Fluffy Yeast Waffles Recipe
There’s something incredibly delightful about waking up to a stack of golden, crisp waffles that are fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside. This recipe for Yeast Waffles, adapted from Cook’s Illustrated, will make your breakfast feel like a special occasion, even on a regular morning. With its blend of simple ingredients and a bit of patience, these waffles are sure to impress anyone who gets a taste. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just treating yourself and your loved ones to a delicious start to the day, these yeast waffles are a fantastic choice.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups milk ๐ฅ
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter ๐ง
- 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour ๐พ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ๐ฏ
- 1 teaspoon salt ๐ง
- 1 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast ๐
- 2 large eggs ๐ฅ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ๐ฆ
Instructions
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Warm the Milk and Butter
Begin by heating the milk and butter together in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is warm to the touch. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Once melted, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. ๐ก๏ธ -
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast until well combined. This will help ensure the yeast is evenly distributed throughout the flour. ๐ -
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the warm milk and butter mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. The warmth of the milk will help activate the yeast, making your waffles light and airy. ๐ -
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Pour this mixture into the batter and stir until fully incorporated. The eggs will add richness to the waffles, and the vanilla will provide a lovely hint of flavor. ๐ฐ -
Refrigerate the Batter
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. This resting period allows the yeast to work its magic, creating a bubbly and slightly fermented batter that will yield wonderfully fluffy waffles. โฒ๏ธ -
Preheat the Waffle Iron
When you’re ready to cook the waffles, preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturerโs instructions. This ensures that your waffles will cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness. ๐ฅ -
Prepare the Waffle Batter
Once the batter has rested, youโll notice it has doubled in size and is quite foamy. Gently whisk the batter to smooth it outโdonโt worry if it deflates a bit. This is normal and will lead to beautifully textured waffles. ๐ฅ -
Cook the Waffles
Spoon about 1/2 cup of the batter onto the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to your waffle ironโs instructions, or until the waffles are crisp and golden brown. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your waffle iron, but it typically takes about 5 minutes. ๐ -
Serve or Keep Warm
Serve the waffles immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you need to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in a low-temperature oven (about 200ยฐF or 95ยฐC) to keep them warm and crispy until ready to serve. ๐ฝ๏ธ
Tips
- For Extra Crispiness: If you prefer your waffles extra crisp, you can briefly toast them in a toaster after cooking.
- Variations: Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips or fresh blueberries to the batter for added flavor. ๐ซ๐
Enjoy your homemade yeast waffles with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, maple syrup, or a dollop of whipped cream. Theyโre perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch and are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. ๐ง๐
