Nothing says holiday mornings like the warm aroma of gingerbread spices filling your kitchen. Fluffy yet crisp on the edges, these Homemade Gingerbread Waffles are the perfect way to kick off the season. Sweetly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, they taste like a holiday hug on a plate.
Whether you’re creating a Christmas waffle bar for a family brunch, whipping up a gingerbread breakfast for the kids, or looking for new fall waffle recipes, this recipe brings festive flavor to your table. Best of all, you can easily make variations, like adding pumpkin puree for a gingerbread waffles recipe with pumpkin or even turning them into a fun waffle cookies recipe holidays version.
Let’s dive in and make this holiday favorite.
Table of Contents
Why Gingerbread Waffles Are a Holiday Favorite
There’s something magical about gingerbread flavors during the holiday season. Pair them with the cozy crispiness of waffles, and you’ve got a breakfast that feels indulgent yet festive.
Here’s why these waffles are a must:
- Family tradition: Perfect for Christmas morning or weekend brunches.
- Kid-approved: Sweet, spiced, and easy to decorate with toppings, making them ideal as Christmas waffles for kids.
- Versatile: Great for a simple breakfast or dressed up for a party as part of a Christmas waffle recipe collection.
- Customizable: Works with pumpkin, chocolate chips, or even as dessert waffles topped with ice cream.
If you’re already a fan of Gingerbread Pancakes with Maple Syrup, these waffles will quickly earn a place in your breakfast rotation.
Ingredients for Homemade Gingerbread Waffles
This recipe makes 6–8 waffles, depending on the size of your waffle iron.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For serving:
- Pure maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit such as pears, apples, or berries
- Crushed gingersnap cookies or candy canes for garnish
If you want a more indulgent touch, serve these alongside Pumpkin Twists or Strawberry Cloud Cake for a full dessert-style brunch.
Step-by-Step Gingerbread Waffles Recipe
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
- Preheat waffle iron: Heat your waffle maker and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Cook waffles: Pour about ½ cup batter (depending on your waffle iron) and cook until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve immediately: Top with maple syrup, whipped cream, or holiday garnishes.
These waffles are at their best hot and fresh from the waffle iron, but they reheat beautifully too.
The Perfect Spices for Ginger Waffles
The secret to unforgettable ginger waffles lies in the spice blend. Each spice plays its role:
- Ginger: Brings warmth and a subtle heat.
- Cinnamon: Adds sweetness and depth.
- Cloves: Strong and slightly bitter, balancing the flavors.
- Nutmeg: Earthy, sweet, and nutty.
This blend is what transforms ordinary waffles into a holiday treat. If you enjoy this spice combo, try it in other festive dishes like Pumpkin Muffins or Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies.
Gingerbread Waffles Recipe with Pumpkin Variation
Adding pumpkin puree creates a moist, rich waffle that doubles as one of the best fall waffle recipes.
To make this variation:
- Add ½ cup pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients.
- Increase the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) slightly for balance.
- Top with candied pecans and whipped cream for a pumpkin pie vibe.
Pair these waffles with a warm Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for the ultimate fall breakfast.
How to Set Up a Christmas Waffle Bar
A Christmas waffle bar is a fun and interactive idea for holiday gatherings. Here’s how to set it up:
- Make a big batch of gingerbread waffles and keep them warm in the oven.
- Provide toppings like whipped cream, syrups, chocolate chips, fruit, crushed candy canes, and nuts.
- Set out festive plates and let guests build their own creations.
This setup works well for kids and adults, making it one of the easiest Christmas pancake recipes or waffle ideas to serve for a crowd.
Creative Christmas Waffle Recipes & Flavors
These waffles are great as-is, but you can experiment with Christmas waffle recipes by adding:
- Chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks
- Cranberries or dried fruit in the batter
- Eggnog in place of buttermilk for richness
- Peppermint extract for a minty kick
For more creative flavor ideas, check out Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pancakes or Strawberry Protein Pancakes.
Christmas Waffles for Kids: Fun Toppings & Ideas
Kids love to decorate food, so turn these waffles into a canvas:
- Use whipped cream to make snowman faces.
