Gingerbread Waffles

These gingerbread waffles bring all the warm, cozy flavors of gingerbread cookies to your breakfast table. They have a wonderfully soft and fluffy texture with crisp edges, and are full of fragrant spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, with a rich note from molasses.

This recipe is straightforward and comes together in about 25 minutes. It’s a great way to make a weekend breakfast feel a little more special, especially during the fall and winter months.

Why will you love Gingerbread Waffles?

Using both baking powder and baking soda gives these waffles a substantial lift, making them airy and light.

Combining wet and dry ingredients separately and then mixing them gently prevents overdeveloping the gluten, which results in a tender waffle.

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the molasses and spices.

Gingerbread Waffles Ingredients

• Molasses: Use standard unsulphured molasses for a classic gingerbread taste. Blackstrap molasses can be used but will result in a much stronger, less sweet flavor.

• Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream provides moisture and richness. You can substitute with full-fat plain Greek yogurt in a pinch.

• Whole Wheat Flour: This adds a nutty flavor that works well with the spices. If you prefer a lighter waffle, you can use all-purpose flour for the full amount.

• Spices: The spice blend is a starting point. Feel free to adjust the amounts of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your taste.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Gingerbread Waffles

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your waffle maker. In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all of the ground spices. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the milk, sour cream, and molasses. Slowly whisk in the melted butter until everything is combined. Using slightly cooled butter prevents it from scrambling the eggs.

Step 3: Make the Batter and Cook the Waffles

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. A few lumps are expected and are a good sign you haven’t overmixed. Ladle the batter into your hot waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp. Repeat with the remaining batter.

What to Serve with Gingerbread Waffles

Serve gingerbread waffles warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. Whipped cream, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or toasted pecans also make great toppings.

Helpful Tricks for Gingerbread Waffles

Do not overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined keeps the waffles tender and fluffy.

This batter contains raw eggs. Ensure waffles are cooked thoroughly until golden brown and firm to the touch, with no wet batter inside.

Waffle irons vary. Adjust the amount of batter and cooking time based on your specific model for the best results.

How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Waffles

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, cool completely and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or oven until warm and crisp.

Gingerbread Waffles Recipe FAQs

Can I make this batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It will thicken, so you may need to stir in a splash of milk before using.

Can I freeze these waffles?

These waffles freeze very well. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper between layers. They will last for up to 3 months.

My waffle iron is a different size. How does that affect the recipe?

This recipe makes about 4 cups of batter. Follow your waffle iron’s instructions for the correct amount of batter to use per waffle. The total yield may be more or less depending on its size and shape.

Gingerbread Waffles

Warm, spiced gingerbread waffles are a cozy breakfast treat, ready in under 30 minutes with rich molasses and ginger flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour 125g
• 1 cup whole wheat flour 120g
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup milk 240ml
• 1/2 cup sour cream 120g
• 1/4 cup molasses 85g
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled, 85g

Instructions

 

• Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. Lightly grease it if necessary.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
• In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs until lightly beaten. Then, whisk in the milk, sour cream, molasses, and melted butter until well combined.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
• Pour the recommended amount of batter onto your hot waffle iron. Cook until the waffle is golden brown and cooked through, usually 3 to 5 minutes depending on your machine.
• Carefully remove the waffle and place it on a wire rack while you cook the remaining batter.
• Serve the waffles warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined keeps the waffles tender and fluffy.

This batter contains raw eggs. Ensure waffles are cooked thoroughly until golden brown and firm to the touch, with no wet batter inside.

Waffle irons vary. Adjust the amount of batter and cooking time based on your specific model for the best results.

Keyword gingerbread, gingerbread waffles, holiday breakfast, spiced, waffles