Healthy Gingerbread Waffles

Healthy gingerbread waffles made with fresh ginger and whole wheat flour are full of spice and holiday cheer! With crispy outsides and fluffy, lightly sweetened insides, they're perfect for Christmas morning brunch or for meal prepping to make weekday mornings more special. (dairy-free, vegetarian)

Whether you're looking for a festive holiday breakfast for Christmas morning, or a nutritious and cheerful breakfast for weekdays leading up to the big day (and beyond!), it's hard to beat gingerbread waffles! The classic holiday flavor makes its way to the breakfast table in the form of healthy(ish), fluffy waffles. It'll be hard not to sing Christmas carols after such a festive start to your morning!

Why You'll Love These Gingerbread Waffles

These delightful gingerbread waffles are so festive and fun for Christmas morning (and all winter long!) with the classic taste of gingerbread. A bit of cornstarch and bubbly club soda or seltzer water makes these waffles light and fluffy on the inside, and perfectly crispy on the outside. The flavor is delicious (and not too sweet) thanks to fresh ginger and molasses. Whole wheat flour and a touch of ground flaxseed make these waffles healthier than most, and they're naturally dairy-free (if that matters to you!).

The Ingredients

• Flour - I use white whole wheat or whole wheat pastry flour.
• Cornstarch - The key to crispy outsides!
• Flaxseed - For a little extra fiber and healthy fat. Leave it out if you don't have it.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder and Salt
• Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar - Just a hint. If you want a sweeter waffle, feel free to add more.
• Ginger - I use fresh ginger grated with a microplane zester. Ginger paste makes things even easier.
• Molasses - It gives these the flavor of gingerbread that you know and love. I like to use unsulphured molasses, such as Wholesome brand.
• Egg
• Vanilla
• Club Soda or Seltzer Water - The bubbles are the secret to extra fluffy waffles! Unflavored sparkling water works, too.

How To Make Them

1. Whisk all the dry ingredients togogether in a large bowl.
2. Add the wet ingredients, starting with ¾ cup of soda. Add more as needed. Whisk until just blended.
3. Pour batter into a preheated waffle iron and cook according to the maker's directions.
4. Serve waffles hot with powdered sugar, whipped cream, maple syrup and/or fruit!

Pro Tips and Ingredient Swaps

• If your waffle iron isn't non-stick, make sure to spray or brush it with oil.
• I like to use a setting of 3-4 on my waffle iron. (I have this double waffle maker and love it!)
• If you accidentally get the batter too thin, you can add a small handful of quick oats the help absorb some of the liquid.
• All purpose flour may be used in place of whole wheat.
• Ground ginger may be used in place of fresh. Use ½ tsp.
• If you prefer to use milk or non-dairy milk instead of soda, the waffles may not be quite as fluffy, but you certainly can. I'd go with buttermilk if you have it.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover waffles in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the freezer up to 3 months.

More Christmas Breakfasts You'll Love

• Greek Yogurt Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake
• Sourdough Discard Cinnamon Rolls
• Easy Eggs Benedict Quiche
• Gingerbread Sweet Potato Smoothie
• Whole Wheat Sourdough Pecan Cinnamon Rolls

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the comments!

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This post was originally published December 2016 and has been updated.