Gingerbread Waffles with Cream (Printer-Friendly)

Warm spiced waffles infused with gingerbread flavors, topped with fresh whipped cream for a cozy meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Waffle Batter

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 3/4 cups whole milk
12 - 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
13 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
14 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Whipped Cream

15 - 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
16 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
17 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, molasses, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently fold until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
05 - Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron. Pour approximately 1/2 to 2/3 cup batter onto the center, close, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until waffles are golden brown and crisp.
06 - While waffles cook, beat cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a chilled bowl using a hand mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
07 - Serve waffles warm topped with generous dollops of whipped cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spices create that cozy gingerbread flavor without any fussy decorating or complicated techniques
  • They come together in about 35 minutes from start to warm, crispy waffle, making them perfect for weekend mornings when you want something special but not stressful
  • The whipped cream topping feels indulgent and fancy, but it's literally just three ingredients beaten together
02 -
  • Don't open the waffle iron lid too early or your waffles will stick and fall apart. Wait until the steam has mostly stopped before peeking.
  • The batter actually improves if you let it rest for 5 minutes before cooking. The flour fully hydrates, and your waffles will be more tender. This was the discovery that changed everything for me.
  • If your waffles aren't crispy enough, check that your waffle iron is actually hot. Many irons don't reach full temperature, which is why the first waffle is often softer than the rest.
03 -
  • The secret that makes all the difference is using freshly ground spices or spices you know are less than six months old. Stale spices are the culprit behind gingerbread that tastes flat or dusty instead of vibrant and alive.
  • If you want extra crispy waffles, increase the butter slightly to about 5 tablespoons and let the iron get a bit hotter than you think it needs to be. This creates those deep golden spots that shatter when you bite into them.