There’s something undeniably comforting about a stack of warm, fluffy buttermilk waffles. They are the perfect canvas for any toppings you desire, from fresh fruits to a drizzle of maple syrup. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or even a cozy dinner, buttermilk waffles are a delightful treat that can bring a smile to anyone’s face. This recipe is simple, quick, and guarantees a delicious outcome every time. Grab your waffle iron, and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These buttermilk waffles are not just any waffles; they are light, airy, and have a tender crumb thanks to the buttermilk and cornstarch. The addition of baking soda and baking powder gives them that perfect lift, while the hint of vanilla adds a wonderful aroma. The best part? You can whip them up in about 20 minutes, making them perfect for a busy morning or a lazy weekend brunch. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! Customize them with your favorite toppings, and you have a meal that everyone will love.
Gather These Ingredients
To make perfect buttermilk waffles, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools & Equipment Needed
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Waffle Iron: Essential for cooking the waffles to golden perfection.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of sizes for combining ingredients.
- Whisk: Ideal for mixing the dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to a successful recipe.
- Spatula: For flipping the waffles if needed.
Buttermilk Waffles Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat Your Waffle Iron
Start by preheating your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures your waffles will cook evenly and come out crispy on the outside.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, buttermilk, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the egg is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; over-mixing can lead to tough waffles.
Step 5: Cook the Waffles
Once your waffle iron is ready, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a brush of oil. Pour an appropriate amount of batter into the waffle iron (usually about 1/2 to 3/4 cup, depending on the size of your iron). Close the lid and cook the waffles until they are golden brown and crispy, typically around 4-5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the waffles from the iron using a spatula. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like fresh berries, whipped cream, or maple syrup. Enjoy the delightful taste and fluffy texture of these buttermilk waffles!
In-Season Flavor Ideas

To elevate your buttermilk waffles, consider these seasonal flavor ideas:
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries for a burst of sweetness.
- Grilled peaches with a drizzle of honey for a summer twist.
- Spiced apples with cinnamon for a cozy fall vibe.
- Chocolate chips or nut butter swirls for indulgent mornings.
Problems & Prevention
Even the most experienced cooks can face challenges in the kitchen. Here are some common problems and how to prevent them:
- Waffles sticking to the iron: Ensure your waffle iron is adequately greased before pouring in any batter.
- Waffles coming out soggy: Make sure to let the waffles cook until they are golden brown before removing them from the iron.
- Uneven cooking: Ensure your waffle iron is preheated correctly. An iron that isn’t hot enough can lead to unevenly cooked waffles.
- Dense waffles: Be careful not to overmix the batter; this can lead to tough waffles instead of light and fluffy ones.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
If you want to enjoy buttermilk waffles throughout the week, here are some meal prep and storage tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time. Just mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately, then combine them just before cooking.
- Freezing Waffles: Cooked waffles can be frozen. Once they are completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be toasted directly from the freezer.
- Reheating: To reheat frozen waffles, pop them in the toaster or oven until warmed through and crispy.
Reader Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly denser. You might want to start with a blend of both flours to see how you like it.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
Can I make these waffles vegan?
Yes! To make vegan buttermilk waffles, substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and replace buttermilk with plant-based milk mixed with vinegar.
How can I make these waffles crispy?
For extra crispy waffles, you can add a little more cornstarch to the batter or allow them to cook a minute longer in the waffle iron.
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The Last Word
Creating the perfect buttermilk waffles is a delightful journey that leads to a satisfying outcome. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy a delicious and versatile breakfast option that everyone at the table will love. Whether topped with fresh fruits, drizzled with syrup, or served with a dollop of whipped cream, these waffles are sure to become a staple in your home.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up that waffle iron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a warm, fluffy batch of buttermilk waffles. Enjoy every bite!

Buttermilk Waffles
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the canola oil, buttermilk, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined.
- Lightly grease the waffle iron and pour in the batter, cooking until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the waffles and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Equipment
- Waffle Iron
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Notes
- For crispy waffles, add extra cornstarch to the batter.
- Freeze cooked waffles for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
- Use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
