16 Christmas Waffles You’ll Love

There is no better way to wake up on Christmas morning than to the smell of waffles sizzling on the iron. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and endlessly dress-up-able with whipped cream, berries, and warm maple syrup, Christmas waffles turn an ordinary breakfast into a holiday celebration — whether you’re feeding excited kids in pajamas or hosting a full Christmas brunch.

This collection of 16 Christmas waffle recipes covers every flavor of the season: gingerbread, peppermint mocha, eggnog, hot chocolate, cranberry orange, red velvet, and more. Most come together with pantry staples and a hot waffle iron. So preheat that iron, pour the coffee, and let’s make some Christmas waffle magic!

1. Classic Fluffy Christmas Morning Waffles

The one that started it all — tall, golden, and impossibly fluffy. These classic waffles use buttermilk and a little extra baking powder for maximum lift, and they taste like every good Christmas morning you’ve ever had. Serve them with warm maple syrup, or for an extra-special touch, this homemade breakfast syrup recipe is wonderful poured over a tall warm stack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs, separated
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high heat. Lightly grease it if your iron isn’t nonstick.
2. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large bowl.
3. In a second bowl, whisk the egg yolks, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined — a few lumps are fine.
5. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, then gently fold them into the batter for extra fluff.
6. Cook 1/2 cup of batter per waffle for 4–5 minutes, until deep golden and crisp. Serve warm.

2. Gingerbread Christmas Waffles

All the cozy spice of gingerbread in waffle form. Molasses and warm spices give these a deep, dark flavor and a gorgeous gingerbread-brown color — and your kitchen will smell like a Christmas bakery while they cook.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high. Whisk the flour, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and brown sugar in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the molasses, milk, eggs, and melted butter in a separate bowl until smooth.
3. Fold the wet mixture into the dry until just combined; rest the batter 5 minutes.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until crisp and deeply browned.
5. Serve with whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, and warm maple syrup.

3. Cinnamon Roll Christmas Waffles

The best of two breakfast worlds — a yeasty-sweet cinnamon swirl baked right into every waffle, finished with warm cream cheese glaze drizzled over the top. These taste exactly like a cinnamon roll, no frosting drip required.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon (swirl)
• 4 oz cream cheese + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk (glaze)

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl; the eggs, milk, and melted butter in another.
2. Combine wet and dry until just mixed. Stir the brown sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
3. Pour 1/2 cup batter into the iron, sprinkle 1 tbsp of the cinnamon-sugar over the top, and close the lid.
4. Cook 4–5 minutes until golden. The swirl caramelizes into the waffle as it cooks.
5. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk into a pourable glaze and drizzle generously over warm waffles.

4. Peppermint Mocha Waffles

Your favorite holiday coffee, but make it breakfast. Espresso and cocoa are whisked right into the batter, and crushed candy canes on top add that festive peppermint crunch. These pair beautifully with the treats on our christmas candy recipes trays.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp instant espresso powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• Crushed candy canes, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder together.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and peppermint extract in a separate bowl.
3. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until set and crisp at the edges.
5. Top with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and a generous sprinkle of crushed candy canes.

5. Eggnog Waffles

Real eggnog replaces the milk in this batter for the richest, most custardy waffles you’ll ever taste. A pinch of nutmeg in the batter and grated nutmeg over the whipped cream makes them taste like the holidays in waffle form — and they go wonderfully with a cozy cup from our eggnog desserts collection.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, plus more for serving
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups prepared eggnog
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp rum extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, eggnog, melted butter, and rum extract in a second bowl.
3. Fold wet into dry just until combined; the batter will be thick and fragrant.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
5. Serve with whipped cream, a grating of fresh nutmeg, and warm syrup.

6. Hot Chocolate Waffles

Deep chocolate waffles studded with melty pockets and crowned with mini marshmallows — basically a mug of cocoa you can eat with a fork. Kids go wild for these, and they pair perfectly with a warm mug from our homemade hot chocolate recipes for the ultimate cocoa overload.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Mini marshmallows, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a second bowl, then fold into the dry ingredients.
3. Gently stir in the mini chocolate chips.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until the edges are crisp and the centers are set.
5. Top each hot waffle with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate sauce so the marshmallows soften slightly.

