Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles Recipe

There is something truly magical about waking up to the aroma and warmth of Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles. These waffles are packed with cozy spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with the rich sweetness of molasses and brown sugar, creating a festive breakfast that instantly feels like a holiday hug. They are delightfully crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfect for making your Christmas morning extra special and memorable. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these waffles bring a burst of flavor that’s impossible not to love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering fresh and simple ingredients is key to making Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles that taste as amazing as they smell. Every ingredient plays a unique role, from the spices that bring warmth to the batter, to the molasses that adds that unmistakable gingerbread depth and richness.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base structure for fluffy waffles.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Infuses the batter with a molasses-like flavor and moistness.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the waffles rise and become airy.
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra fluffiness.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 2 tsp ground ginger: Delivers that essential spicy kick for gingerbread magic.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves: A little goes a long way in bringing that authentic holiday flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Makes the waffles rich and tender.
• 1 cup whole milk, room temperature: Keeps the batter smooth and helps create a light texture.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients while giving structure and lift.
• ¼ cup molasses: The star ingredient for that deep, dark, and sweet gingerbread taste.
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger: Adds brightness and a fresh ginger punch.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a lovely mellow sweetness and rounds out the spices.

How to Make Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in a large mixing bowl. Mixing these dry ingredients well ensures that the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout your batter, which is essential for waffle consistency and flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large measuring cup or bowl, whisk the melted butter, whole milk, eggs, molasses, freshly grated ginger, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. The molasses and fresh ginger give your waffles that authentic gingerbread flair, while the eggs and butter add moisture and richness.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. This step is quick but important; overmixing can make waffles tough, so just mix until combined. This batter is thick and full of flavor, ready to create those delightful gingerbread waffles you crave.

Step 4: Let the Batter Rest

Allow your batter to rest for about 10 minutes. This short rest period gives the flour a chance to fully hydrate, which helps the waffles develop a tender crumb. Meanwhile, preheat your waffle iron on high heat so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.

Step 5: Cook the Waffles

Spray your preheated waffle iron with a light coat of baking spray to prevent sticking. Using a large portion scoop or measuring cup, pour enough batter into the iron to fill the grids without overflowing. Cook for around 5 minutes or until the waffles are deeply browned and wonderfully crispy. Transfer them to a cooling rack set over a baking tray and keep in a warm oven while you finish the batch to maintain that perfect texture.

How to Serve Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles

Garnishes

These waffles shine best when you top them with a variety of garnishes that complement their spicy-sweet character. Think freshly whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of pure maple syrup. For an extra festive touch, a few fresh cranberries or chopped toasted pecans create delightful texture and color on the plate.

Side Dishes

Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles are a hearty treat on their own, but pairing them with a few side dishes can really elevate your holiday breakfast. Consider serving alongside crispy bacon, fresh fruit salad, or even a warm spiced apple compote. These sides add balance, freshness, and a combination of sweet and savory to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your waffles stacked high with layers of whipped cream and fruit in between for a stunning waffle tower that’s sure to impress. Alternatively, turn the waffles into mini sandwiches by adding cream cheese and jam in between two waffle layers. For kids and the young at heart, sprinkle colorful holiday-themed sprinkles or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a breakfast-dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles, don’t worry—they store beautifully. Place them in an airtight container or stack with parchment paper between each waffle and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the festive flavors without having to cook from scratch every morning.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your waffles! Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together, making it easy to take out just what you need. Frozen waffles will keep well for up to 2 months, preserving that gingerbread goodness.

Reheating

To reheat, simply toast your waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisped back up. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it tends to make waffles soggy. Reheated properly, your Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles will taste just as delightful as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for these waffles?

All-purpose flour works best for a tender yet structured waffle, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more density. Just note that whole wheat may make the waffles slightly heavier.

Is there a way to make these waffles dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk, and replace the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. The spices and molasses will carry the main flavors, so it still tastes fantastic.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

While the batter benefits from resting just 10 minutes, you can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just give it a gentle whisk before cooking as it may thicken slightly. This can save time on a busy holiday morning.

What can I substitute for molasses if I don’t have any?

Molasses is key to that authentic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have it, dark corn syrup or maple syrup can work in a pinch. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

Can I add mix-ins to these waffles?

Definitely! Chopped crystallized ginger, chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even mini chocolate chips can be folded gently into the batter before cooking to give your waffles extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making Christmas Morning Gingerbread Waffles is like wrapping your whole breakfast table in the comforting, festive spirit of the holidays. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a truly irresistible taste, these waffles are destined to become a cherished Christmas tradition in your home. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and enjoy those cozy, joyful moments with every delicious bite.

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