If you’re looking for a festive breakfast treat that will wow your family and make your holiday mornings extra special, I’ve got just the thing: my favorite Eggnog Waffles Recipe. These waffles are irresistibly fluffy with subtle warm spices and the creamy richness of eggnog. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever did waffles without it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Seasonal Flavor Boost: The eggnog and nutmeg create a cozy holiday vibe that’s hard to beat.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry—and no need for complicated steps.
- Fluffy Texture: Perfectly soft and airy, these waffles crisp up beautifully in any waffle maker.
- Family Favorite: My kids and guests always ask me to make these again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Eggnog Waffles Recipe lies in simple, comforting ingredients that complement each other perfectly. I like to use freshly grated nutmeg for the best aroma, but ground nutmeg works just fine too. Also, don’t skip the eggnog—it’s the star that brings a tender crumb and festive flair.
- All purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for fluffy waffles without being too dense.
- Baking powder: Essential for giving the waffles a nice lift and light texture.
- Nutmeg: Freshly grated truly makes a difference here, offering warm spice notes.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps create a crisp exterior.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and provide stability.
- Sugar: Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the eggnog flavor.
- Eggnog: The star ingredient that makes these waffles uniquely creamy and festive.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Eggnog Waffles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I often play around with add-ins and toppings to keep it fun—and you should too!
- Spiced Upgrade: Adding a pinch of cinnamon and ground cloves deepens the holiday flavor—my family goes crazy for this blend.
- Non-Dairy Swap: You can substitute the eggnog with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat nog if you want to keep it dairy-free.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Toss in mini chocolate chips to the batter for irresistible pockets of melty chocolate.
- Healthier Version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat or oat flour to add some wholesome goodness.
How to Make Eggnog Waffles Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients Gently
First, preheat your waffle iron so it’s nice and ready to go. In a large bowl or even a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, eggnog, and eggs until fully combined. Add the sugar and give it another quick mix. I find that using a whisk here helps create a smooth base.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mixing these first helps the baking powder distribute evenly so you get perfectly risen waffles every time.
Step 3: Bring It All Together Without Overmixing
Pour your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl and stir until just combined. This part is crucial—you want to stop mixing as soon as you don’t see large pockets of flour. Those little lumps? Totally fine! Overmixing can make your waffles tough, so resist the temptation to keep stirring.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Spray your waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray or spread a bit of melted butter over the grids. Scoop the batter evenly into the waffle maker and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions—usually about 4 to 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the steam stops escaping and the smell of toasted buttery goodness fills the air!
Pro Tips for Making Eggnog Waffles Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs and eggnog sit out for a bit before mixing—it helps create lighter waffles.
- Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: Freshly grated nutmeg makes a huge flavor difference compared to pre-ground.
- Test Your Waffle Iron: Try a small test waffle first to adjust cooking time and batter amounts.
- Keep Waffles Warm: If cooking in batches, keep finished waffles warm in a low oven so they stay crisp while you finish the rest.
How to Serve Eggnog Waffles Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these waffles with a pat of quality butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup—the combo is classic and divine. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra fresh nutmeg or dust powdered sugar on top to make it look extra festive. Whipped cream is another indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the creamy eggnog flavor.
Side Dishes
For a complete holiday breakfast, I like serving these waffles alongside crispy bacon or sausage links for a salty contrast. Fresh fruit like berries or sliced pears offers a bright, refreshing balance. Sometimes, a warm spiced apple compote on the side has become a family tradition that everyone asks for.
Creative Ways to Present
One fun idea is to layer these waffles with whipped cream and cranberry sauce to create a festive brunch parfait stack. For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged waffles on a platter garnished with holly leaves and edible glitter for a sparkle effect—kids love that! You can even cut waffles into smaller shapes using cookie cutters to make them playful and kid-friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge. They stay great for about 2 days. I always separate the waffles with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
Eggnog waffles freeze really well! Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag and keep up to 2 months. This is a lifesaver for busy holiday mornings when you don’t want to start from scratch.
Reheating
To reheat, pop frozen or refrigerated waffles straight into a toaster or toaster oven until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that lovely crisp texture—this method keeps them tasting fresh, just like when first made.
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought eggnog for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought eggnog works perfectly and is actually my go-to for convenience. Just make sure it’s well chilled before mixing into the batter for the best texture.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the eggnog with a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk-based eggnog, and use a plant-based butter substitute. The waffles will still be delicious with a slightly different flavor profile.
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Why are my waffles not crispy?
Crispiness largely depends on your waffle iron and cooking time. Make sure your iron is hot before adding batter, and avoid lifting the lid too early. Keeping cooked waffles warm in a low oven helps maintain crisp edges.
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Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
You can prepare the batter an hour ahead, but I recommend cooking the waffles fresh for the best texture and rise. If you refrigerate the batter, give it a gentle stir before cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Waffles Recipe has become a beloved tradition in my holiday kitchen because it’s easy to make, festive, and just downright delicious. I love the way the warm spices and creamy eggnog bring a special touch to what would otherwise be just a regular breakfast. If you want to impress your family or guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor, I genuinely recommend giving this a try. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
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 delightful holiday breakfast treat, featuring a rich blend of eggnog and warm nutmeg flavors. Perfectly fluffy and golden, they make a cozy and festive meal to enjoy throughout the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 5 tbsp Butter (Melted)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Eggnog
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg (Freshly grated if possible)
Instructions
- Preheat Waffle Maker: Preheat your waffle maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl or a liquid measuring cup, mix together the melted butter, eggnog, and eggs until fully combined. Stir in the sugar and mix again to incorporate.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and freshly grated nutmeg until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
- Mix Batter: Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps—overmixing can make the waffles tough.
- Prepare Waffle Maker Surface: Spray the waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray or brush it lightly with melted butter to prevent sticking.
- Cook Waffles: Scoop the batter onto the heated waffle maker and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions, usually until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Serve the warm waffles with maple syrup, butter, and a dusting of freshly ground nutmeg for a festive finish.
Notes
- These waffles are bursting with nutmeg and eggnog flavor, making them ideal for the holiday season.
- Serve them generously topped with maple syrup, butter, and extra nutmeg for the best taste experience.
- Use freshly grated nutmeg whenever possible for a more vibrant aroma and flavor.
- Don’t overmix your batter to keep waffles light and fluffy.
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