If you’re craving something with the cozy, spicy warmth of the holidays but want it for breakfast (or brunch!), you’re going to adore this Gingerbread Waffles Recipe. I absolutely love how these waffles capture all those classic gingerbread spices in a light, crispy waffle that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made gingerbread waffles a kitchen staple all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect blend of spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves gives these waffles a warm, inviting flavor that feels like a hug on a plate.
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside: You get the best texture possible—crispy edges with a soft, fluffy middle every time.
- Easy to prep: The batter comes together quickly, and a little resting time makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Family approved: My family goes crazy for this recipe, and it’s always a hit whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a holiday brunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work beautifully together to create that unmistakable gingerbread flavor with the best waffle texture. I recommend using fresh spices if you can—they really make a difference. And don’t skip the fresh grated ginger; it adds a zing that lifts the whole recipe.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the batter that keeps everything light but sturdy enough to hold the waffle shape.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the spices.
- Brown sugar: Brings that caramel note that’s so classic in gingerbread.
- Baking soda: Helps with leavening and contributes to the waffles’ fluffiness.
- Baking powder: Works together with baking soda to ensure your waffles rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Ground ginger: The star spice of the show; use a good quality ground ginger for max flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth.
- Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to create that authentic gingerbread taste.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter enriches the batter and gives a tender crumb.
- Whole milk: At room temperature for better incorporation with the other wet ingredients.
- Eggs: Also at room temperature; they help bind everything and add moisture.
- Molasses: Essential for that deep, rich gingerbread flavor and color.
- Freshly grated ginger: Adds brightness and a fresh spice kick that ground ginger alone can’t achieve.
- Vanilla extract: Just a touch to round out the spices and add warmth.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Gingerbread Waffles Recipe to suit different tastes and occasions. Feel free to make it your own by swapping or adding ingredients based on what you have or what you’re craving.
- Vegan version: I swapped out the butter for coconut oil and used a flax egg instead of regular eggs once, and it turned out surprisingly delicious!
- Extra spice kick: If you love bold flavors, I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg and a dash of black pepper for a subtle heat that wakes up the palate.
- Chocolate chip twist: My kids go crazy when I sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter before cooking—it adds a delightful surprise.
- Gluten-free option: Use a trusted gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour, and it still tastes amazing.
How to Make Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Whisk together your dry ingredients like a pro
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This step is crucial because it evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices so your waffles have consistent flavor and rise evenly. Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients until silky smooth
In a separate large measuring cup or bowl, whisk together your melted butter, whole milk, eggs, molasses, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract. Take your time here to break up the molasses so it fully blends in—you don’t want any sticky molasses clumps in your batter. This lovely mix will bring that deep, warm gingerbread flavor to the waffles.
Step 3: Bring it all together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture. Whisk until smooth but don’t overdo it—gentle mixing helps keep your waffles tender. The batter will look thick yet pourable, and you’ll notice the beautiful brown color from the molasses. Now, patience! Let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time lets the leavening agents activate and will make your waffles lighter and airier.
Step 4: Waffle time – crisp and cook
While the batter is resting, preheat your waffle iron on high. I find that spraying the iron with baking spray just before scooping the batter prevents sticking better than greasing ahead of time. Use a large scoop to pour the batter into the iron, but don’t overfill—it needs room to rise and expand. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the waffles are a deep golden brown and crisp. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven as you cook the rest—this keeps them crispy rather than soggy.
Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temp before mixing for a smoother batter and fluffier waffles.
- Fresh Ginger Magic: Don’t skip the freshly grated ginger—it adds a bright, fresh zing that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Let your batter rest before cooking to activate the baking soda and powder and improve texture.
- Keep Them Crispy: Use a wire rack instead of stacking waffles to keep them crispy when warming in the oven.
How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love serving these waffles topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a drizzle of warm maple syrup. If it’s winter, a sprinkle of powdered sugar gives it that snowy festive look. You can also add chopped pecans or a few crystallized ginger pieces for texture and extra ginger pop!
Side Dishes
We usually pair these waffles with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a salty-sweet breakfast combo that can’t be beat. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges or pomegranate arils also brighten up the plate and add a juicy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I stack the waffles high and alternate layers with cream cheese frosting or mascarpone mixed with a bit of honey, finishing with a dusting of cinnamon powder. It turns a simple weekend breakfast into a show-stopping brunch centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they stay fresh up to 4 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I often freeze extra waffles for quick breakfasts on busy mornings. Lay them out single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to three months without losing flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, toss the waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until hot and crisp again—this method preserves that freshly made texture better than the microwave. If you’re short on time, microwave them briefly and then give them a quick toast.
FAQs
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Can I make the Gingerbread Waffles batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours before cooking and keep it covered in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using. However, I find resting the batter for about 10 minutes right before cooking yields the fluffiest waffles.
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Can I use this recipe without molasses?
Molasses is key to achieving that authentic gingerbread flavor and rich color, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with dark maple syrup or honey for some sweetness, though it won’t have quite the classic gingerbread depth.
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What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
Fresh ginger adds brightness, but if you don’t have it, you can omit it and rely on the ground ginger. You might want to increase the ground ginger by a quarter teaspoon for a bit more spice.
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How do I get my waffles crispy instead of soggy?
Using a hot waffle iron and not overfilling it is crucial. Also, place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven rather than stacking them—that keeps air circulating and prevents sogginess.
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Can I make these waffles gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and adjust liquid amounts if necessary for a similar batter consistency.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall in love with this Gingerbread Waffles Recipe just like I did the first time I made it. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a special treat but comes together so easily that it’s perfect for both everyday breakfasts and festive occasions. The blend of spices, the texture, and the comforting aroma make the kitchen feel warm and inviting—and your family will keep asking for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and make some happy memories around your breakfast table!
Print
Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously spiced Gingerbread Waffles combine warm ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with molasses for a festive twist on the classic breakfast favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these waffles are perfect with syrup and whipped cream for a cozy morning treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp. ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup molasses
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large measuring cup or separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, eggs, molasses, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Blend Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together well until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Rest Batter: Allow the batter to rest for 10 minutes to enable the ingredients to meld and improve texture while you preheat your waffle iron on high heat.
- Prepare Waffle Iron: Spray the preheated waffle iron with baking spray to prevent sticking. Using a large portion scoop, fill the iron with batter.
- Cook Waffles: Cook the waffles in the waffle iron for about 5 minutes, or until they are deeply browned and crisp on the outside.
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked waffles to a cooling rack set over a baking tray and place them in a preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining waffles.
- Serve: Serve the warm gingerbread waffles with syrup and freshly whipped cream as desired for a cozy and spiced breakfast treat.
Notes
- Leftover waffles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze waffles in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months; reheat in a toaster or oven for best results.
- Resting the batter helps achieve a better waffle texture with crisp edges.
- Make sure the waffle iron is adequately preheated for evenly cooked, crispy waffles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle (approximate)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
