Easy Waffles recipe : Light, Crispy and Perfect Every Time
This waffle recipe proves that simple ingredients can create pure joy.
Light, crispy, and endlessly customisable, these waffles bring a touch of Parisian sweetness to your home, whether for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent family snack.
Cyril Lignac’s Easy Waffles : Light, Crispy and Perfect
There’s something irresistibly comforting about homemade waffles. That golden crisp on the outside, the fluffy softness inside, and the sweet aroma that fills the kitchen.
This easy waffle recipe by Cyril Lignac is a true classic: simple to make, perfect for beginners and families, and absolutely foolproof.
I discovered it over 17 years ago in his cookbook Cuisine Attitude, a thoughtful gift from my husband after a trip to Paris.
Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, a weekend tradition we never tire of.
Whether topped with chocolate sauce, fresh fruit, salted caramel, or maple syrup, each bite offers a delightful contrast of texture and flavour: crispy, soft, and utterly indulgent.
Ingredients for Perfect Waffles
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour : the base for light, fluffy waffles. You can also use gluten-free flour if preferred.
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g / 2 tsp) : helps the waffles puff up beautifully and stay airy.
- 35 g (3 tbsp) sugar : a touch more than usual for a golden, caramelised crust. Adjust to taste.
- 2 large eggs : they bind the batter and add richness and structure.
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk : makes the batter smooth and creamy. Plant-based milk also works.
- 60 g (¼ cup) melted butter : slightly less than the original 125 g for a lighter version without sacrificing flavour.
- 1 pinch of salt : enhances the sweetness and balances the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this golden waffles
- Combine the dry ingredients : In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Add the eggs : Beat the eggs lightly and incorporate them into the dry mixture. Whisk until it starts to form a smooth batter.
- Pour in the milk gradually : Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps and create a silky consistency.
- Add the melted butter and salt : Stir in the melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Rest the batter : Cover and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes, this step makes the texture lighter and less runny.
- Cook the waffles : Preheat your waffle maker, pour a ladle of batter onto the plates, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve and enjoy : Serve immediately with your favourite toppings, from homemade jam to melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
My First Tries : Learning to Master Cyril Lignac’s Waffles
Cyril Lignac’s waffle recipe is wonderfully simple and easy, but when it came to cooking, let’s just say things got a little messy, haha!
- Sometimes the batter overflowed.
- Other times, I opened the waffle maker too soon and everything stuck.
- And a few times, I let them cook a bit too long, though that made one little boy very happy. My son, who was just two and a half at the time, absolutely loved them!
I didn’t stop after one or two tries. Oh no, it became a regular ritual — waffles every three or four days until I finally perfected the amount of batter to pour and the ideal cooking time for that flawless golden colour.
Waffles Made in the Thermomix : Quick and Foolproof Method
- Combine the dry ingredients
- Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the Thermomix bowl.
- Mix for 10 seconds / speed 5 to blend evenly.
- Add the eggs
- Crack in the eggs and mix for 5 seconds / speed 9 until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the milk
- Remove the measuring cup, set the Thermomix to 15 seconds / speed 9, and gradually pour in the milk through the lid.
- Incorporate the butter
- Add the melted butter and blend again for 5 seconds / speed 9, until the batter is smooth and silky.
- Rest the batter
- Transfer the batter to a large bowl, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This step helps the batter thicken and improves the texture.
- Cook the waffles
- Preheat your waffle maker, pour in a ladle of batter, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the waffles are golden and crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Homemade Waffle Batter
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you achieve the perfect waffle batter : light, fluffy, and easy to customise to your taste:
– Let the batter rest in the fridge
Allow the batter to rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. This gives the flour time to absorb the liquid, resulting in a thicker, smoother texture and waffles that are softer inside and less sticky when cooked.
– Add a little extra baking powder for extra lift
If you love airy, melt-in-your-mouth waffles, add an extra teaspoon of baking powder. It helps the waffles puff up beautifully without becoming heavy or dense.
– Play with flavours and textures
For a fruity twist, mix in chunks of apple, banana, or berries before cooking. They add a naturally sweet and fresh flavour.
Or try folding in chocolate chips for a more indulgent version, just don’t overmix the batter, or the chips may melt completely.
– Adjust the sweetness to your liking
Prefer sweeter waffles? Simply increase the sugar slightly, or use vanilla sugar or brown sugar for a deeper, aromatic flavour.
– Experiment with different flours
For a lighter or gluten-free version, replace the wheat flour with rice, corn, or a gluten-free blend. Add cornstarch for a better structure and crisp finish.
– Preheat the waffle maker properly
Always ensure your waffle iron is fully hot before pouring in the batter. This guarantees a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Avoid opening the lid too early, patience is key to perfect waffles!
By following these simple but effective tips, you’ll create waffles that are not only delicious but also customised to your taste : crispy, fluffy, and perfectly golden every time.
How to Store and Reheat Waffles
– Storage: Keep cooked waffles in an airtight bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
– Freezing: Wrap each waffle in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month.
– Reheating: To retain crispness, reheat in a toaster, oven (180°C / 350°F, 5-10 min), or back in the waffle maker for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Ideas and Toppings
– Classic: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with maple syrup.
– Fruity: top with fresh berries, banana slices, or apple compote.
– Decadent: spread with Nutella, salted caramel, or chocolate ganache.
Recipe Variations
– Gluten-Free Version : replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1 tbsp cornstarch for structure.
– Dairy-Free Version : swap the milk and butter for plant-based alternatives (almond milk and coconut oil work beautifully).
– Mini Waffles for Kids : perfect for lunchboxes or quick snacks!
FAQ : Your Waffle Questions Answered
– Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours and give it a quick stir before cooking.
– Why aren’t my waffles crispy?
Your waffle iron might not be hot enough, always preheat it fully and avoid overmixing the batter.
– Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, though butter gives better flavour and colour. Use a neutral oil like sunflower or canola if substituting.
– Can I freeze cooked waffles?
Absolutely! Let them cool, then freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster or oven to keep them crisp.
– Why do my waffles stick to the waffle maker?
They might be undercooked or the iron isn’t properly greased. Always wait for the signal light and use a light brush of oil before the first batch.
– Can I make the batter dairy-free?
Yes! Swap milk for almond, oat, or soy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
– How do I get perfectly golden waffles?
A touch of more sugar helps caramelisation, and a well-heated iron ensures that perfect golden colour.
– Can I double the recipe?
Of course! The recipe doubles easily : just keep the batter chilled between batches for best texture.
Other recipes to try for breakfast
- American Pancakes Recipe
- french crepes easy recipe
- French bakery beignets filled with jam: jam doughnuts
Easy Homemade Waffles : Light and Crispy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 waffles 1x
Description
This waffle recipe proves that simple ingredients can create pure joy. Light, crispy, and endlessly customisable, these waffles bring a touch of Parisian sweetness to your home, whether for breakfast, brunch, or an indulgent family snack.
Ingredients
- 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder (10 g / 2 tsp)
- 35 g (3 tbsp) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 500 ml (2 cups) milk
- 60 g (¼ cup) melted butter
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and sugar.
- Beat the eggs lightly and incorporate them into the dry mixture. Whisk until it starts to form a smooth batter.
- Slowly add the milk while whisking to avoid lumps and create a silky consistency.
- Stir in the melted butter and a pinch of salt, mixing until fully combined.
- Cover and refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes, this step makes the texture lighter and less runny.
- Preheat your waffle maker, pour a ladle of batter onto the plates, and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately with your favourite toppings, from homemade jam to melted chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: dessert, breakfast
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 210 kcal
