueberry Waffles
• Buttery Golden Buttermilk Waffles
• Cream Waffles

Recipe is adapted from Taste of Home.