Nothing beats the warm, spicy hug of a breakfast that's as cozy as a holiday sweater. That's exactly why I adore the Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe. These waffles bring a delightful mix of festive spices and a rich, buttery crunch topped with sweet, nutty syrup that always makes mornings feel special.

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 get super excited every time I make this because it instantly transforms an ordinary morning into something truly memorable. The blend of ginger and warm spices paired with the maple pecan topping creates a flavor combo that’s comforting and indulgent.

Rich, Spiced Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and cloves gives the waffles that wonderful holiday warmth you crave.
Perfect Texture: Crispy on the outside yet tender and fluffy inside—made possible by the buttermilk and careful mixing.
Maple Pecan Topping: The toasted pecans in warm maple syrup add an irresistibly sweet crunch that’s just the right balance.
Versatility: These waffles can be made in Belgian or traditional waffle makers, and the batter works wonderfully as pancakes too.

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 secret to great flavor and texture lies in carefully chosen ingredients that complement each other beautifully. You’ll want to shop for fresh spices and quality molasses to get those deep gingerbread notes just right.

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 sturdy base that holds the waffles together while keeping them tender.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents ensure your waffles rise perfectly with light, airy texture.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg: The warm spice blend creates that classic gingerbread aroma and flavor.
Salt: Balances sweetness and spices to deepen the overall flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture; melting and cooling it prevents cooking the eggs when mixed.
Brown sugar: Use dark for deeper caramel undertones.
Molasses: The soul of gingerbread—look for unsulphured or Grandma’s brand for authentic taste.
Eggs: Bind everything and contribute to structure and fluff.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and reacts with the baking soda to help the waffles rise tenderly. (DIY buttermilk works great too!)
Pecan halves (optional): Toasted for that toasty crunch in the topping.
Pure maple syrup (optional): For sweet, sticky syrup that’s perfect with pecans and spice.

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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 adding my own spin to this recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s easy to mix and match spices or toppings to keep things interesting—and you’ll enjoy making it your own too.

Variation: For a little zing, I sometimes add freshly grated orange zest to the batter—it lifts the spices beautifully and feels extra festive.
Dietary Options: To make it dairy-free, swap butter with coconut oil and use almond milk with a splash of apple cider vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped crystallized ginger or candied pecans on top of waffles for a sensational texture contrast.
Pancakes: I’ve frequently used this batter for pancakes when I want something quick but full of gingerbread flavor—perfect on busy mornings!

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

Step 1: Mix your dry spices and baking agents

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and your beautifully warm spices—ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg—with a touch of salt. This step ensures your flavor is evenly distributed and your waffles rise perfectly. I like using a large bowl with a pour spout here; it makes pouring the batter into the waffle maker so much easier.

Step 2: Combine wet ingredients with gentle care

Next, whisk the melted butter (cool it a bit so it doesn’t scramble your eggs), brown sugar, and molasses together until smooth. Then add in the eggs and finally the buttermilk, blending just until combined. When you pour this wet mixture into your dry spices, mix gently—avoid over-mixing! A few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the waffles tender.

Step 3: Cook the waffles until crisp and golden

Preheat your waffle maker to medium-high and lightly grease the wells with nonstick spray. Pour about ⅓ cup of batter per waffle and close the lid gently. Cook for around 4–5 minutes until the waffles are crispy on the outside and hold together well. Transfer each waffle to a wire rack set over a baking sheet in a warm oven as you make the rest—this keeps them crisp instead of soggy. Trust me, this step makes a big difference.

Step 4: Toast pecans and warm maple syrup topping

While your waffles cook, toast the pecans in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly so they’t don’t burn. When they smell toasty, turn the heat to low and pour in the maple syrup, warming it together for just about a minute. The syrup picks up the nutty flavor and forms this luscious, sticky topping that you’ll want to pour over everything immediately.

Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy!

I always serve these waffles right away so the topping is warm and the waffles are crisp. Spoon the maple pecan syrup generously and maybe add a little extra butter or whipped cream if you like. The aroma alone is enough to bring everyone to the table quickly!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few little tricks that really perfect this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe. These tips help get amazing texture and flavor every single time.

Don’t Overmix Batter: It’s tempting to stir until the lumps disappear, but stopping while a few remain keeps your waffles fluffy.
Use a Wire Rack: Placing waffles on a rack while keeping them warm prevents steam buildup and sogginess.
Toast Pecans Carefully: They can burn faster than you think, so stay by the stove and keep stirring for even toasting.
Adjust Waffle Size: Tailor your batter amount per waffle depending on the size of your maker to avoid overflow or under-filling.

How to Serve Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe

gingerbread waffles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually stick with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for an elegant snowy look, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or some sugared cranberries for a pop of color and tartness. These simple touches instantly elevate the stack and balance the sweetness.

Side Dishes

One of my favorite combos is a side of crispy bacon or maple-glazed sausage to cut through the sweet richness with a savory punch. Fresh fruit like citrus segments or warm spiced apples always pair beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love layering these waffles on a festive platter, drizzling the maple pecan topping between layers, then topping the stack with edible flowers or tiny sprigs of rosemary for that wintry wreath vibe. It’s always a hit and gets lots of compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover waffles keep best when completely cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 days but honestly, we rarely have any left!

Freezing

I freeze extra waffles flat between sheets of parchment paper inside a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you want one, just pop it in the toaster or oven to crisp back up—it’s a lifesaver for busy mornings.

Reheating

To bring frozen waffles back to life, I prefer reheating in a toaster or toaster oven to maintain that crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them from becoming chewy or soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk in this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk for buttermilk. To mimic buttermilk's tangy flavor, add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 and ⅔ cups of milk, mix, and let sit for 5 minutes before using. This gives the waffles a tender texture and a slight tang.

Can I make this batter into pancakes instead of waffles?

Absolutely! This batter works beautifully for pancakes without any changes. Just pour about ¼ cup of batter onto a hot, greased griddle or skillet and cook until edges look dry and bubbles form, then flip and cook until done. It’s a quick alternative when you don’t have a waffle maker.

How do I prevent the pecans in the maple pecan topping from burning?

Toast pecans over medium-low heat and keep stirring constantly. Pecans can go from toasted to burnt very quickly, so staying attentive and stirring ensures even toasting and keeps the flavor just right.

Can I make these waffles ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the waffles ahead and keep them warm in a low oven on a wire rack. For longer storage, let them cool completely and freeze them flat in airtight bags. Reheat in a toaster or oven to maintain crispness whenever you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Pecan Topping Recipe holds a special place in my breakfast lineup. It’s not just about the fantastic flavor; it’s about the cozy moments and happy smiles it brings to the table. I’m confident you’ll love making (and eating) these waffles as much as I do—serve them up with love and watch how quickly they disappear!