There’s something deeply comforting about the smell of warm spices dancing through your kitchen on a chilly morning — that’s exactly what makes this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe an absolute must-make. These waffles bring cozy holiday vibes to your breakfast plate, with just the right hint of chocolate and spices to make your mornings feel extra special.

A stack of four thick, golden-brown waffles sits on a white plate, with syrup dripping down the sides creating shiny amber streaks. On top of the stack, there is a small gingerbread man cookie with white icing eyes, mouth, and buttons. Powdered sugar is falling from above, covering the waffles, cookie, and plate with a dusting of white. The background features warm, soft yellow bokeh lights and blurred shapes that hint at holiday decorations. The plate rests on a dark wooden surface with scattered powdered sugar around it. 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 Spice Waffles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many holiday mornings I’ve baked these Festive Christmas Spice Waffles – they’re a tradition in my house now. They’re simple to whip up, yet packed with those seasonal, cozy flavors that everyone asks for seconds on.

Rich Holiday Flavor: The blend of Christmas spice and cacao powder delivers festive warmth and a subtle chocolatey twist that’s unlike your typical waffle.
Flexible and Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients to suit gluten-free or vegan diets, making it inclusive for the whole family.
Crispy and Tender: These waffles strike the perfect balance — crisp outside, tender inside — so every bite is satisfying.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: I love that these freeze beautifully, letting you enjoy a holiday breakfast without the morning rush.

A stack of four thick, light brown waffles sits on a white plate, each waffle layer showing a slightly crispy texture with a soft inside. Dripping amber syrup flows down the sides of the waffles, creating shiny lines. A small gingerbread man cookie dusted with powdered sugar and decorated with white icing buttons and face stands on top of the stack. Powdered sugar is sprinkled on the stack and plate, adding a snowy effect. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow bokeh lights and festive shapes, on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe blends familiar holiday spices with a touch of cacao powder to bring out a richer, deeper flavor. Each ingredient not only contributes taste but also texture and moisture — all big keys to waffle success.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale gluten-free flour mix, a neat pile of warm brown Christmas spice powder, a small heap of rich dark brown cacao powder, two whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl of melted amber butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract liquid, a small white ceramic bowl of white sea salt flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of amber dark rum, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy buttermilk, arranged in perfect symmetry 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: I often use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 mix for these; it keeps the waffles light without sacrificing structure.
Christmas Spice (or gingerbread spice): This is the soul of the recipe – a warm blend that fills the waffles with festive cheer.
Cacao Powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the spices – it’s like a holiday hug in waffle form.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: For the perfect rise and that lovely fluffiness we want in waffles.
Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweetness that complements the spices beautifully. Sometimes I prefer maple for a more traditional holiday taste.
Melted Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness; I make sure it’s just warm, not hot, to keep the batter happy.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a comforting aroma.
Sea Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors without being salty.
Dark Rum (optional): I like the complexity rum adds—it deepens the holiday notes, but feel free to skip if you prefer.
Buttermilk: Makes the waffles tender and adds a pleasant tang. For vegan versions, a simple plant milk with a splash of vinegar does the trick.
Cooking Oil (spray or brush): Keeps the waffles from sticking and adds to that perfect crisp exterior.

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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 love that this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe is so adaptable. I often tweak it depending on who’s at the breakfast table or what I have on hand, and there are so many tasty ways to make it your own.

Variation: For a vegan twist, switching out eggs with flaxseed meal and using almond milk with lemon juice to mimic buttermilk works like a charm—I was surprised how well it held together!
Spice Mix: Sometimes I swap the Christmas spice for pure gingerbread blend or add a pinch of cardamom for a slightly different festive aroma.
Sweetener Swap: Honey is my go-to, but maple syrup adds a nice depth of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the spices.
Add-ins: A handful of chopped pecans or crystallized ginger folded into the batter adds delightful bursts of texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, Christmas spice, cacao powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. This ensures all the leavening and spices are evenly distributed—trust me, this step sets you up for perfectly flavored waffles every time.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, beat the eggs with honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and dark rum if you're using it. Once smooth, stir in the buttermilk. The key here is to keep the butter warm but not hot, or it could cook the eggs prematurely.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients in two batches, gently whisking until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the waffles tender, not tough.

Step 4: Cook the Waffles

Heat your waffle iron to medium and lightly oil it with avocado oil spray or brush. Scoop approximately ¼ cup of batter per waffle, adjusting depending on your iron size. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or follow your machine’s instructions until golden and crisp.

Step 5: Keep Warm and Serve

Keep cooked waffles warm on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven, spread out in a single layer to retain their crisp edges. Serve with your favorite festive toppings and enjoy that magical holiday flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to make these Festive Christmas Spice Waffles flawless every time — things you might not find in most recipes but that really make a difference in the kitchen.

Don’t Overmix: Leaving lumps in the batter is okay — it keeps the waffles tender and prevents them from getting rubbery.
Butter Temperature: Melt your butter and let it cool slightly before adding to eggs to avoid curdling.
Waffle Iron Temperature: Medium heat is your friend — too hot and the waffles burn before cooking through; too low and they come out soggy.
Stack Smart: Keep finished waffles in a single layer in a warm oven to avoid steaming and sogginess.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe

Christmas spice waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, fresh berries, and just a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. The contrast of creamy, tangy, and sweet makes every bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

On busy holiday mornings, I love pairing these waffles with a side of crispy bacon or spiced roasted nuts for crunch, and a hot cup of spiced chai or mulled cider to keep the festive mood going.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special Christmas brunch, I layer waffles with whipped cream and sliced mandarins in clear glass parfaits or stack them with a dusting of powdered sugar and pomegranate seeds for that extra festive sparkle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found this keeps the waffles fresh for up to 3 days without losing their charm or texture, perfect for busy mornings.

Freezing

Freeze waffles individually on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I’m ready for a quick breakfast, I just toast them straight from the freezer — they come out almost like freshly made.

Reheating

I reheat waffles in a toaster or a hot oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crispy exterior — I learned this the hard way!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these waffles gluten-free?

Yes! I use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 flour mix most years without issue. Make sure your spice blend is gluten-free too, and you’re all set.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) and use a plant-based milk with a dash of vinegar to mimic buttermilk. Use coconut oil or vegan butter for the melted butter, and maple syrup for sweetness.

What’s the best way to store leftover waffles?

Store waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat in a toaster or oven for best texture.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit to this waffle batter?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries are fantastic additions that complement the spices. Just fold them in gently before cooking.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe a try — it’s one of those recipes that truly brings joy and cozy spirit to the holidays. Whether it’s a lazy weekend or a special holiday brunch, these waffles add that little extra magic we all crave. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll become a beloved tradition in your kitchen just like they did in mine.