Jackie Kennedy’s Waffle Recipe
This waffle recipe makes light, fluffy waffles with a crisp edge and a soft center. It’s been widely attributed to John F. Kennedy and is often described as a favorite breakfast during his time in the White House years.
If you enjoy vintage recipes tied to famous figures, this classic casserole has a similar story and has been getting a lot of attention lately. It’s interesting how many of these simple recipes have stories like that.
Like many vintage recipes, the exact origin is a bit unclear. This one has been linked to both Jackie Kennedy and JFK in various cookbooks and articles over the years.
And yes, you’ll hear people say she never cooked. Maybe she didn’t cook every day, but the early 1960s were a different time. Most women knew their way around a kitchen, even if they had help. It’s not hard to imagine a recipe like this being part of the mix.
What we do know is that this version has been passed around for decades, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, a little different, and turns out waffles that are incredibly light.
These waffles are quite different than typical waffles, or Belgian waffles. They have 2 leavening agents. Quite a bit of baking powder and egg whites, which are whisked to stiff peaks. These two additions make these waffles unbelievably fluffy.
How to Make Jackie Kennedy’s Waffles
These waffles take a few more steps than most recipes, but they’re absolutely worth it. Even with the extra mixing and whipping, they come together in under 30 minutes.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30 seconds.
Measure cornstarch.
Also, measure buttermilk in a liquid measuring cup.
Measure the remaining dry ingredients and place them in a mixing bowl.
Separate eggs and place egg yolks in a large bowl.
Place egg whites in a separate bowl, large enough to whisk them.
Add the sugar to the egg yolks. Mix well.
Mix the dry ingredients with the sugar and egg well.
Add the buttermilk.
Mix until well incorporated.
Beat egg whites to stiff peaks.
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Cook in a hot waffle maker until golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside.
This batter is thicker than most waffle recipes, so the outside can brown before the center is fully cooked. Don’t rely on color alone.
Let the waffles cook a bit longer than usual, even after they look golden. They should feel light and set, not soft in the center.
If your waffle maker runs hot, try lowering the heat slightly and cooking a little longer so the center has time to cook through.
If you want to be sure, check the middle with an instant-read thermometer. It should reach about 200°F, similar to quick breads.
How to Serve These Waffles
Serve these waffles with your favorite toppings. Maple syrup or blackberry syrup, fresh fruits, or yogurt. Use them as a dessert with ice cream or whipped cream and fresh fruit.
How to Store Leftovers
This recipe makes a large batch. Wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 6 months.
To serve them from frozen, remove them from the plastic wrap. Heat them in a toaster, air fryer, or oven at 300°F until they are crisp and hot.
Pro Tips For Perfect Waffles
- The egg whites should be beaten until stiff peaks form. This means when you remove the whisk, a peak should remain, like a mountain.
- This batter is very thick. Be sure your waffles are cooked all the way through. If you’re unsure, stick a toothpick or cake tester in the center. If it comes out clean, they are done. You can also check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. They should reach 200°F in the center.
- Mix the batter thoroughly before adding the egg whites. After adding the egg whites, just fold them in. There may be some visual chunks of egg white.
Other Delicious Breakfast Recipes
- Eggs Benedict
- Caramelized Onion Quiche
- Chilaquiles
- Shrimp and Asparagus Quiche
- Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls
Tools I use
Contains affiliate links, for full disclosure, see FTC Disclosure, here.
These waffles are a fun way to bring a little history into your kitchen, and they’re easy enough to make any morning feel special.
Connect with us through our social media pages! Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter.
Please ask any questions or share your comments in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you.
I hope you enjoyed the recipe today.
Enjoy. And have fun cooking!
Jackie Kennedy’s Fluffy Waffle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Butter
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 4 eggs separate yolks and whites
- 2 cup buttermilk
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch (or use cake flour and eliminate)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 8 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Melt butter.
- Measure sugar and buttermilk
- Sift flour and cornstarch. Mix in salt.
- Add sugar to egg yolks and combine.
- Add dry ingredients and buttermilk, alternating until well combined.
- Whisk egg whites to stiff peaks.
- Add baking powder and then immediately, and gently fold egg whites into batter.
- Cook on hot waffle iron until crust is crispy and inside is done and tender. Mine took about 7 minutes.
See all of my favorite tools and gift ideas on my New Amazon Store!Check out Binky’s Amazon Store!Notes
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you click the link and purchase something, at no additional cost to you. See FTC Disclosure, here.
Originally published August 23, 2019. Updated April 14, 2026.
