Buttermilk Orange Chai Waffles

There is truly nothing better than making homemade breakfast for my 1 year old, almost TWO year old toddler. I love waking up in the morning, being greeting with the sweetest smile, and deciding on what we should make together in the kitchen. We love having eggs, but sometimes, we want a breakfast that is not just eggs and toast. Waffles have become quite popular in my household ever since I attempted to make pumpkin waffles a year ago. I've learned to perfect my recipe, and branch out with a variety of flavors, including swapping out milk for buttermilk, and replacing the traditional all purpose flour for a paleo-style blend. These buttermilk orange chai waffles are the most flavorful, fluffy, and tasty waffles I have ever made, and I cannot wait to whip them up again soon.

I had several different types of waffle makers in the past, but they all broke on me. I fell in love with my Dash mini waffle maker and the rest is history. This waffle maker only makes single waffles at a time, but they do have a version that makes four at a time, which I am likely to purchase eventually. Nevertheless, this waffle maker really makes tasty and crisp waffles each and every time, plus it's easy to clean. I really enjoy making waffle batter because it's actually really similar to making pancake batter. Waffles usually are crisper than pancakes are, and that calls for a touch more fat within the waffle batter versus pancake batter. Waffle batter is similar to pancake batter because it does not (and really, should. not) be a smooth batter. The lumps actually help with the density and airiness of the batter itself, so having some lumps is totally fine! Waffles are perfect for breakfast, a late brunch, and you can throw a few in a freezer bag and store for a morning where you don't feel like cooking. Paleo waffles on the go; this recipe is THAT easy.

This recipe is gluten free because of the paleo flour I use. If you don't mind having gluten, feel free to swap out the paleo flour for all purpose, or even pastry flour. You'll need to adjust the measurements though, so keep this in mind!

Buttermilk Orange Chai Waffle Ingredients:

• Buttermilk: I mean, these wouldn't be buttermilk without the buttermilk, right?! It's tangy, sweet, thick, and really adds a whole other layer of flavor in these waffles.
• Oil: the fat that helps make the waffles niiiice and crisp.
• Sugar: a little sugar goes a long way!
• Eggs: the best binding agent.
• Orange zest and juice: the biggest piece of the flavor profile for these recipes is the orange juice and zest. I squeezed half an orange in, and used a good amount of zest, but feel free to adjust the taste based on your own preference.
• Vanilla extract: any baked good recipe requires vanilla. NO exceptions!
• Paleo flour: I like Bob's Red Mill paleo flour because it's perfect made and balanced with coconut and almond flour, as well as other ingredients that help make the flour accessible and a great swap. You can find it on their website!!
• Baking powder: our leavening agent.
• Cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg: part of the "chai" flavor profile. It's almost Fall, but not quite. Feel free to leave any of these spices out if they aren't your thing.

Buttermilk Orange Chai Waffle Tips:

• Remember, LUMPS ARE OKAY! The batter does not need to be perfectly smooth for the recipe to work. In fact, a few lumps in the batter is desired for the best results.
• You can use any gluten free flour here if you'd like to. I like the paleo flour blend, but I've also used other types of flour and they work just fine.
• Want to make this dairy free? Swap the buttermilk for almond or oat milk. Sure, the title of the recipe says these are "buttermilk" waffles, but do what works for you and your needs. I am to please :)

If there is one thing you need to make and have as a classic recipe for a weekend breakfast, a waffle recipe (maybe pancakes) is it. This will be your go to recipe over and over again. Your children (or your spouse, partner, friends, family...) will love you for making these waffles, because they're not just food, but they're part of an entire memory. Making homemade waffles on the weekend while watching a family movie, or making waffles right before a family vacation? The memories are endless here, and I am so excited for you to experience them, with these delicious buttermilk homestyle waffles.