There’s something magical about waking up to the warm, spicy aroma of these cozy **Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe** wafting through the kitchen. The blend of fragrant ginger and cinnamon in tender waffles, paired with a rich, sticky maple pecan syrup, makes breakfast feel like a festive celebration any day of the year.

A stack of three thick, dark brown waffles sits on a white plate with a scalloped edge. The top waffle is covered with glossy, dark pecans that look slightly sticky with syrup. The syrup slowly drips down the sides of the waffles, showing a shiny texture. Around the plate, there are a few sugared red cranberries and additional pecans, adding pops of bright red and brown to the scene. The setting has a white marbled table surface and a rich burgundy cloth blurred in the background. The image is sharp, highlighting the rough and crispy texture of the waffles and the shiny syrup. 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 Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to share just how much I adore this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe — it’s one of those rare breakfasts that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether it’s a chilly weekend morning or a special holiday brunch, this recipe always hits the spot.

Spiced Comfort: The blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills your kitchen with the essence of autumn and winter comfort.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside yet fluffy inside, these waffles have just the right bite—you'll love how they hold up under the maple pecan syrup.
Easy Yet Impressive: Despite tasting like a fancy brunch treat, it’s a breeze to prepare—great for impressing guests or treating yourself.
Maple Pecan Magic: The warm, toasted pecans swimming in pure maple syrup create a topping so irresistible you may want to bottle it for everything!

A white plate holds a pile of eight dark brown square waffles, stacked unevenly in two main layers, with some waffles leaning on others. On top of the waffles are scattered shiny pecan nuts and dark syrup filling some waffle pockets. Around the plate and on the waffles are small clusters of bright red cranberries covered with white sugar crystals. Nearby, a small white bowl holds more cranberries, and a white bowl with dark syrup and pecans sits to the side. The setting has a wooden surface and a red cloth is partially under the plate, with some green leaves and red berries adding a festive touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here play together like an old jazz band—each bringing its own note so the waffle sings with flavor and texture. From the spicy dry mix to the rich molasses-sweetened batter, everything is designed to give you waffles that taste like a cozy hug in food form.

Flat lay of a small mound of pale all-purpose flour, a heap of warm golden brown sugar crystals, a few whole warm brown pecan halves, three whole clean brown eggs with smooth shells, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich dark molasses, a small white ceramic bowl holding melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy white buttermilk, scattered piles of reddish-brown ground ginger, warm brown ground cinnamon, deep brown allspice, dark brown ground cloves, light brown ground nutmeg, and fine white salt crystals, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, 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

All-purpose flour: The base for tender waffles; spoon & level it for accuracy to avoid dense waffles.
Baking powder and baking soda: These work together to give your waffles that light rise and crisp edges.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg: The soul of the gingerbread flavor; fresh spices always yield better depth.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create crisp waffles when melted and cooled just right.
Brown sugar: For a subtle molasses sweetness that layers beautifully with actual molasses.
Molasses: The key to authentic gingerbread notes – I prefer light or dark molasses, but avoid blackstrap for bitterness.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
Buttermilk: Brings tang and acidity to balance sweetness and activate the soda, for tender waffles.
Pecans: Toasted to bring out their natural oils and crunch for the maple topping.
Pure maple syrup: A natural sweetener that pairs perfectly with toasted nuts and spices.

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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 personalizing this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe to suit the day or mood. Whether you're adding mix-ins or switching the syrup up, it’s easy to make this recipe truly yours.

