Name: Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
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; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your breakfast routine with a dish that feels like a warm hug, these Gingerbread Waffles are exactly what the season calls for. Imagine biting into waffles that are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and infused with all the comforting spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. The molasses adds that deep, rich sweetness that makes each bite utterly irresistible. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special holiday treat, Gingerbread Waffles bring that magical touch of warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Gingerbread Waffles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Gingerbread Waffles are wonderfully simple yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the spices that create the signature gingerbread warmth to the molasses that brings a delightful depth, you’ll see how these pantry staples come together beautifully.

All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, providing structure and lightness to the waffles.
Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that complements the spices perfectly.
Brown sugar: Enhances moisture and gives a mild caramel note, enhancing flavor complexity.
Baking soda: Helps the waffles rise and stay light.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure those waffles are tender and fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the spices’ richness.
Ground ginger: The star spice that delivers that unmistakable gingerbread taste.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a layer of cozy flavor.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way to deepen the spiced profile.
Unsalted butter: Melted for moisture and richness, making waffles tender and flavorful.
Whole milk: At room temperature for smooth batter and a soft crumb.
Large eggs: Also room temperature to bind ingredients and add fluffiness.
Molasses: The secret to classic gingerbread flavor with deep, luscious sweetness.
Freshly grated ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty kick contrasting the warm spices.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavor with subtle sweetness and complexity.

How to Make Gingerbread Waffles

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

The journey to perfect Gingerbread Waffles starts by whisking together all the dry ingredients in a large bowl — that’s your flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and those heavenly ground spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This step ensures every spice is evenly distributed, which means every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk melted butter, whole milk, eggs, molasses, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract together in a separate container until smooth. This mixture brings a beautiful richness and moisture to the waffles, while the fresh ginger adds a lively punch alongside the molasses’ depth.

Step 3: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour your wet mix into the dry bowl and whisk everything until the batter is smooth and homogenous. The batter should be thick but pourable, filled with spice and sweetness, ready to become the fluffiest waffles you’ve ever tasted.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Letting your batter rest for 10 minutes is a little secret that allows the ingredients to meld and the waffles to cook evenly. While the batter rests, fire up your waffle iron so it’s piping hot and ready to create that beautiful crisp crust.

Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection

Spray your preheated waffle iron with baking spray, then scoop a generous portion of batter onto it. Close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes, until your Gingerbread Waffles have developed a deep golden-brown color and a satisfyingly crisp exterior. Finished waffles can be kept warm on a rack in the oven as you make the rest.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles

Garnishes

One of the joys of Gingerbread Waffles is dressing them up in ways that heighten their cozy appeal. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of pure maple syrup works wonders. For extra indulgence, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar to add a festive flair and delightful texture contrast.

Side Dishes

These waffles pair beautifully with a range of sides that balance their sweet spices. Fresh fruit like sliced oranges, cranberries, or warmed apple compote add bright, tangy counters. For a savory touch, crispy bacon or breakfast sausage make your morning unforgettable by mixing sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling extra festive? Stack your Gingerbread Waffles with layers of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone and sliced pears, then top with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or create mini waffle stacks as bite-sized appetizers with dollops of spiced jam. The rich spice mix in these waffles makes every creative presentation a guaranteed hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and you just might be!), store the waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them on a rack prevents sogginess, preserving their crispiness as much as possible.

Freezing

Gingerbread Waffles freeze beautifully. Lay them flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy your favorite breakfast anytime, keeping the flavor fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To bring frozen or refrigerated waffles back to life, pop them into a toaster or warm them in a 375°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. This method crisps the exterior while warming the fluffy inside perfectly — just like when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make Gingerbread Waffles without molasses?

Molasses is key for that rich, authentic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, you can substitute with dark corn syrup or a mix of honey and brown sugar. The flavor might be a little lighter but still delicious.

How do I make sure my waffles are crispy?

Preheating your waffle iron thoroughly and not overcrowding it with batter are crucial steps. Also, letting the waffles rest on a cooling rack in a warm oven while you finish cooking the batch keeps them crisp and prevents sogginess.

Can I use gluten-free flour for Gingerbread Waffles?

Absolutely! A gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work fine, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep your waffles from falling apart. The texture might be slightly different but the flavor will remain wonderful.

Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add great crunch and complement the warm spices nicely. Just fold them into the batter gently after mixing the wet and dry ingredients.

Can these waffles be made vegan?

With a few swaps — like flax eggs instead of regular eggs, plant-based milk and dairy-free butter — you can create a vegan version of Gingerbread Waffles. Just know the texture and flavor may shift slightly, but the cozy spice mix will still shine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the aroma of gingerbread filling your kitchen while these Gingerbread Waffles cook to golden perfection. They’re a delight to make and an even bigger joy to eat, whether as a heartwarming breakfast or a sweet treat anytime. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and bring a little gingerbread magic to your table!

Gingerbread Waffles Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 large waffles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully spiced gingerbread waffles that combine warm holiday flavors with a crispy, golden exterior and tender inside. Perfect for a festive breakfast or brunch, these waffles are infused with ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and fresh ginger, then sweetened with molasses for a rich, traditional gingerbread taste.

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, cinnamon, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large measuring cup or bowl, whisk the melted unsalted butter, whole milk, large eggs, molasses, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk together thoroughly to create a smooth batter with no lumps.
Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 10 minutes to allow the ingredients to fully hydrate and develop flavor. Meanwhile, preheat your waffle iron on high heat.
Prepare Waffle Iron: Once preheated, spray the waffle iron with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Waffles: Using a large portion scoop, pour the batter onto the waffle iron. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the waffles are deeply browned and crispy on the outside.
Keep Warm: Transfer cooked waffles to a cooling rack set over a baking tray and place in a warm oven to keep them crispy and warm while cooking the remaining waffles.
Serve: Serve the gingerbread waffles warm with maple syrup and freshly whipped cream, if desired, for a festive and comforting breakfast treat.

Notes

Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
Resting the batter allows the flavors to meld and helps the waffles become crispier.
If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can omit it or increase ground ginger slightly for more spice.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and butter with plant-based alternatives.
Store leftover waffles in an airtight container and reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
Cuisine: American