If you’re on the hunt for something cozy and festive to brighten up your breakfast routine, this Eggnog Waffles Recipe is an absolute game-changer. I love this recipe because it captures all the rich, creamy flavors of eggnog but turns them into a fluffy, golden waffle that’s perfect for chilly mornings or holiday brunches. Trust me, once you try these waffles, you’ll want to make them a tradition every season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Festive Flavor: The nutmeg and eggnog blend gives every bite a warm holiday vibe that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: With just a few common ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect even if you’re not a kitchen pro.
- Super Fluffy Texture: These waffles come out light and airy, with a crisp outside that’s just heavenly.
- Great for Gatherings: They’re a crowd-pleaser — my family goes crazy for these every holiday morning!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together in a way that gives you that classic eggnog flavor but with the perfect waffle texture. When shopping, I recommend using fresh nutmeg if you can — it really brightens up the flavor more than pre-ground spice.
- All-purpose flour: A pantry staple that forms the base of your waffle batter.
- Baking powder: This is the secret to those fluffy, tender waffles you’re craving.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg will impart the best aroma and warm spice notes.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and a delightful crisp crust to your waffles.
- Eggs: Eggs bind everything together and contribute to fluffy texture.
- Sugar: Balances out the spice and deepens the overall flavor without being too sweet.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient — it brings that creamy, festive magic to the batter.
Variations
I like to keep the base of this Eggnog Waffles Recipe pretty classic, but it’s so easy to tweak depending on your mood or what you have in the pantry. Feel free to get creative — waffles are a wonderful blank canvas!
- Spiced Up: I once added a pinch of cinnamon and cloves alongside the nutmeg for an extra cozy spice blend that had everyone asking for the recipe.
- Non-Dairy Eggnog: If you’re dairy-free, using a coconut or almond milk-based eggnog works beautifully and keeps the flavor rich.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch — it’s an unexpected texture boost that I love.
- Chocolate Lovers: Adding mini chocolate chips straight to the batter makes these waffles feel like a holiday dessert brunch.
How to Make Eggnog Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by melting your butter — I usually do this in the microwave so it’s quick and mess-free. Then, whisk together the melted butter, eggnog, eggs, and sugar in a large bowl. I like to use a liquid measuring cup here because it makes mixing easier and pouring the batter onto the waffle maker smoother. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and that freshly grated nutmeg. I’ve found that mixing the dry ingredients separately helps me avoid any lumps and ensures the nutmeg is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Now, pour the dry mixture into your wet ingredients. Stir just until they come together — it’s okay if there are still a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to dense waffles, and nobody wants that. The batter should be slightly thick but pourable.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Preheat your waffle iron according to its instructions – this is key to getting crisp edges! Lightly spray or brush it with melted butter to prevent sticking. Scoop the batter onto the waffle maker (I usually use about ½ cup per waffle, but your waffle maker size may vary). Close the lid and cook until golden brown and crisp. This usually takes around 4-5 minutes, but keep an eye on it — some waffle makers cook faster than others. When the steam stops coming out, that’s a great sign your waffle is ready.
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Waffles Recipe
- Fresh Nutmeg Over Ground: I learned that freshly grated nutmeg instantly elevates the flavor, so I never skip it if I can help it.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: My first batch was too dense because I over-stirred — a few lumps are totally fine and will keep things light.
- Preheat Your Waffle Maker Well: Waiting for your waffle iron to be hot enough makes a huge difference: crispy edges and no sticking!
- Use Butter for Greasing: I tried spray once, but butter gives the waffles a richer flavor and perfect crispiness on the edges.
How to Serve Eggnog Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
For me, a little pat of butter melting right on top is non-negotiable. I also love a generous drizzle of warm maple syrup — it’s classic and brings out the subtle sweetness of the eggnog. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some more freshly grated nutmeg or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Berries or sliced bananas add a fresh contrast that’s perfect on colder mornings.
Side Dishes
I usually pair these waffles with crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for a savory touch. A simple fruit salad or stewed apples also complement the warm spices beautifully, adding a bright element to the plate. My family goes crazy when I bring out whipped cream alongside for a little indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, for Christmas morning, I stacked the waffles like a cake and layered them with cream cheese frosting spiced with cinnamon — it was a showstopper! For a casual brunch, arranging waffles with dollops of whipped cream and scattered cranberries makes a festive, colorful presentation your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let any leftover waffles cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep nicely for up to 3 days, so if you’re feeding a crowd or want a quick breakfast later in the week, you’re covered.
Freezing
Freezing works great if you want to prep in advance. Lay the cooled waffles on a baking sheet so they don’t stick, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need. They’ll last for about two months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated waffles back to life, pop them in your toaster or toaster oven instead of the microwave—this keeps them crisp outside and fluffy inside. I usually toast mine twice for that perfect golden finish. Avoid microwaving or you’ll get soggy waffles fast.
FAQs
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Can I use regular milk instead of eggnog?
Absolutely, you can substitute regular milk if you don’t have eggnog on hand, but the waffles won’t have that distinct rich, festive flavor that eggnog provides. To get close, adding a pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon to the milk helps mimic the taste.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
It takes some tweaks, but yes! Use a plant-based eggnog (like almond or coconut milk-based), replace butter with a vegan alternative, and swap eggs for flaxseed or chia egg substitutes. The texture might differ slightly, but it’s still delicious.
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How do I prevent waffles from sticking to my waffle maker?
Preheating the waffle maker fully and generously greasing it with melted butter or nonstick spray right before adding batter are key steps. Also, don’t open the waffle maker too early while cooking—it’s tempting, but letting it finish ensures they release more easily.
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Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit gently into the batter after combining wet and dry ingredients. Just keep in mind that adding too much mix-ins can make waffles slightly denser.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftover Eggnog Waffles?
To maintain crispness and warmth, the toaster or toaster oven is your best bet. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make waffles soggy and less appealing.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Waffles Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen, especially around the holidays. The smell that fills the air while cooking is instantly nostalgic and comforting. I hope you give this recipe a try and find it as delightful and easy as I do. Whether it’s a festive breakfast or a weekend treat, these waffles bring warmth and happiness to the table — just like a hug in waffle form!
Print
Eggnog Waffles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 4 waffles
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Best Eggnog Waffles are a festive and flavorful breakfast treat, perfect for the holiday season. Infused with the warm spice of nutmeg and rich creaminess of eggnog, these waffles are fluffy and tender. They pair beautifully with maple syrup and butter, making them a delicious way to start Christmas morning or any winter day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (Freshly grated if possible)
Wet Ingredients
- 5 tbsp Butter (Melted)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Eggnog
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure even cooking and crispy waffles.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine the melted butter, eggnog, and eggs. Stir until fully combined, then add sugar and mix again until incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and freshly grated nutmeg until evenly mixed.
- Make Batter: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. It's okay if the batter has some small lumps; do not overmix to keep waffles tender.
- Cook Waffles: Lightly grease the waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray or melted butter. Scoop batter onto the waffle maker and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 4 minutes, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the waffles carefully and serve warm with butter, maple syrup, and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg for a festive finish.
Notes
- These waffles are rich with nutmeg and eggnog, making them ideal for holiday breakfasts or brunches.
- Serve with plenty of maple syrup and butter to enhance flavor.
- Freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a nice aromatic finishing touch.
- The batter can be slightly lumpy; this ensures a tender texture in the waffles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 waffle
- Calories: 494 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 409 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 176 mg