Classic golden waffles

• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 2 tbs granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine salt
• 300 ml whole milk
• 2 large large eggs
• 60 g unsalted buttermelted and slightly cooled
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

1. 1

   Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions. If it has a heat setting, go medium-high — you want enough heat to crisp the outside before the inside overcooks.

   Tip: Don't rush preheating. A fully hot iron is the single biggest factor in crispy waffles.

2. 2

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

3. 3

   In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. 4

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined — a few small lumps are totally fine. Do not overmix or your waffles will turn out tough.

   Tip: Overmixing develops gluten, which makes waffles chewy instead of light. Stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

5. 5

   Lightly grease the waffle iron plates with a quick spray of cooking oil or a brush of melted butter. Pour enough batter to just fill the iron (roughly 120-180ml depending on your iron's size), close the lid, and cook until the steam from the iron slows to almost nothing and the waffle is deep golden, about 3-4 minutes.

   Tip: Resist the urge to peek too early — opening the iron before the waffle is set will tear it apart. When the steam stops, it's ready.

6. 6

   Transfer the finished waffle to a wire rack (not a plate — that traps steam and makes them soggy) while you cook the remaining waffles with the rest of the batter. Repeat the greasing step between each waffle.

   Tip: If you want to keep waffles warm, place the wire rack on a sheet pan in a 90°C (200°F) oven. They'll stay crisp for up to 20 minutes.

7. 7

   Serve immediately with your choice of toppings. Leftover waffles keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a toaster or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness — never the microwave.

   Tip: The toaster is genuinely the best reheating method. It crisps them right back up in 2 minutes flat.

• waffle iron
• mixing bowl (large)
• mixing bowl (medium)
• whisk
• ladle
• wire rack

Per serving

Nutritional values are estimates only.