The Best Waffles Ever

Recipe by Charles Hambrick
111 Reviews 3.7 out of 5 stars

First served at one of Washington, D.C.’s famed hotels, this waffle recipe earns its name: They’re crisp and golden on the outside with a soft, light, airy interior — perfect for soaking up maple syrup. A touch of vegetable oil helps them stay crisp even as they cool. Buttermilk adds a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the syrup we inevitably pour over the hot stack, while yellow cornmeal lends a subtle golden hue and a delicate, pleasantly unexpected crunch in the waffles. (In a pinch, you can substitute cornstarch; the waffles will still be tender.)

Prep
10 mins
Total
25 mins
Yield
5 large (7") Belgian waffles; or 7 medium (5") square American-style waffles
The Best Waffles Ever
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Instructions

Prevent your screen from going dark as you follow along.

  1. Grease and preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.

  2. In a large bowl, beat together the egg yolks, buttermilk, butter and oil until well combined.

  3. In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the dry ingredients.

  4. Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. (A dough whisk is a helpful tool here.) Don't beat the batter; it's unnecessary and will make for tougher waffles.

  5. Beat the egg whites until stiff and then gently fold them into the batter.

  6. Bake the waffles according to your waffle iron's instructions. To keep finished waffles crisp as you continue baking, place them in a preheated 200°F oven, directly on the rack.

  7. Serve the waffles while they're still warm, with butter, maple syrup, and your favorite waffle toppings, as desired. Freeze leftover waffles for longer storage.

Tips from our Bakers

  • Want to prepare waffle batter the night before, then make waffles in the morning? Separate the eggs, then beat together the egg yolks, buttermilk, butter, and oil. Whisk together the dry ingredients and add to the wet ingredients. Cover and refrigerate the batter (and egg whites) overnight. Next morning, let the batter and eggs whites come to room temperature while the waffle iron preheats. Beat the whites until medium peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter. Cook waffles as directed. 

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