There’s something about the aroma of cinnamon, ginger, and a hint of cocoa filling the kitchen that instantly makes the morning feel festive. This Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe is my go-to for holiday breakfasts that bring warmth, cozy spices, and just the right amount of sweetness with every bite.

A stack of four thick, golden-brown waffles sits on a white plate. The waffles have a slightly crispy texture at the edges and soft squares. Syrup drips down the sides of the waffles. On top of the stack, a small gingerbread cookie shaped like a person with white icing details stands upright. Powdered sugar is being sprinkled from above, landing on the waffles and cookie, with some sugar floating in the air. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow and red bokeh lights, and the surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made a lot of waffles in my day, but this Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe feels like a hug in food form during the chilly holiday season. The blend of Christmas spices mixed with cocoa powder fills your kitchen with the scent of celebration, and the texture is perfectly crisp outside with a fluffy center inside—just the way waffles should be.

Perfect seasonal warmth: The mix of Christmas spices and cacao turns simple waffles into festive treats that set the holiday mood.
Simple but impressive: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, yet the flavor feels like a special occasion breakfast.
Flexible and friendly: Gluten-free and easy to customize, so everyone at your table can enjoy them.
Great for meal prep: These waffles freeze well, so you can have a tasty festive breakfast ready anytime.

A stack of four thick, light brown waffles sits centered on a white plate. The waffles have a slightly crispy texture and are drizzled with shiny amber syrup that cascades down the sides. Powdered sugar is lightly dusted over the top waffle and the plate below. Standing on top of the stack is a small gingerbread man cookie decorated with white icing for eyes, buttons, and a smile. The background features warm, blurry yellow and orange lights against a dark backdrop, with some white marbled texture on the surface under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these waffles fluffy, spicy, and perfectly balanced. I love using Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour, but you can choose your favorite 1:1 mix. The spices and cacao powder add that unmistakable holiday vibe, while the buttermilk tenderizes and adds depth. Here’s a quick rundown:

Flat lay of a small mound of light brown gluten-free flour mix, a small white bowl filled with warm brown Christmas spice powder, a small white bowl of rich dark cacao powder, two large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl holding golden honey, a small white bowl with melted yellow butter, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of coarse white sea salt, a small white bowl containing amber-colored dark rum, a small white bowl with creamy white buttermilk, and a small white bowl with pale golden cooking oil, all ingredients arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Flour: Provides structure — I prefer gluten-free flour for a fluffier texture without wheat.
Christmas spice blend: Brings the festive warmth—often a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove.
Cacao powder: Adds a subtle richness and hint of chocolate to balance the spices.
Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give lightness and rise to your waffles.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture and richness.
Honey or maple syrup: Natural sweeteners that add depth and complement the spices.
Melted unsalted butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor and rounds out the spices.
Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other flavors.
Dark rum (optional): A festive touch that deepens flavor—feel free to skip if you prefer.
Buttermilk: Reacts with the baking soda to lighten waffles and adds tangy flavor; can be made vegan with a simple substitute.
Cooking oil spray: Keeps waffles from sticking and helps crisp them beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to switch things up depending on the crowd or what I have on hand. Sometimes I add chopped nuts for crunch or swap honey for maple syrup to keep it vegan. Feel free to experiment and make these waffles truly your own—it’s half the fun in the kitchen!

Nutty variation: Adding toasted pecans or walnuts right into the batter gives a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft waffle.
Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup alongside a plant-based milk buttermilk substitute for a fully vegan-friendly festive breakfast.
Extra spice kick: If you like your spices bold, try a sprinkle of ground cardamom or extra cinnamon for a more intense holiday feel.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together Your Dry Ingredients

Start with a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, Christmas spice blend, cacao powder, baking powder, and baking soda. This step mixes all the powders evenly so you get a perfect spice and rise throughout your waffles. I always sift the cocoa powder first to avoid lumps—trust me, smoother batter is easier to work with!

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately

In a large bowl, beat the eggs then add honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and the optional dark rum. Whisk it all together until well combined and smooth. Then stir in the buttermilk. I find adding the wet ingredients separately works better than dumping everything in at once—it gives you more control and better texture.

Step 3: Mix Dry Into Wet Gently

Pour the dry ingredients into the wet bowl and whisk just until combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy—overmixing will make your waffles tough. I usually do this in two batches to keep the mixing gentle and even.

Step 4: Heat Your Waffle Iron and Cook

Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat and lightly spray with avocado oil or brush with a little melted butter. Spoon about ¼ cup batter per waffle, but adjust based on your waffle maker’s size. Cook for around 3-5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Resist the urge to open the iron too early—it pays off with a perfect waffle every time!

Step 5: Keep Them Warm and Crispy

Place cooked waffles single layer on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm and crispy while you finish the batch. This little trick is a lifesaver when feeding a crowd and keeps waffles fresh without sogginess.

Top Tip

I’ve learned that the batter consistency and waffle iron temperature make or break these festive waffles. Here’s what I do to ensure my waffles come out just right every time:

Batter thickness: If your batter feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of buttermilk—your waffles should pour easily but still hold their shape.
Heat settings: Medium heat works best for me — too hot and the waffles burn outside while staying doughy inside.
Don’t rush the cooking: Wait until the waffle iron indicates it’s done, or the steam slows down significantly before opening.
Greasing the iron: A quick spray with avocado oil is less messy than butter and keeps waffles crisp.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe

festive christmas waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these waffles with a dollop of Greek yogurt for tang, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey, and fresh berries for brightness. A smear of almond or cashew butter adds a creamy, nutty richness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Don’t forget a little dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy holiday vibe!

Side Dishes

Serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for salty contrast, or a warm glass of mulled cider or coffee spiked with a dash of cinnamon. Roasted chestnuts or a simple fruit salad with citrus segments also complement this dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive brunch, I stack the waffles high and sprinkle with edible gold glitter or small festive sprigs like rosemary to mimic pine needles. Another fun idea is to arrange them on a large serving platter with sections of different toppings—everyone can customize their own—making it interactive and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To avoid soggy waffles, I place parchment paper between each one to prevent sticking. This way, when you reheat, they stay separate and crisp.

Freezing

These waffles freeze wonderfully—just cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When I pull them out, I let them thaw a bit at room temp or reheat straight from frozen.

Reheating

My favorite way to reheat is popping them in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This restores the crisp exterior and warm, fluffy interior much better than the microwave, which tends to make waffles chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Absolutely! I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 flour blend and the waffles turn out just as fluffy and delicious. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or a binder for best texture.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 2 cups of milk (dairy or plant-based) with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles, then use it in the recipe.

Can I omit the dark rum?

Yes, the dark rum is optional and adds a subtle depth to the flavor. If you prefer to skip alcohol, just leave it out — your waffles will still be delicious and festive.

How do I avoid soggy waffles when reheating?

To keep waffles crispy on reheating, I recommend using a toaster or oven rather than the microwave. Heating at 350°F for about 5 minutes restores that perfect crisp exterior without drying the inside.

Final Thoughts

These Festive Christmas Waffles with Spices Recipe is truly a favorite in my holiday rotation. They combine ease, flavor, and festive spirit in a way that feels special but never fussy. I’m confident you’ll enjoy them as much as I do—so grab your waffle iron, gather those spices, and let’s make your holiday mornings extra merry this year!