Gingerbread Waffles with Homemade Whipped Cream
These Gingerbread Waffles are soft, light, and fluffy on the inside with a golden, crisp exterior and the perfect blend of warm gingerbread spices. Each waffle is cozy, fragrant, and full of holiday flavor, making them the ultimate winter breakfast. Serve them warm with butter, a big scoop of homemade whipped cream, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a festive, bakery-style treat that tastes like Christmas morning in waffle form.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the waffles and gives them a soft yet crisp structure.
Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens the batter and helps the waffles brown beautifully.
Baking Powder: Provides lift, helping the waffles turn fluffy and airy.
Baking Soda: Works with the acidic ingredients to create extra rise and tenderness.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the warm gingerbread flavors.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and classic holiday spice to every bite.
Ground Ginger: Brings the signature gingerbread flavor with a gentle spicy kick.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and warmth to the gingerbread spice blend.
Ground Cloves: Intensifies the gingerbread flavor with bold, aromatic spice.
Carbonated Water Or Buttermilk: Creates light, fluffy waffles with a tender interior.
Greek Yogurt Or Sour Cream: Adds moisture, richness, and tang for soft, flavorful waffles.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help create fluffy, golden waffles.
Molasses: Gives authentic gingerbread flavor, deep sweetness, and rich color.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract: Enhances the warm spices and adds sweet, fragrant depth.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps create crisp, golden edges on the waffles.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips into soft, fluffy homemade whipped cream for serving.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
Vanilla Bean Paste Or Extract (For Whipped Cream): Adds sweet vanilla flavor to the whipped topping.
Why You’ll Love Gingerbread Waffles with Homemade Whipped Cream:
Soft And Fluffy Interior: These waffles are incredibly light and tender on the inside for the perfect bite.
Golden Crisp Exterior: The outside cooks up beautifully crisp and golden for that classic waffle texture.
Perfectly Spiced Flavor: Balanced with warm gingerbread spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cozy Holiday Aroma: Fills your kitchen with nostalgic gingerbread fragrance as they cook.
Quick And Easy: Simple ingredients and fast cook time make them ideal for busy mornings.
Beautifully Versatile: Delicious with butter, whipped cream, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Festive For Any Occasion: Perfect for Christmas morning, weekend brunch, or cozy winter breakfasts.
Kid And Crowd Friendly: Loved by everyone and great for serving a group.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze well for easy grab-and-toast weekday waffles.
Tips for Making Gingerbread Waffles with Homemade Whipped Cream:
Preheat The Waffle Iron Fully: A hot waffle iron ensures the waffles cook evenly and develop a crisp, golden exterior.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly and promotes even cooking and lift.
Whisk Dry Ingredients Well: Combine the flour, spices, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the gingerbread spices evenly.
Do Not Overmix The Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the waffles light, fluffy, and tender.
Grease The Waffle Iron Lightly: A small amount of nonstick spray or melted butter prevents sticking without making the waffles greasy.
Cook Until Deep Golden: Allow the waffles to cook until crisp and set—opening the waffle iron too early can cause tearing.
Keep Waffles Warm: Place finished waffles in a 200°F oven to maintain crispness while making additional batches.
Serve Immediately: Gingerbread waffles are best enjoyed warm when the exterior is still perfectly crisp.
Pair With Your Favorite Toppings: Butter, homemade whipped cream, maple syrup, or even caramel all complement the warm spices beautifully.
Freeze For Later: Let waffles cool completely, then freeze in a single layer for easy reheat-and-eat breakfasts.
How to Store Gingerbread Waffles with Homemade Whipped Cream:
Room Temperature: Keep leftover waffles loosely covered for up to 6 hours if serving the same day.
Refrigerator: Store cooled waffles in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
Freezer: Freeze waffles in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheat In Toaster: Toast frozen or chilled waffles on medium until crisp and warmed through.
Reheat In Oven: Warm waffles at 350°F for 5–8 minutes to restore crisp edges.
Avoid Microwaving: Microwaving makes the waffles soft and loses the crisp exterior. However if you don’t mind that, microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make gingerbread waffles ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the waffles in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat in the toaster or oven to bring back the crisp exterior.
Q: Can I freeze gingerbread waffles?
A: Absolutely. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They reheat beautifully in the toaster or oven.
Q: How do I keep waffles crisp while cooking batches?
A: Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a 200°F oven. This prevents sogginess and keeps the exterior crisp.
Q: What kind of waffle maker works best?
A: Any waffle iron works, but a Belgian waffle maker gives the deepest pockets and crispiest edges.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: Batter is best cooked fresh, but you can whisk together the dry ingredients ahead and store them until ready to mix.
Q: How do I prevent waffles from sticking?
A: Preheat the waffle iron fully and lightly grease it with nonstick spray or melted butter before adding the batter.
Q: Can I make these waffles dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free milk, a dairy-free butter substitute, and ensure your whipped topping is dairy-free as well.
Q: Can I adjust the spices?
A: Yes, you can add more ginger for extra warmth or reduce cloves for a milder flavor—customize to your preference.
Q: What should I serve with gingerbread waffles?
A: They’re delicious with butter, homemade whipped cream, maple syrup, powdered sugar, or even caramel sauce.
Q: How do I know when the waffles are done?
A: The waffle iron should release them easily, and they should be deep golden brown with crisp edges.
Love these? Check out my other seasonal breakfast recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you try these gingerbread waffles with homemade whipped cream. Enjoy!
