Homemade whole wheat waffles are a delicious, quick breakfast full of healthy whole grains and wholesome flavors with a crisp, griddled exterior and pillowy center.
Starting your morning off with a platter of delicious waffles really sets the tone. A batch of waffles just feels like happiness.
You already know how our family feels about pancakes – sourdough pancakes, blueberry pancakes, buttermilk pancakes. We love them all. But something about homemade waffles can feel like more effort and a bigger occasion. Is it their shape? Their pockets that hold pools of melted butter and toppings? Is it nostalgia? I think it’s all of these things.
I do find waffles to be incredibly easy and low-effort. They’re great for any day of the week, not just Saturday morning or holidays. They are simple, quick, and consistent.
A good waffle iron is also simple and consistent, cooking even, golden brown waffles every time. I love that it takes out the timing and guesswork, allowing me to prepare the rest of breakfast while the waffle maker manages the timing.
While these waffles can certainly stand alone, I like to serve them with cottage cheese scrambled eggs, or Instant Pot boiled eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Some of our favorite toppings are soft butter and real maple syrup, a thick spread of peanut butter, homemade whipped cream and fresh fruit, or homemade blueberry topping. To add more protein to your plate, try a scoop of homemade Greek yogurt, homemade granola, and a drizzle of raw honey. These healthy, whole wheat waffles are hearty, tender, buttery, and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Wholesome ingredients – Whole grains are nourishing and hearty, providing a rich, nutty flavor. The ingredients are basic, and the lightly sweetened batter is the perfect foundation for whatever delicious toppings you choose.
Tender, fluffy texture – With a toasty exterior and fluffy center, it’s a breakfast (or breakfast for dinner) that the whole family will love.
Quick and easy – This whole wheat waffle recipe is made in one bowl and can be prepared in minutes for a quick and hearty breakfast.
Ingredients
Flour – I use fresh milled soft white wheat flour. You can also use regular whole wheat flour or white whole wheat flour.
White sugar – Swap for brown sugar or honey if you prefer.
Milk – Whole milk gives a fluffier, richer taste and texture, but you can easily swap for your milk of choice.
Melted butter – For greasing the waffle iron. You can also use a light spray of a neutral-flavored oil.
A full ingredient list with exact amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Whole Wheat Waffles
Step 1: Preheat your waffle maker before you start the batter so that it’s nice and hot when you begin cooking. A hot griddle gives that crisp exterior everyone loves.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense waffles. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to soften the grains.
Step 3: Using the melted butter or a neutral oil, grease the waffle iron well. If you are using a nonstick waffle iron, you may not need to grease it at all. Add about one cup of batter, pouring it evenly over the middle of the iron. Once closed, the griddle will spread the batter to the edges for you.
Step 4: Cook according to your waffle maker directions, then serve warm with your favorite toppings! Keep cooked waffles on a tray or cooling rack in the oven at a low temperature to keep warm.
Tips
- Mix until just combined without over-stirring for tender, fluffy waffles.
- Don’t skip letting the batter rest. This helps to soften the whole grains, which yields a more tender waffle texture.
- Don’t overfill the waffle iron, or it will spill out the sides. About one cup is just enough.
- Try pouring the batter in an “x” pattern over the center of the griddle so the waffles will be evenly spread.
- Cook in the waffle iron for a minute or two longer for an extra crispy waffle.
- Keep cooked waffles in the oven on the lowest heat setting to keep warm while cooking the rest. A cooling rack works better than a plate to keep them from becoming moist from the trapped steam.
- Double the recipe and freeze the second batch for a quickly reheated, delicious breakfast that can be ready anytime.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftovers in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for several days. For longer-term storage, layer each waffle (make sure they are cooled completely) between a piece of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for several months. Gently reheat in the oven or toaster until warmed through.
Homemade whole wheat waffles are a healthier option than store-bought mixes or even white flour pancakes. Real food like whole grains and healthy fats, combined with toppings like fresh fruit or real maple syrup, will nourish your body and help you feel full for longer.
Yes, substitute the milk with a dairy-free milk of your choice and use oil instead of butter to grease the griddle.
Yes, you can add a sprinkling of berries, nuts, or chocolate chips to each waffle after pouring it onto the griddle. I would recommend adding fresh berries rather than frozen to avoid excess moisture that can make the waffles soggy.
More Breakfast Recipes from the Farmhouse
- Whole Wheat Biscuits with Fresh Milled Flour
- Easy Breakfast Pizza
- Strawberry Stuffed French Toast
- Sourdough Dutch Baby Pancake
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you could come back and give it 5 stars! Tag me on Instagram @farmhouseonboone.
Whole Wheat Waffles
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle maker so that it’s nice and hot when you begin cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Add the milk, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes.
- Using the melted butter or a neutral oil, grease the waffle iron well. Add about one cup of batter, pouring it evenly over the middle of the iron. Once closed, the griddle will spread the batter to the edges for you.
- Cook according to your waffle maker directions.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