7. Cranberry Orange Waffles

Bright, tangy, and gorgeous — fresh cranberries pop with tart juice in every bite while orange zest perfumes the whole waffle. The red-and-orange colors look stunning on a Christmas brunch table.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, orange zest, and orange juice in a second bowl.
3. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry, then gently fold in the halved cranberries.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 5–6 minutes — the berries need a little extra time to soften.
5. Serve with orange-butter syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh cranberries.

8. Christmas Tree Waffles

The kid-favorite of the list! Waffles get a fun green tint and are cut into triangles, then decorated with sprinkles, berries, and a star-shaped piece of fruit on top. They look just like little Christmas trees — and they’re as much fun to decorate as our christmas cookies.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• Green gel food coloring
• Holiday sprinkles, for decorating
• Star-shaped pineapple or apple slices, for toppers

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Make a basic waffle batter from the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, eggs, milk, and butter.
2. Stir in green gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you get a bright tree-green batter.
3. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until golden-green and crisp.
4. Cut each round waffle into 4 triangles.
5. Stand the triangles on plates, decorate with sprinkles and whipped cream “snow,” and crown each with a fruit star.

9. Red Velvet Christmas Waffles

Striking crimson waffles with a hint of cocoa, crowned with tangy cream cheese drizzle and crushed candy canes. These look like they took all morning but come together in minutes — the wow factor is off the charts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 4 oz cream cheese + 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk (drizzle)
• Crushed candy canes, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, cocoa, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and red food coloring until evenly tinted.
3. Fold wet into dry just until combined — don’t overmix or the waffles turn tough.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until crisp.
5. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk into a drizzle and pour over warm waffles; finish with crushed candy canes.

10. White Chocolate Raspberry Waffles

Elegant and pretty in pink — white chocolate melted into the batter keeps these waffles tender, and a quick warm raspberry sauce spooned over the top adds the perfect sweet-tart contrast.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted
• 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
• 2 tbsp sugar (for the sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter; stir in the melted white chocolate, then fold into the dry ingredients.
3. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until golden and crisp.
4. Simmer the raspberries with 2 tbsp sugar and a splash of water for 5 minutes until jammy; mash lightly.
5. Spoon the warm raspberry sauce over the waffles and add a dollop of whipped cream.

11. Apple Cider Waffles

Cozy fall-meets-Christmas flavor — real apple cider and cinnamon in the batter, topped with warm cinnamon-spiced apple slices. These taste like an orchard visit and Christmas morning had a delicious baby.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups apple cider
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 apples, sliced + 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp cinnamon (topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, apple cider, and melted butter in a second bowl; fold into the dry ingredients.
3. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until deeply golden.
4. Sauté the apple slices in butter with cinnamon for 4–5 minutes until tender and caramelized.
5. Pile the warm spiced apples over the waffles and drizzle with maple syrup.

12. Chocolate Chip Christmas Waffles

The kid-approved classic — melty chocolate chips in every square of a crisp golden waffle. Add red and green sprinkles to the batter for an instant Christmas upgrade that requires zero extra effort.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp red and green sprinkles

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a second bowl; fold into the dry ingredients.
3. Fold in the chocolate chips and sprinkles (skip stirring sprinkles into the batter if you want them only on top).
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 4–5 minutes until golden with melty chip pockets.
5. Serve with whipped cream, extra chocolate chips, and warm maple syrup.

13. Overnight Yeasted Christmas Waffles

For the planner’s Christmas morning: mix this yeasted batter the night before and wake up to waffles with a deep, bakery-like flavor and a shatteringly crisp crust. Minimal morning work, maximum wow.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 cups warm milk (about 110°F)
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. The night before: whisk the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt; whisk the warm milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla, then combine. Cover and refrigerate overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. In the morning, stir the batter down — it will be bubbly and smell amazing. Let it sit at room temperature 20 minutes.
3. Preheat the waffle iron to medium-high.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 5–6 minutes until deeply browned and very crisp.
5. Serve immediately with butter, warm syrup, and fresh berries.