Variation: I often toss in some mini chocolate chips or chopped crystallized ginger to the batter—adds a fun surprise of sweetness and zing.
Dietary tweaks: Use a dairy-free milk and vegan butter to make this vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.
Seasonal changes: Swap pecans for walnuts or pecans for almonds, depending on what’s in your pantry or the season’s vibe.
Texture choice: For thinner waffles, try slightly reducing the baking powder.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together all the dry spices and flour

Start by placing your all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and all those wonderfully fragrant spices—ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and more—into a large bowl. Give it a good whisk so everything is evenly combined. This is the foundation of that authentic gingerbread flavor and it helps avoid clumps of spice when the batter comes together.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients with care

In a separate bowl, whisk your melted butter (make sure it’s slightly cooled so it doesn’t cook the eggs), brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and buttermilk until silky smooth. The molasses brings that signature depth, and the buttermilk adds a little tang and tenderness.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry without over-mixing

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently stir to combine—don’t overdo it! A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Over-mixing makes the waffles tough, so keep it light and easy.

Step 4: Cook waffles until crisp and golden

Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s directions, then spray it with nonstick spray. Pour about ⅓ cup batter per waffle, or enough to cover without overflowing. Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until crisp and beautifully browned. Keep cooked waffles warm on a wire rack in a low oven as you finish the batch.

Step 5: Toast pecans and warm maple syrup topping

While waffles are cooking, toast pecans in a medium skillet over medium-low heat for just 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When they start smelling nutty and toasted, turn heat to low and pour in maple syrup. Warm for about a minute, then remove from heat. This simple topping is seriously addictive!

Step 6: Serve immediately with warm maple pecan syrup

Stack those gingerbread waffles on a plate, drizzle liberally with your warm maple pecan syrup, and watch everyone’s faces light up. If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream or a pinch of powdered sugar for an extra touch.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few small adjustments really elevate the Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe. These little tips will help you get the perfect waffle every time.

Control your batter mix: Resist the urge to overmix; a few lumps keep the waffles tender, avoiding a gluey texture.
Butter temperature matters: Make sure melted butter isn’t hot, or it’ll scramble your eggs—let it cool slightly before mixing.
Toast pecans carefully: Keep stirring while toasting pecans—they burn quickly and can spoil the syrup’s flavor.
Keep waffles warm on a rack: Avoid stacking waffles as they cool—it keeps their crispness intact before serving.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

gingerbread waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dollop of lightly whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for that classic look. Sometimes, I toss on a handful of sugared cranberries or a drizzle of lemon curd for a bright contrast—which works surprisingly well.

Side Dishes

These waffles pair beautifully with crisp bacon or your favorite breakfast sausage to balance the sweetness. For a lighter side, fresh orange slices or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday brunches, I like stacking the waffles with layers of cream cheese frosting or mascarpone between them, then drizzling the maple pecan syrup on top for a decadent waffle “cake.” Adding edible flowers or chopped nuts around the plate instantly upgrades the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I place leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge—but honestly, I prefer freezing because it keeps the texture much better. Keep them separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

I freeze waffles in single layers inside a zip-top freezer bag. They last for up to 3 months and thaw quickly. Freezing is a lifesaver for busy mornings when you want the flavor without the fuss.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop them into the toaster or quickly warm in a hot oven (around 350°F) just to restore their crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them from getting soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these waffles without buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can substitute regular whole milk by adding 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to make your own DIY buttermilk. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to achieve the tang and tenderness buttermilk brings.

Can I make gingerbread waffles as pancakes?

Yes! You can use the exact same batter to make gingerbread pancakes. Simply cook them on a griddle or skillet over medium heat, flipping once bubbles form and edges look dry, just like traditional pancakes. They’re equally delicious!

What kind of waffle maker should I use for this recipe?

You can use any waffle maker—Belgian or traditional. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary depending on your machine. The recipe’s suggested time is a great starting point, but always follow your waffle maker’s instructions for best results.

How do I keep the waffles crispy while serving?

Place cooked waffles on a wire rack in a warm oven rather than stacking them. This prevents steam from making them soggy and keeps them perfectly crisp until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s like the perfect hug on a plate—warm spice, rich sweetness, and a touch of crunch. You’re going to love the way it turns any morning into something special. Trust me, this isn’t just for holidays—make it your next weekend breakfast and watch it become a new favorite.