If you love cozy, warmly spiced breakfasts, then you’re going to be absolutely smitten with this Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feel like a warm hug on a chilly morning—crispy yet tender waffles bursting with classic gingerbread spices, all topped off with a luscious, tangy cream cheese glaze that just takes it over the top. Trust me, once you try this, your weekend mornings will never be the same!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Spiced Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves gives these waffles that signature cozy gingerbread taste.
Creamy Tangy Glaze: The cream cheese glaze balances the spices with richness and a hint of sweetness—totally irresistible!
Fluffy Yet Crisp: Thanks to sour cream and molasses, these waffles come out tender inside with a perfectly crisp outside.
Family Favorite: Every time I make this, my family gobbles them up faster than I can plate them—I’m sure yours will too!

A white round plate is full of square brown waffles stacked in layers, each waffle having a checkered pattern. The waffles are topped with bright red frosted cranberries and a small green mint leaf in the center. To the left of the waffles is a white plate with three crispy brown bacon strips and three fried eggs with bright yellow yolks sprinkled lightly with black pepper. Below the plates is a white bowl filled with frosted cranberries and mint leaves, and next to it is a bowl of white cream. To the right of the plates is a glass of dark red juice or wine and a bottle, beside some green pine branches. An orange sits peeled next to a small lit candle on a wooden holder, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze, gingerbread waffle recipe, spiced holiday waffles, cozy breakfast waffles, easy gingerbread waffles

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look like your usual waffle lineup, but each one adds something special here—from the rich molasses to the warming spices, creating a perfect balance that works together flawlessly.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of milk, a small white bowl of sour cream, a small white bowl of melted unsalted butter, a handful of dark brown sugar crystals loosely piled, a small white bowl of shiny unsulphured molasses, a small white bowl containing a blend of ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of softened cream cheese, a small white bowl of softened unsalted butter, and a small white bowl of vanilla extract placed 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 - Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze, gingerbread waffle recipe, spiced holiday waffles, cozy breakfast waffles, easy gingerbread waffles

All-purpose flour: I like measuring mine by scooping and leveling to get the right amount without being too dense.
Baking powder: This helps your waffles rise nice and fluffy.
Baking soda: Just a little boost for that tender crumb, especially paired with the sour cream.
Salt: Critical for balancing the sweetness and bringing out the spice flavors.
Ground cinnamon: A staple spice that warms every bite.
Ground ginger: Adds that classic gingerbread kick.
Ground nutmeg: A subtle spicy-sweet note you don’t want to skip.
Ground cloves: Just a pinch makes a world of difference in depth.
Eggs: They give structure and richness to the waffles.
Milk (whole or 2%): I prefer whole milk for creamier batter, but 2% works just fine.
Sour cream: This little secret ingredient keeps the waffles moist and tender.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps with crispy edges.
Dark brown sugar: Gives depth and a touch of molasses flavor that really compliments the spices.
Unsulphured molasses: Don’t skip this! It’s what turns ordinary waffles into gingerbread magic.

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.

Variations

I love how versatile this Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe is—you can easily tweak the spices or toppings to suit your mood or occasion. Here are some of my favorites to try!

Adding Orange Zest: I discovered this trick last winter, and it adds a bright citrus burst that pairs beautifully with the spices.
Using Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free twist, swapping regular milk and sour cream for coconut milk keeps them rich and flavorful.
Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend and your batter might be a little thicker, so add a splash more milk as needed.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: Instead of glaze, sometimes I drizzle maple syrup with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for crunch.

How to Make Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and those warming spices right in a large bowl. Doing it this way ensures every bite has that evenly distributed gingerbread flavor. I like to give it a good 20 seconds so everything’s nice and blended before moving on.

Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Separately

In a different bowl, whisk your eggs first. Then stir in the milk, sour cream, melted butter, dark brown sugar, and molasses until everything is nicely combined. When I first tried this recipe, I thought the batter would be too thick because of the sour cream, but it actually makes the waffles incredibly tender inside!

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Now here’s where you want to whisk just until combined—the batter will look a bit lumpy, and that’s exactly right. Overmixing will make the waffles tough, so resist the urge to keep going.

