Buttermilk Waffles

Instructions

1. Prepare the dry ingredients
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg yolks, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter has cooled slightly so it doesn't cook the eggs.
3. Whip the egg whites
   In another clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. This will help create light and fluffy waffles.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures
   Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. There should still be some small lumps - do not overmix or the waffles will become tough.
5. Fold in egg whites
   Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter until just incorporated, maintaining as much air as possible for fluffy waffles.
6. Cook the waffles
   Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Lightly grease with cooking spray or brush with melted butter. Pour approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup batter (depending on your waffle iron size) onto the center of the preheated iron. Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
7. Keep waffles warm
   Transfer cooked waffles to a wire rack set in a 200°F oven to keep warm while cooking the remaining batter. Avoid stacking the waffles as this will make them lose their crispness.