Gingerbread Waffles

If you’re looking for a cozy breakfast that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Gingerbread Waffles. These delightful waffles are infused with the comforting flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses, making them an irresistible treat during the holiday season or any chilly morning. They are light, crispy, and have just the right amount of sweetness to brighten your day.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up a batch for a busy weekday breakfast or a festive family gathering. Imagine serving these fragrant waffles topped with syrup and freshly whipped cream while everyone gathers around the table, sharing smiles and stories. It’s a delightful way to start the day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these Gingerbread Waffles ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves waffles! These spiced delights will surely please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick breakfasts throughout the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spices and molasses gives these waffles a unique flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve them with your favorite toppings like syrup, fruit, or whipped cream for added fun!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely have on hand. Gathering everything before you start makes the process smooth and enjoyable!

For the Waffles:

• 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

Variations

This Gingerbread Waffle recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add More Spice: If you love warm spices, try adding nutmeg or cardamom for an extra flavor kick.
• Make It Whole Grain: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk to make this recipe dairy-free.
• Sweeten Naturally: Swap out some sugar for mashed bananas or applesauce for a healthier twist.

How to Make Gingerbread Waffles

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. This step is crucial because it ensures that all your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Next, in a large measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, molasses, fresh ginger, and vanilla extract until smooth. Mixing these wet ingredients separately allows for better incorporation into the dry mix.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Whisk them together well until you achieve a smooth batter. This is where the magic happens! The batter should be thick yet pourable.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Set your batter aside to rest for about 10 minutes while you preheat your waffle iron on high heat. Resting helps to hydrate the flour and leads to fluffier waffles.

Step 5: Cook Your Waffles

Once your waffle iron is hot and ready, spray it with baking spray to prevent sticking. Use a large portion scoop to fill each section of your waffle iron with batter. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they are deeply brown and crispy—a beautiful sight!

Step 6: Keep Warm & Serve

As each batch cooks up, place them on a cooling rack set over a baking tray in an oven set on low heat to keep warm until all batches are ready. Serve them hot with syrup and freshly whipped cream if desired—pure bliss!

Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious Gingerbread Waffles!

Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Waffles

Creating the perfect batch of gingerbread waffles can be a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can take your breakfast to the next level!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allowing your milk and eggs to reach room temperature helps them blend more easily with the dry ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and fluffier waffles.

• Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to sit for about 10 minutes lets the flour absorb moisture, which can lead to lighter, crispier waffles. It also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

• Preheat your waffle iron properly: A well-heated waffle iron ensures that your waffles cook evenly and develop that wonderful crispy exterior. Don’t rush this step!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your taste! Adding a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the warm flavors characteristic of gingerbread.

• Keep cooked waffles warm: Placing cooked waffles in a low oven (around 200°F) while you finish cooking the rest helps them stay warm without losing their crispiness.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles

Serving gingerbread waffles is not just about stacking them on a plate; it’s about creating a cozy and inviting breakfast experience. Here are some fun ways to present this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy texture that perfectly complements the spices in the waffles.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and nuttiness, which enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Sliced fruit: Fresh slices of banana or poached pears not only look beautiful but also add freshness that balances out the sweetness of the waffles.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of gingerbread. The natural sweetness from fruits like berries, apples, and oranges makes it an ideal side.
• Yogurt parfait: Pair these waffles with layers of yogurt, granola, and more fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast parfait. This adds creaminess and texture while maintaining a healthy balance.
• Maple syrup or honey: While optional, serving with pure maple syrup or honey brings an additional layer of sweetness that beautifully complements the spices in your gingerbread waffles.
• Scrambled eggs: For a heartier meal, serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs. The savory flavor balances out the sweet notes of gingerbread perfectly.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create a memorable breakfast that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy your delicious gingerbread waffles this holiday season!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Gingerbread Waffles are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a festive breakfast throughout the week. You can whip up a batch in advance and store them for quick and convenient meals.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the waffles to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Once cooled, separate each waffle with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat waffles in a toaster or toaster oven until crispy.
• Alternatively, you can warm them in a microwave for about 30 seconds, but they may not be as crispy.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Gingerbread Waffles:

Can I make Gingerbread Waffles without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 egg). This will help bind your batter without using eggs.

How do I make Gingerbread Waffles healthier?

You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar to suit your taste. Additionally, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of some of the butter for a lighter option.

What toppings go well with Gingerbread Waffles?

Some delicious toppings include maple syrup, fresh fruit like berries or bananas, whipped cream made from coconut milk, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch!

Can I double the recipe for Gingerbread Waffles?

Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and ensure your waffle iron has enough capacity to cook larger batches effectively.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make these Gingerbread Waffles as I am! With their warm spices and cozy flavors, they’re sure to bring joy to your breakfast table this holiday season. Enjoy making this delightful recipe and share it with friends and family. Happy cooking!

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