Step 4: Prepare Your Waffle Iron and Cook

While you’re mixing up the batter, preheat your waffle iron and spray it generously with non-stick spray. For smaller waffles, you’ll plug in about 1/3 cup of batter, but if you’re making Belgian-style waffles, closer to 2/3 cup works best. Cook according to your manufacturer’s instructions until the waffles are golden and crisp—don’t rush this part!

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the waffles cook, whip up your glaze. Beat cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until fluffy, then add powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. Whip it all together until it’s light and fluffy—this glaze is the perfect sweet-tangy counterpoint to your spiced waffles. I often pour mine into a resealable bag, snip the tip, and pipe it right onto the waffles for a fancy look without the fuss.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Stack your warm waffles on a plate, drizzle or spread on that glorious cream cheese glaze, and watch your family dig in. I love that these waffles still taste just as good when you reheat them, so leftovers are always a hit around here!

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Pro Tips for Making Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Don’t Overmix Your Batter: Leaving some lumps is key for tender waffles; overmixing develops gluten and toughens them up.
Keep Your Waffle Iron Hot: Preheat fully and don’t peek too early for crisp, golden waffles—trust your waffle maker’s timer.
Molasses is a Must: Substituting molasses changes the flavor depth; I’ve seen people try syrup instead, but molasses is what makes it taste like true gingerbread.
Pipe the Glaze for Presentation: Using a plastic bag to pipe your cream cheese glaze gives a pretty finish with zero mess—one of my favorite hacks.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

A stack of four golden brown waffles is arranged on a white plate, each waffle showing a crisp, textured surface with deep grid patterns. White cream is drizzled diagonally across the waffles in smooth, thick lines. Bright red cranberries coated with a light dusting of frost are scattered across the top waffle and along the cream lines, adding a pop of color. Fresh green mint leaves are placed both on top and around the cranberries, bringing a fresh contrast to the warm waffles. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and a gray striped cloth is partially visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze, gingerbread waffle recipe, spiced holiday waffles, cozy breakfast waffles, easy gingerbread waffles

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese glaze for a little crunch and nutty contrast. Fresh cranberries or pomegranate seeds also add a festive pop of color and tartness that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are crispy bacon or hardwood smoked sausages—it’s that sweet and savory combo that just makes breakfast complete. A simple bowl of fresh fruit, like orange segments or apple slices, brightens the plate and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I’ve layered gingerbread waffles with dollops of whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon sugar, stacking them high like little festive towers. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce alongside the cream cheese glaze adds extra indulgence and wow factor for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any waffles left (and I say “if” loosely), store them in an airtight container layered with parchment paper between waffles to keep them from sticking together. They’ll last up to 3 days in the fridge without losing their texture.

Freezing

I often freeze extra waffles by placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freezing until firm, then popping them into a zip-top bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can pull out individual waffles whenever you want. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy the leftovers, I reheat frozen waffles in the toaster or toaster oven until hot and crisp. This method brings back that freshly-made texture much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but I recommend giving it a gentle stir before cooking since some separation may occur. For the best rise and texture, fresh batter is ideal.
What if I don’t have molasses? Can I substitute?

Molasses is key to achieving that authentic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have it, a mix of dark brown sugar and honey can work in a pinch. Just know the flavor will be a bit different and less robust.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe isn’t naturally vegan, but you can experiment by substituting eggs with flax eggs, using dairy-free milk and vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives. Keep in mind, texture and taste will be slightly different.
How do I make the cream cheese glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. To thin it out, add milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency for drizzling or spreading.
What waffle iron settings work best?

I recommend using a medium to high setting so the waffles cook through while getting a nicely browned, crisp exterior. Every waffle maker is different, so watch the first one closely to adjust as needed.

Final Thoughts

From the first time I made this Gingerbread Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe, it became an instant favorite in our house. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and creamy tang that makes each bite delightful. Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy weekend treat, I genuinely think you’ll fall in love with this recipe just like I did. So, next time you want a breakfast that feels special but isn’t complicated, give this one a whirl—you won’t regret it!