There’s just something magical about the smell of gingerbread wafting through the house on a chilly morning, right? It instantly makes you think of cozy holidays and happy memories. That’s exactly why I created these Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze. They take that beloved spiced cookie flavor and turn it into a warm, fluffy waffle, made even more delightful with a creamy, homemade vanilla glaze. As a Culinary Educator, I love finding ways to bring festive flavors into everyday meals, and this recipe is a perfect example. Trust me, these are going to be your new favorite holiday tradition!
Why You'll Love These Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze
These waffles are just pure joy in waffle form! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:
- Taste of the Holidays: You get all those warm, cozy gingerbread spices—think ginger, cinnamon, and molasses—making them taste like Christmas morning itself.
- So Easy to Make: Honestly, they come together super fast. Perfect for when you want something special for a Christmas morning brunch but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday breakfast with family or just a treat to brighten a winter day, these waffles are always a hit.
- That Dreamy Vanilla Glaze: Trust me, the simple vanilla glaze is the perfect finishing touch. It cuts through the spice just right and makes these Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze absolutely divine.
Gather Your Ingredients for Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze
Okay, so getting all your goodies together is half the fun, right? I love pulling out all my measuring cups and spoons for this one. You know, there’s something so comforting about gathering ingredients for holiday baking. For these waffles, I really think good quality spices make all the difference – they really kick up that gingerbread flavor! And yes, separating and whipping those egg whites? Totally worth it for fluffy waffles, trust me!
Ingredients for the Gingerbread Waffles
Here’s what you’ll need for the star of the show:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 3/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 stick (that’s 4 Tbs!) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 Tbs molasses
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 large eggs, separated
Ingredients for the Vanilla Glaze
And for that dreamy drizzle:
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbs cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 Tbs unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze
Alright, let’s get this holiday magic started! It’s actually super straightforward, and that little bit of effort makes these Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze taste like they came straight from a fancy bakery. My personal trick? Always start with the glaze. It gives it time to thicken up perfectly while you whip up the waffles. It’s all about working smarter, not harder, especially when it’s a busy Christmas morning!
Preparing the Vanilla Glaze
First things first, let’s get that luscious vanilla glaze going. Grab a medium saucepan and heat up your milk over medium heat. You’re just looking for it to get nice and warm, with little bubbles starting to form around the edges – don’t let it boil! While that’s warming, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and that tiny pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Slowly pour this dry mix into the warm milk, whisking constantly. Keep it on medium heat, stirring all the time, until it starts to thicken up a bit. Then, take it off the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla. Pop a lid on it or some plastic wrap right on the surface to stop a skin from forming, and set it aside. It’ll stay warm and ready for drizzling!
Making the Gingerbread Waffle Batter
Now for the waffles! If you have a stand mixer, now’s its time to shine. Whip those egg whites first until they form lovely, stiff peaks. Seriously, this is what makes them fluffy and light! In another bowl, just whisk together your flour, baking powder, salt, and all those warm spices – cinnamon, allspice, and ginger. In *yet* another bowl (yes, a few bowls, but it’s worth it!), combine the melted butter, molasses, and the 1 1/2 cups of milk. Beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Now, pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and mix it until it’s *just* combined. Don’t go crazy stirring here! Gently fold in those whipped egg whites; again, just until they’re incorporated. You want to keep all that air you whipped in!
Cooking Your Gingerbread Waffles
Time to fire up that waffle iron! Make sure it’s nice and hot. For each waffle, I like to pour about 1/2 cup of batter right into the center. Don’t overfill it, or you’ll have a sticky mess! Close the lid and cook them according to your waffle iron’s instructions, usually until they’re golden brown and crispy around the edges. The smell filling your kitchen right now? Pure holiday bliss! Let them cook until they’re done – you’ll see steam coming out less and less. Perfect!
Tips for Perfect Gingerbread Waffles
You know, making these waffles is pretty simple, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that really make a difference. Little things can turn a good waffle into a *great* one, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect Christmas morning brunch vibe!
First off, don’t overmix that batter! I mean it. Once the wet and dry ingredients meet, just stir until they’re barely combined. A few little lumps are okay – honestly, they bake out. Overmixing makes for tough waffles, and nobody wants that. Also, make sure your waffle iron is properly heated up before you add the batter. A hot iron means crispy edges right away, which is key for that amazing holiday breakfast texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to subtly tweak the spices – maybe a tiny bit more ginger or a pinch of cloves if you really love that gingerbread flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Your Gingerbread Waffles
These beauties are amazing all on their own with that vanilla glaze, but you can totally dress them up! For a real Christmas morning brunch spread that’ll wow a crowd, try adding a dollop of whipped cream and maybe even some candied pecans or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. They’re also fantastic with some fresh berries – the tartness is a lovely contrast! If you want to go all out for holiday breakfast ideas, a side of crispy bacon or savory sausage is always a winner. You can also check out some of our favorite Christmas cookie recipes for other festive treats!
Make-Ahead and Storage for Gingerbread Waffles
This recipe is great because you can totally get a head start when planning for Christmas morning brunch! I love making the vanilla glaze the night before. Just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, and then gently whisk in a splash more milk or cream and warm it up on the stove before serving. The waffle batter itself can actually be made a few hours ahead, too. Just keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, give it a quick stir. The waffles themselves are best eaten fresh and warm from the iron, but if you do have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. Reheat them gently in a toaster or oven. They’re a lifesaver for easy holiday breakfasts!
Frequently Asked Questions about Gingerbread Waffles
Got questions about these festive treats? I’ve got answers! It’s all about making your holiday breakfast the best it can possibly be.
Are these Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze healthy?
Well, they’re definitely more of a treat than an everyday breakfast! To make them a bit healthier, you could try swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat, and maybe cut back just a *tiny* bit on the glaze sugar. But honestly, for a special holiday breakfast or Christmas morning brunch, they’re perfect as is!
Can I make the vanilla glaze ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! Making the vanilla glaze ahead of time is a total game-changer for those busy holiday mornings, making them one of the best Christmas breakfast ideas make-ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You might need to whisk in a splash of milk or cream and gently warm it on the stove before serving, but it’s totally doable!
What if I don’t have molasses for my gingerbread waffles?
No molasses? No problem! If you can’t find molasses, you can usually substitute it with dark corn syrup or even maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. It won’t have that deep gingerbread punch, but your waffles will still be delicious and perfect for any holiday breakfast ideas menu. Learn more about our policies at our privacy policy page.
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind these are just estimates, because everyone’s kitchen is a little different. The exact calories, fat, protein, and carbs can change depending on the brands you use and how generous you are with that yummy vanilla glaze!
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Share Your Gingerbread Waffle Masterpieces!
I just *adore* seeing your creations! If you try these Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Did you make any fun tweaks? And if you snap a pic, tag me on social media – I’d love to see how your festive breakfast turned out! You can also learn more about me and my kitchen adventures over on my About page!
Gingerbread Waffles with Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the vanilla glaze first. Heat 2 cups of milk in a saucepan over medium heat until bubbles form around the edge.
- In a separate bowl, mix the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the heated milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the glaze begins to thicken slightly. Do not boil. Remove from heat and stir in 1 Tbs. butter and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla.
- Set the glaze aside to stay warm while you make the waffles. Heat your waffle iron.
- In a mixer bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and ginger.
- In another bowl, combine the melted butter, molasses, and 1 1/2 cups milk. Beat in the egg yolks.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until just combined.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until done.
- Serve the waffles warm, drizzled with the vanilla glaze.