Holiday Gingerbread Waffles Recipe: The Perfect Festive Breakfast

There’s something magical about waking up to the cozy aroma of warm spices and molasses on a chilly holiday morning. These Holiday Gingerbread Waffles bring all the festive cheer to your breakfast table. Fluffy, golden, and packed with seasonal flavors like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, they’re everything you love about gingerbread cookies in waffle form. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, these waffles will add a special touch to your day.

Let me tell you, this recipe has become a December tradition in my household. One bite, and it’s like stepping into a Christmas wonderland. The molasses gives them a rich depth, while the blend of spices makes each bite taste like a warm hug. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up, even the busiest holiday mornings can start with something special.

Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely adore these waffles.

Why You’ll Love This Holiday Gingerbread Waffles

1. Quick and Easy

You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create these waffles. They come together with pantry staples in about 15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday breakfasts.

2. Packed with Holiday Flavors

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these waffles that iconic gingerbread taste. Add molasses, and you’ve got the ultimate seasonal treat.

3. Family-Friendly

Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of these waffles. They’re sweet, but not overly so, and pair wonderfully with all kinds of toppings—from syrup and whipped cream to fresh fruit or even a drizzle of chocolate.

4. Customizable

Want to make them a bit healthier? Use whole wheat flour. Need them gluten-free? Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Prefer dairy-free? Substitute almond milk or oat milk for regular milk. They’re super adaptable!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes per waffle
• Total Time: ~25 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 waffles (depending on your waffle maker size)
• Calories per Serving: ~320 calories

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil work well)
• ½ cup molasses
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Make a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and set aside.

Pro Tip: Sift the flour and baking powder together for extra fluffy waffles.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. This helps create light and airy waffles. Add the milk, oil, molasses, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined.

Pro Tip: If your molasses is thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it easier to mix.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. If the batter feels too thick, add an extra splash of milk to adjust the consistency.

Pro Tip: Overmixing can make your waffles dense instead of fluffy, so mix gently!

4. Preheat and Grease Your Waffle Maker

Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lightly grease the plates with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

Pro Tip: Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the waffle plates with oil for the best results.

5. Cook the Waffles

Scoop the batter into the preheated waffle maker, filling the plates evenly without overfilling. Close the lid and cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on your waffle maker.

Pro Tip: Use a fork to gently lift the waffles out to avoid breaking them.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the cooked waffles to a plate and serve immediately. For extra holiday flair, top them with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

How to Serve Holiday Gingerbread Waffles

These gingerbread waffles are incredibly versatile! Here are some serving ideas:

• Classic Style: Top with butter, syrup, and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
• Festive Touch: Add whipped cream and crushed candy canes for a holiday vibe.
• Fruity Option: Serve with fresh berries, bananas, or warm spiced apples.
• Indulgent Treat: Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with pecans.

Pair these waffles with a hot cup of cocoa, spiced chai, or even a festive smoothie to complete the holiday breakfast experience.

Additional Tips for Perfect Holiday Gingerbread Waffles

1. Preheat the Waffle Maker Fully: Ensure your waffle maker is thoroughly preheated before adding batter for even cooking and crisp edges.
2. Keep Waffles Warm: If making a large batch, keep cooked waffles warm in a 200°F oven while you finish the rest.
3. Make-Ahead Batter: You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them in the morning to save time.
4. Storage and Reheating: Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a toaster or oven for a crisp finish.
5. Freezing Waffles: Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in a toaster or oven.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Replace eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg, and use almond or oat milk instead of dairy milk.
• Spiced Kick: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of flavor.
• Less Sweet: Reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet waffle, as the molasses already adds richness.
• Healthier Option: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour, and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them in the morning.

2. What if I don’t have molasses?

You can substitute dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and maple syrup, though the flavor will differ slightly.

3. Can I make these waffles dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of regular milk.

4. Why are my waffles sticking?

Ensure your waffle maker is greased and fully preheated before adding batter. Also, avoid opening the waffle maker too early.

5. How do I make crispy waffles?

Cook the waffles a bit longer or place them in a 200°F oven for a few minutes after cooking to crisp up.

Conclusion

These Holiday Gingerbread Waffles are everything you want in a festive breakfast—quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. They’re perfect for cozy mornings or a crowd-pleasing holiday brunch. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too.

If you make these, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. Happy holidays and happy cooking! 🌟

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