The cozy warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cacao all wrapped up in waffle form—now that’s a holiday treat worth waking up for. This Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe offers all that magic with a tender, fluffy texture that’s just begging to be smothered in your favorite toppings.

A stack of four thick, golden-brown waffles sits on a white plate, each layer showing a slightly crisp texture with a syrup glaze dripping down the sides. On top of the stack stands a small gingerbread man cookie decorated with white icing eyes, mouth, and buttons. Powdered sugar is falling from above, dusting the waffles and the cookie, creating a light white powder on the surface. In the blurred background, there are warm, yellow bokeh lights and holiday decorations, with a white marbled texture underneath the plate 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've made these waffles every holiday season for years, and they never fail to bring smiles around the breakfast table. They strike the perfect balance of festive spice and chocolatey richness, plus they’re surprisingly simple to whip up on a busy morning.

Warm, festive flavors: The Christmas spice blend paired with cacao powder creates a uniquely cozy taste you won’t find in regular waffles.
Perfect texture: Light and fluffy inside with just a bit of crispness outside when you keep them warm properly.
Easy to customize: Swap in vegan buttermilk, add rum for extra depth, or go gluten-free without losing flavor.
Great for prepping: These waffles freeze beautifully, making holiday mornings less hectic and more indulgent.

A stack of four thick, brown waffles is placed on a white plate, each waffle showing a crispy texture with syrup drizzling down the sides. The top layer is dusted with powdered sugar, creating a snowy effect. A small gingerbread man cookie with white icing details stands on top of the stack. Around the plate, there are scattered powdered sugar and small gingerbread-shaped cookies. The background is softly blurred with warm yellow lights and festive decorations. The surface beneath the plate is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe has its own role, working together to create that perfect holiday waffle experience. Choosing quality spices and the right flour mix really makes all the difference here.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale gluten-free flour, a small heap of warm brown Christmas spice powder, a small pile of rich dark cacao powder, two large brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden honey, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted butter with a creamy yellow hue, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear vanilla extract, a tiny mound of coarse sea salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl of amber dark rum, a tall glass of creamy buttermilk with a slight frothy top, and a small white ceramic bowl with light golden cooking oil, all 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 use Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free 1:1 mix to keep these waffles accessible, but all-purpose flour works just as well.
Christmas spice: This blend often includes cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove — adding that irresistible holiday aroma.
Cacao powder: Adds a subtle chocolate depth without overpowering the spices.
Baking powder & baking soda: They work together to ensure a light, airy waffle texture with good rise.
Eggs: The structure builders that keep the waffles fluffy and tender.
Honey (or maple syrup): Natural sweeteners that add warmth and balance the spice perfectly.
Melted unsalted butter: Brings richness and a slight crispness to the waffles’ exterior.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a subtle sweetness.
Sea salt: A pinch to boost flavors and counterbalance the sweetness.
Dark rum (optional): Adds a lovely depth and adult twist—feel free to skip if preferred.
Buttermilk: Provides acidity that reacts with baking soda for fluffier waffles and adds a tender crumb; you can make vegan buttermilk with plant milk and vinegar.
Cooking oil spray: Keeps your waffle iron non-stick without extra grease.

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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

One of the things I love about this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to turn it vegan, gluten-free, or add your favorite mix-ins, it’s a breeze to tweak.

Vegan variation: I’ve replaced eggs with flax eggs and used plant-based milk with apple cider vinegar for the buttermilk—it still comes out just as delicious!
Gluten-free option: Using a quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend, like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1, keeps the texture spot-on without any gritty aftertaste.
Spice adjustments: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or some ground cardamom for a slightly different holiday vibe.
Extra add-ins: Stir in some chopped pecans or mini chocolate chips for a fun surprise inside.

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

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, Christmas spice, cacao powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a medium bowl. I find it helps to sift or thoroughly whisk these so everything is evenly distributed — no pockets of spice or leavening powder left behind!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs with honey, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and dark rum if you’re using it. Once combined, add the buttermilk and whisk again until smooth. This gets your wet base ready to meet the dry mixture.

Step 3: Combine Gently

Pour your dry ingredients into the wet mixture in one or two additions, then gently whisk until just combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy — overmixing can lead to tough waffles, and we definitely want that tender crumb here.

Step 4: Heat and Prepare the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat—if yours has settings, this usually works best for even cooking without burning. Spray the iron with avocado or your preferred cooking oil to keep waffles from sticking.

Step 5: Cook Your Waffles

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter per waffle into the iron (adjust depending on your iron’s size) and close the lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown. I keep a close eye on them the first few rounds—it helps to know exactly how your iron performs.

Step 6: Keep Waffles Warm and Crispy

Once cooked, I place the waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated 200°F oven. This keeps them warm and maintains that lovely crisp outside while you finish up the batch.

Top Tip

After experimenting a few holiday seasons, I realized a few little tweaks make these waffles even better. Trust me—you’ll want to keep these tips in mind!

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Leaving a few lumps in the batter keeps your waffles light and fluffy, and avoids that rubbery texture.
Use Fresh Spices: I always buy fresh Christmas spice blends or make my own to ensure that warm aroma really shines through—old spices just don’t cut it.
Preheat Your Waffle Iron Properly: A fully heated iron means crispy outsides without undercooked batter inside. I find medium heat hits the perfect balance.
Keep Warm in the Oven: Placing waffles on a single layer baking sheet in a low oven keeps them from getting soggy or limp while you finish cooking the rest.

How to Serve Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe

Christmas Spice Waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My go-to garnishes include a dollop of Greek yogurt or a smooth nut butter, fresh winter berries (like cranberries or raspberries), and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. For a little extra holiday sparkle, sprinkle on some crushed pistachios or a dusting of powdered sugar—pure magic!

Side Dishes

I love pairing these waffles with a simple bowl of spiced apple compote or a warm cinnamon-spiked fruit salad. If you want to go savory, crispy bacon or sausage always balance the sweet flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive brunches, I’ve stacked mini waffles with layers of cranberry sauce and whipped cream to make waffle “shortcakes.” Another favorite is using cookie cutters to shape the waffles into stars or trees—kids—or adults—love the extra holiday cheer this brings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled waffles in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh without getting soggy.

Freezing

Freeze leftover waffles separated by parchment paper inside a freezer bag or container. I find they keep well up to a month. When it’s time to enjoy, just pull out what you need and reheat!

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat waffles without losing their crispiness is in a toaster or toaster oven. Heat them for a few minutes until warm and crisp again—way better than microwaving, which can make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! I often use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1:1. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the waffle structure intact. The flavor and texture won’t suffer one bit.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to 1 cup of milk or a plant-based milk alternative. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using. This trick keeps the waffles tender and gives that slight tang you want.

Can I prepare the batter the night before?

You can mix the batter the night before and keep it refrigerated. However, I recommend giving it a gentle stir before cooking since some separation may occur. This can actually help your waffles develop an even better texture when cooked fresh in the morning.

How do I keep leftover waffles crispy?

The key to keeping leftovers crispy is to store them properly and reheat with care. Freeze extras in between parchment paper sheets to avoid sogginess, and reheat in the toaster or oven rather than the microwave. This keeps that golden, crisp exterior intact.

Final Thoughts

Making these Festive Christmas Spice Waffles Recipe has become one of my favorite holiday rituals. There’s something about those warming spices combined with cacao that brings out a joyful, comforting spirit on chilly mornings. I hope you’ll give it a try and create your own family tradition with these waffles—you won’t regret it!