The first time I made Gingerbread Waffles, the smell alone was enough to make everyone in my house come running to the kitchen. Warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves filled the air, and when those golden waffles came off the iron, crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they disappeared faster than I could make them. Topped with maple syrup, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream, they felt like the perfect holiday breakfast—cozy, festive, and full of flavor.
What I love most about these waffles is how they combine the nostalgia of gingerbread cookies with the comfort of a hearty breakfast. They’re easy enough to make on a chilly weekend morning, but also special enough to serve on Christmas morning or at a holiday brunch. With their deep spiced flavor and inviting aroma, these waffles are guaranteed to make breakfast feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Gingerbread Waffles are festive, cozy, and bursting with holiday flavor. The warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—bring that nostalgic gingerbread taste, while the molasses adds depth and richness. The waffles cook up fluffy on the inside and lightly crisp on the outside, making them the perfect canvas for your favorite toppings.
They’re also versatile. You can dress them up with whipped cream, sugared cranberries, or even a drizzle of caramel for a decadent brunch, or keep them simple with butter and syrup for a comforting breakfast. Best of all, the batter comes together quickly, making it easy to enjoy these waffles even on busy mornings.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- ¼ cup unsulfured molasses
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (or coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Maple syrup
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped cream
- Fresh fruit or sugared cranberries
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until ingredients are combined.
- Preheat the waffle iron fully to ensure crisp edges.
- Use cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Keep waffles warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
- Double the batch and freeze extras for quick weekday breakfasts.
Tools You’ll Need
- Waffle iron
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle or measuring cup (to pour batter)
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Milk: Any milk works—almond, oat, or soy are great options.
- Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup.
- Spice twist: Add cardamom for a unique flavor.
- Dessert version: Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix dry ingredients in advance and store in a jar for quick prep.
- Cook waffles ahead, then refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the toaster or oven for crispiness.
How to Make Gingerbread Waffles
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and brown sugar.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Batter
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 4: Cook Waffles
Preheat waffle iron and lightly grease. Pour batter onto iron and cook according to manufacturer’s instructions, until golden and crisp.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with maple syrup, powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fruit.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with maple syrup and powdered sugar for a classic look.
- Add sugared cranberries or pomegranate seeds for festive flair.
- Serve with bacon or sausage for a sweet-and-savory combo.
- Pair with hot chocolate, mulled cider, or coffee for a cozy breakfast.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in the toaster for crisp edges.
Nutrition & Benefits
These waffles provide a good dose of warming spices, which are naturally rich in antioxidants and support digestion. Molasses adds iron and minerals, while the eggs and milk provide protein for a satisfying breakfast. While festive and indulgent, these waffles can be part of a balanced meal with fruit on the side.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
2. Can I use pancake mix instead of making batter from scratch?
Yes—just add gingerbread spices and molasses to the mix.
3. Can I make these vegan?
Yes—use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut oil instead of butter.
4. How do I keep waffles crispy?
Place them in a warm oven on a wire rack instead of stacking.
5. Can I freeze the batter?
No, but you can freeze cooked waffles for easy reheating.
6. What’s the best topping for holiday flair?
Sugared cranberries, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel.
7. Can I turn this into pancakes?
Yes, the batter works well for gingerbread pancakes too.
Warm, Spiced, and Perfectly Festive
These Gingerbread Waffles capture the very essence of the holidays—warm, cozy, and irresistibly spiced. They’re perfect for Christmas morning, a holiday brunch, or simply to bring a little festive cheer to any day. Crispy, fluffy, and full of nostalgic flavor, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.
