Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (237 ml) lukewarm milk
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons (7 g) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup + 2 tablespoons (150 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs, separated
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 cup (118ml) Milk
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sponge: Combine lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Let stand until foamy. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cover and let rise until doubled (1-2 hours).
  2. Separate the Eggs: Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in a large bowl and the whites in a clean, dry mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In the large bowl with the egg yolks, whisk in the sugar and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Add Melted Butter and Milk: Gradually whisk in the melted and cooled butter, followed by the milk and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix!
  6. Incorporate the Sponge: Gently fold the sponge into the batter until just combined.
  7. Whip the Egg Whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff, but not dry, peaks form.
  8. Fold in the Egg Whites: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two additions. Be careful not to deflate the whites; this keeps the waffles light and fluffy.
  9. Second Proof: Cover the batter and let rest for 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax and the yeast to work its magic even further.
  10. Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  11. Cook the Waffles: Pour the appropriate amount of batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook according to the iron's instructions, until golden brown and crispy.
  12. Serve Immediately: Serve the waffles immediately with your favorite toppings.