Festive gingerbread waffle bar

Featured in: Sweet Harmony

These spiced gingerbread waffles blend warm holiday flavors like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a crisp, golden waffle. Topped with whipped cream, candies, pretzels, fruits, and drizzled maple syrup, they invite everyone to build fun edible creations. Perfect for a festive breakfast, the batter combines molasses and aromatic spices for a cozy morning. Prep is quick, cooking is easy, and the interactive buffet style makes for a joyful start to any holiday gathering or weekend brunch.

Updated on Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:16:00 GMT
Golden, crisp gingerbread house waffles await, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast buffet of toppings. Save
Golden, crisp gingerbread house waffles await, perfect for a cozy holiday breakfast buffet of toppings. | sugarprairie.com

A festive and interactive breakfast featuring spiced gingerbread waffles, seasonal toppings, and decorative treats for building delicious edible houses.

I love hosting this waffle bar during the holidays because it brings everyone together to build and decorate their own little edible houses.

Ingredients

  • Waffle Batter: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tsp ground ginger, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 3 large eggs, 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Toppings & Decorations: 1 cup whipped cream, 1 cup mini marshmallows, 1 cup assorted holiday candies (gumdrops chocolate buttons etc), 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup small pretzel sticks, 1/2 cup sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup banana slices, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat your waffle iron according to manufacturer instructions.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined (do not overmix).
Cook Waffles:
Lightly grease the waffle iron. Pour batter onto the hot iron, using about 1/2 cup per waffle (adjust for size), and cook until golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serve:
Arrange waffles on a platter. Set out toppings and decorations buffet-style so everyone can build and decorate their own gingerbread waffle house. Serve immediately, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with maple syrup if desired.
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My family looks forward to this waffle bar every year as a fun holiday tradition that everyone can enjoy together.

Notes

Serve with hot cocoa or spiced cider for extra holiday cheer.

Required Tools

Waffle iron, Mixing bowls, Whisk, Measuring cups and spoons, Serving platters and bowls

Allergen Information

Contains: Wheat (gluten) eggs milk and possibly nuts/soy (from candies and chocolate). Double-check candy and chocolate ingredients for allergens.

A close-up of a festive gingerbread house waffle, with vibrant candies and whipped cream, ready to enjoy. Save
A close-up of a festive gingerbread house waffle, with vibrant candies and whipped cream, ready to enjoy. | sugarprairie.com

This gingerbread waffle bar is a festive way to celebrate the season and make breakfast an interactive delight.

Kitchen Help

How do I achieve crispy waffles with this batter?

Ensure your waffle iron is well preheated and lightly greased. Cook the batter until waffles turn golden brown and crisp on the edges for the best texture.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Give it a gentle stir before cooking to combine any settled ingredients.

What alternatives can I use for all-purpose flour?

A gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free option. Just ensure it is suitable for waffles to maintain texture.

How can I keep waffles warm when making multiple batches?

Place cooked waffles on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep them warm and crisp until serving.

What toppings pair best with these spiced waffles?

Whipped cream, mini marshmallows, holiday candies, crushed peppermint, chocolate chips, pretzel sticks, and fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas complement the spice perfectly.

Festive gingerbread waffle bar

Spiced waffles with seasonal toppings and decorative treats for a festive breakfast experience.

Setup duration
25 min
Heat duration
20 min
Complete duration
45 min
Created by Molly Evans

Classification Sweet Harmony

Complexity Medium

Heritage American

Output 6 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free

Components

Waffle Batter

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

Toppings & Decorations

01 1 cup whipped cream
02 1 cup mini marshmallows
03 1 cup assorted holiday candies (gumdrops, chocolate buttons, etc.)
04 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies
05 1/2 cup chocolate chips
06 1/2 cup small pretzel sticks
07 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
08 1/2 cup banana slices
09 1/4 cup maple syrup
10 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Method steps

Phase 01

Preheat Waffle Iron: Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a large bowl.

Phase 03

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, molasses, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Phase 04

Incorporate Wet with Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain waffle texture.

Phase 05

Cook Waffles: Lightly grease the preheated waffle iron. Pour approximately 1/2 cup batter per waffle, cook until golden brown and crisp. Repeat until batter is used.

Phase 06

Arrange and Serve: Place waffles on a serving platter. Provide toppings and decorations buffet-style for assembling individual gingerbread waffle houses.

Phase 07

Finish Presentation: Dust waffles with powdered sugar and drizzle with maple syrup if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Waffle iron
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving platters and bowls

Dietary concerns

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk.
  • May contain nuts and soy from candies and chocolate; verify ingredient labels.

Dietary breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 68 g
  • Proteins: 8 g