Oh, the warm, inviting aroma of gingerbread wafting through the kitchen! It instantly transports me to cozy holiday mornings, where the family gathers around the table, laughter filling the air. I remember the first time I made these Gingerbread Waffles—the joy on my kids’ faces as they drizzled maple syrup, their eyes lighting up with every bite. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home, too! The combination of spices dances on your palate, making these waffles not just breakfast, but a delightful celebration of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Gingerbread Waffles. You’ll need:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk (preferably whole for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (let it cool slightly before adding)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk and egg. This little tip helps the batter come together beautifully!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Waffles
Preheat the Waffle Iron
First things first, let’s get that waffle iron preheating! Set it to medium-high heat, and give it a moment to warm up. You want it nice and hot to ensure those waffles cook up crisp and golden. Trust me, this step is key to waffle perfection!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This dry mix is where all those wonderful flavors begin to come together!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled a bit so it doesn’t cook the egg!), the large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk it well until everything is nicely blended. The more air you incorporate, the fluffier your waffles will be!
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally okay! This helps keep your waffles light and airy. We want them to be fluffy, not dense!
Cooking the Waffles
Lightly grease your preheated waffle iron with non-stick spray or a little melted butter. Pour the batter onto the hot iron—about 1/2 cup per waffle works great. Close the lid and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crisp. Open it up to reveal your delicious creation!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Gingerbread Waffles turn out perfectly, here are some of my tried-and-true tips! First, use fresh spices for the best flavor; nothing beats the warmth of freshly opened ground ginger and cinnamon. Also, don’t skip the step of letting your melted butter cool slightly before adding it to the wet ingredients—this helps to prevent cooking the egg prematurely!
When mixing the batter, remember that less is more. Stir just until combined to keep your waffles light and airy. If your waffle iron isn’t non-stick, be generous with the cooking spray to avoid a sticky situation. And here’s a little secret: if you find your waffles aren’t crisping up, try leaving them in the iron an extra minute or two. They should come out golden brown and irresistible every time!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up those scrumptious Gingerbread Waffles, it’s time to get creative with your toppings! A drizzle of warm maple syrup is a classic choice, but don’t stop there! Try adding a dollop of whipped cream for an extra decadent touch. Fresh fruits like sliced bananas, berries, or even sautéed apples pair beautifully with the warm spices. For a fun twist, sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. The possibilities are endless, so let your imagination run wild and make each serving a delightful treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover Gingerbread Waffles (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing to prevent sogginess!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the toaster or a toaster oven for a quick reheat. This will help restore their crispiness and warmth, making them taste fresh again. You can also warm them in the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit chewy. Enjoy every last bite!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these delightful Gingerbread Waffles is estimated to contain about 220 calories. You’ll also be getting around 10g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates, including 6g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but they’re a delicious treat worth indulging in!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just keep in mind that it might make the waffles a bit denser, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I use instead of eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. Both work great to bind the ingredients!
Can I make these waffles dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the milk with almond milk or any other plant-based milk, and use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of melted butter. They’ll still come out wonderfully!
What toppings do you recommend?
I love to serve these with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce, but you can also use yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Get creative!
Can I freeze the waffles?
Yes! Just let them cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper in between and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, and reheating is a breeze!
Gingerbread Waffles: 5 Steps to Cozy Holiday Delight
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Waffle
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread flavored waffles perfect for breakfast.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Grease the waffle iron and pour batter onto it.
- Cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp.
- Serve with syrup or your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Use non-stick spray for easier removal.
- Top with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Waffles