14. Christmas Waffle Breakfast Casserole

All the joy of Christmas waffles in a feed-a-crowd casserole. Torn waffles soak up a sweet custard overnight, then bake into a golden, puffy brunch centerpiece — perfect when the house is full of guests.

Ingredients

• 8 leftover or store-bought waffles, torn into pieces
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/3 cup maple syrup, plus more for serving
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh cranberries or mixed berries

Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and scatter the torn waffle pieces evenly inside. Sprinkle the berries over the top.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth; pour evenly over the waffles.
3. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight so the waffles soak up the custard.
4. Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until puffed and golden at the edges.
5. Rest 10 minutes, then serve warm with extra maple syrup and powdered sugar.

15. Gluten-Free Christmas Waffles

Everyone deserves Christmas waffles. A good gluten-free flour blend plus a little extra leavening makes these just as crisp and fluffy as the original — nobody at the table will guess they’re gluten-free.

Ingredients

• 2 cups gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your blend includes it)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/3 cup melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat the waffle iron. Whisk the flour blend, sugar, baking powder, xanthan gum, and salt in a large bowl.
2. Whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla in a second bowl; fold into the dry ingredients.
3. Rest the batter 5 minutes so the flour fully hydrates — this prevents grittiness.
4. Cook 1/2 cup portions for 5–6 minutes, a touch longer than wheat waffles, until crisp and golden.
5. Top with your favorite holiday fixings: berries, whipped cream, and warm syrup.

16. Christmas Waffle Ice Cream Sundaes

Dessert for breakfast (or breakfast for dessert — no judgment). Warm waffle quarters piled with peppermint or vanilla ice cream, hot fudge, crushed candy canes, and a cherry on top. A spectacular Christmas Eve treat.

Ingredients

• 4 plain waffles (homemade or frozen), warmed
• 4 scoops peppermint or vanilla ice cream
• 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
• Whipped cream
• 1/4 cup crushed candy canes
• Maraschino cherries
• Holiday sprinkles

Instructions

1. Warm the waffles in a toaster or a 350°F oven until hot and crisp; cut each into quarters.
2. Arrange the warm waffle quarters in 4 bowls or sundae glasses.
3. Add a scoop of ice cream to each bowl — the warmth of the waffles slightly melts it into the nooks.
4. Drizzle generously with warm hot fudge.
5. Finish with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, sprinkles, and a cherry on top. Serve immediately.

Christmas Waffles FAQ

Can I make Christmas waffle batter ahead of time?

Yes — most batters (except the ones with whipped egg whites folded in) can be mixed and refrigerated overnight. Stir gently before using; the baking powder loses a little power overnight, so expect slightly less rise, or add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder in the morning. The overnight yeasted waffles (recipe 13) are specifically designed for make-ahead.

How do I keep waffles crisp while I cook the whole batch?

Skip the plate — stacking hot waffles steams them soggy. Instead, place finished waffles in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a 200°F oven. Air circulates around them and they stay crisp for up to 30 minutes.

Can I freeze leftover Christmas waffles?

Absolutely. Cool waffles completely, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag with parchment between layers for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the toaster or a 375°F oven for 5–8 minutes — they’ll come out crisp again.

Why do my waffles stick to the iron?

Three common causes: the iron wasn’t hot enough, it wasn’t greased (even nonstick irons benefit from a light spray before the first waffle), or the waffle was removed too early. Wait until the steam mostly stops and the waffle releases easily — prying it early tears it.

Can I make these Christmas waffles dairy-free?

Yes. Swap the milk for oat or almond milk, use melted coconut oil or dairy-free butter instead of butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The recipes work the same — just avoid nut milks with added sweeteners if you’re sensitive to extra sweetness.

Conclusion

Christmas waffles are the ultimate holiday breakfast — festive, cozy, and endlessly customizable for every eater at your table. From classic fluffy stacks to gingerbread, eggnog, and red velvet showstoppers, these 16 Christmas waffle recipes will make every December morning feel like Christmas. Preheat the iron, gather your favorite toppings, and make this year’s holiday breakfast the best one yet!