Step 1: Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little melted butter if needed.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to tender waffles.
Step 5: Pour an appropriate amount of batter (usually about ½ to ¾ cup, depending on your waffle iron size) onto the center of the preheated waffle iron. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 3-5 minutes, until the waffles are golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Carefully remove the cooked waffles from the iron. Place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F / 95°C) to keep them warm and crispy while you cook the remaining batter.
Step 7: Serve the warm waffles immediately with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and your favorite optional toppings.