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Wake Up to Warm, Cozy Flavors — Waffles That Feel Like a Hug on a Plate
If you love the cozy, spicy scent of gingerbread during the holidays (or honestly, anytime!), these Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles are about to become your go-to Cozy Holiday Breakfast. Imagine fluffy, golden waffles infused with warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves — every bite releasing that nostalgic, cozy aroma that makes you want to curl up with a hot cup of cocoa. Trust me, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for holiday mornings, weekend brunches, or whenever you need a little festive magic in your life. They’re easy to whip up, delightfully flavorful, and so good that even waffle skeptics will be begging for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles

This Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles recipe shines as a Cozy Holiday Breakfast:

Warm and Spiced: Gingerbread flavors that evoke holiday cheer.
Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples.
Customizable: Top with syrup, whipped cream, or festive extras.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults for its festive charm.
I made these for Christmas morning, and the kitchen smelled like a winter bakery!

Ingredients for Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles

Here’s what you’ll need for Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles (makes ~8 waffles):

For the Waffles:

2 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp kosher salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup molasses
1¼ cups whole milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment:

Waffle iron
Large mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredient Tips:

Molasses: Unsulphured for authentic gingerbread flavor; avoid blackstrap, which is too bitter.
Milk: Whole milk for richness; buttermilk adds tang and fluffiness if substituted.
Spices: Freshly ground for bold flavor; adjust to taste for milder or spicier waffles.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark works; dark enhances molasses notes.
Eggs: Room temperature for better batter consistency; whisk lightly before adding.

Directions for Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles

Let’s whip up these delightful Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles!

Preheat the Waffle Iron

I preheat my waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions and lightly grease with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, I whisk together 2 cups flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp cloves, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ½ tsp salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, I beat 2 eggs, then stir in ¼ cup molasses, 1¼ cups milk, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.

Make the Batter

I pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a whisk until just combined. I avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender and fluffy.

Cook the Waffles

I pour about ⅓ cup batter (adjust for your waffle iron size) onto the hot waffle iron, spreading lightly if needed. I cook for 3–5 minutes, or until golden and crisp, checking for steam to subside.

Serve Warm

I serve the Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles hot, topped with maple syrup, whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh berries for a festive touch.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: ~25 minutes
Yield: ~8 waffles (4–6 servings)
Calories: ~250 kcal per waffle
Macros per Waffle: 35g carbs, 5g protein, 10g fat, 1g fiber

Variations for Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles

Try these twists on Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles:

Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweet Cozy Holiday Breakfast.
Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a Cozy Holiday Breakfast twist.
Citrus Zest: Mix in 1 tsp orange zest for a bright, festive note.
Vegan Swap: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Watermelon Sorbet for a refreshing dessert after brunch.
Serve with a side of bacon or sausage to balance the sweet Cozy Holiday Breakfast flavors.
Drizzle with caramel sauce for an indulgent holiday treat.

Storage

I store leftover Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles in an airtight container or resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. For longer storage, I freeze cooled waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I reheat frozen waffles directly in a toaster or oven without thawing. I can also prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and stir gently before cooking.

FAQs About Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I freeze leftover waffles?
Yes! Freeze cooked waffles in a single layer and reheat in a toaster or oven.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter.

Can I add nuts to the batter?
Sure! Chopped pecans or walnuts work great.

How do I prevent waffles from sticking?
Make sure to grease your waffle iron well and avoid overfilling.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for best texture.

What if I don’t have molasses?
Substitute with dark corn syrup or honey, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How spicy are these waffles?
The spice level is mild and warm, perfect for all ages.

Can I add citrus zest?
Absolutely! A bit of orange or lemon zest adds a lovely brightness.

Are these waffles vegan?
Not as is, but you can try flax eggs and plant-based milk/butter.

How long will the batter keep?
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours — stir gently before cooking.

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Conclusion

These Easy Festive Gingerbread Waffles are a cozy hug on a chilly morning, bursting with all the classic holiday spices you love. Whether you’re making a special breakfast for family or a fun brunch with friends, these waffles will fill your kitchen with warmth and your belly with joy. So grab your waffle iron, whip up a batch, and let the festive flavors brighten your day — because you absolutely deserve a little magic on your plate!