- Add chocolate chip “buttons” or candy cane antlers.
- Drizzle with red and green sprinkles for holiday cheer.
Pair kid-friendly waffles with a drink like Strawberry Cream Soda for a fun breakfast table.
Other Fall Waffle Recipes to Try
Looking to expand beyond gingerbread? Try these cozy options:
- Pumpkin spice waffles
- Apple cinnamon waffles
- Sweet potato waffles
- Oatmeal waffles with warm spices
These belong alongside classics like Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal for a nourishing fall breakfast lineup.
How to Turn This Batter into Waffle Cookies Recipe for the Holidays
Here’s a festive hack: use this batter to make waffle cookies recipe holidays style.
- Preheat the waffle iron and add just a tablespoon of batter at a time.
- Cook until crispy.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate.
These bite-sized waffle cookies make great edible gifts or snacks for Christmas parties.
Tips for Crispy Yet Fluffy Waffles
- Don’t overmix: Stir batter until just combined.
- Use buttermilk: It makes waffles tender inside.
- Grease the iron lightly: Prevents sticking and helps with crispness.
- Cook until steam stops: A sign the waffles are fully cooked.
- Serve immediately: Waffles lose crispness as they cool.
Serving Suggestions for a Gingerbread Breakfast
Serve these waffles with:
- Maple syrup and whipped cream
- A side of Loaded Breakfast Hash for savory balance
- Fresh fruit salad or Delicious Apple Fruit Salad
- Hot drinks like cocoa, chai, or Deliciously Refreshing Hibiscus Iced Tea for a lighter option
This makes a holiday breakfast spread that everyone will love.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Layer between parchment and freeze for 2 months.
- Reheat: Toast in a toaster or oven for crispness.
Frozen waffles reheat beautifully—just like Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches, they make mornings stress-free.
FAQs About Homemade Gingerbread Waffles
Can I make the batter ahead? Yes, but it’s best cooked fresh. Store batter up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Can I make them dairy-free? Yes—use almond milk and coconut oil instead of buttermilk and butter.
What if I don’t have molasses? Substitute with dark brown sugar or maple syrup, though flavor won’t be as rich.
Can I make mini waffles? Absolutely—use less batter per waffle for kid-friendly servings.
Do they freeze well? Yes, these waffles freeze beautifully and make great weekday breakfasts.
Conclusion & Call to Action
These Homemade Gingerbread Waffles are more than just breakfast—they’re a holiday tradition in the making. With their warm spice blend, crisp texture, and endless topping possibilities, they’re perfect for a cozy December morning, a festive Christmas waffle bar, or even as a fun activity with kids.
Add them to your list of fall waffle recipes, try the gingerbread waffles recipe with pumpkin, or surprise your family with a playful waffle cookies recipe holidays version. However you enjoy them, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to your table.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe for more festive recipes, from pancakes to desserts, to make your holidays unforgettable.
Print
Homemade Gingerbread Waffles – A Cozy Christmas Breakfast Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 waffles 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Homemade Gingerbread Waffles are warm, spiced, and crisp on the edges—perfect for holiday mornings. Flavored with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg, they bring festive cheer to your breakfast table and can be customized with pumpkin, chocolate chips, or holiday toppings.
Ingredients
Waffle Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cups buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- ¼ cup molasses
- ¼ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Serving
- Pure maple syrup
- Whipped cream
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh fruit (pears, apples, or berries)
- Crushed gingersnap cookies or candy canes
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and brown sugar.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine: Stir wet into dry ingredients until just combined. Batter should be slightly thick.
- Preheat waffle iron: Heat and lightly grease your waffle maker.
- Cook waffles: Pour batter into the iron (about ½ cup each) and cook until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Top with syrup, cream, fruit, or holiday garnishes.
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter—keep it slightly lumpy for fluffier waffles.
- Buttermilk ensures tenderness and flavor.
- Cook until steam stops escaping from the iron for crisp edges.
- Variation: Add ½ cup pumpkin puree to the batter for gingerbread pumpkin waffles.
- Turn into waffle cookies by cooking small spoonfuls of batter until crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Holiday Recipes
- Method: Waffle Iron
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
