Eggnog Waffles

Why you'll love this recipe

There's something so fun about taking a seasonal favorite and turning it into an unforgettable breakfast. Eggnog waffles are everything you love about the classic holiday drink, woven into a plate of warm, fluffy goodness. And once you've made them, you'll want them on repeat all season long.

Simple ingredients - Everything in this recipe is easy to find, wonderfully familiar, and comes together to create waffles that taste like the holidays in every bite.

Easy to make - Just whisk, fold, pour, and cook. The batter preps in minutes, and the waffle maker does the rest.

Made from scratch - You'll love how fresh and flavorful these waffles are when you skip the mix and make them with love.

Freezer-friendly - Prep a big batch and enjoy them anytime. They freeze beautifully and reheat like a dream.

Perfect for the holidays - If eggnog is your seasonal obsession, these waffles are about to become your new favorite tradition.

Why this recipe works

Using cornstarch for some of the flour ensures that the waffles bake up crisp on the outside while staying tender inside.

Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and folding them in gives the batter lightness and loft, creating waffles that are fluffy instead of dense.

Placing cooked waffles in a warm 200°F oven helps them stay crisp and lets you serve everyone at the same time without sacrificing texture.

Another great bonus is that the batter uses real eggnog, which infuses the waffles with warm spice and holiday flavor from the very start.

Ingredients and their part in the recipe

Each ingredient in these waffles plays a role in creating a fluffy, crisp, delicious breakfast with plenty of holiday charm. Here's what you'll need:

• All-purpose flour - Forms the structure of the waffles.
• Cornstarch - Helps create crisp edges without drying the waffles out.
• Sugar - Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Salt - Balances the flavors and enhances the spices.
• Baking powder - Gives the waffles lift and fluffiness.
• Baking soda - Works with the acidity in the eggnog for extra rise.
• Nutmeg - A classic holiday spice that pairs perfectly with eggnog.
• Cinnamon - Adds warmth and depth.
• Eggnog - Brings moisture, richness, and festive flavor to the batter.
• Vegetable or avocado oil - Keeps the waffles tender on the inside.
• Egg yolks - Add richness and help bind the batter.
• Egg whites - Whipped to stiff peaks for fluffy waffles.
• Vanilla extract or rum extract - Enhances the holiday flavor.
• Garnishes - Nutmeg, whipped cream, maple syrup, or your favorite toppings.

How to Make Eggnog Waffles

These waffles come together quickly and easily, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here's what to do:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg and cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggnog, oil, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
3. Pour eggnog mixture into dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated. Set it aside and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step will give the flour time to absorb the liquid. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
4. While batter is resting, whip egg whites with an electric mixture with the whisk attachment until stiff peaks form.
5. Add stiff egg whites to batter.
6. Fold in gently. A few white streaks still showing are fine.

7. Preheat waffle iron and spray with nonstick spray. Pour 1 cup batter onto hot iron and close. Invert at once if you have a flip waffle iron. Let the waffle cook for about 4 minutes. You will know when it's done as the steam will stop.
8. Open the waffle iron carefully and lift out with tongs. Place in a 200°F oven to crisp up and stay warm while you finish cooking the remaining batter.

Don't those waffles look rich and amazing! Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg and a cinnamon stick garnish and serve with butter and a side of maple syrup. Enjoy!

Recipe tips for success

A few simple tricks will help you make the best eggnog waffles every time.

• Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing creates tough, dense waffles, and you want them light and fluffy.
• Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before adding the egg whites. This gives the flour time to hydrate and leads to a better texture.
• Spray the waffle maker well with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
• Make sure your waffle maker is fully preheated before pouring the batter. This helps create crisp edges.
• Do not open the waffle maker while the waffles are cooking. They're ready when the steam stops escaping or your machine gives an indicator.
• Use tongs or a fork to remove hot waffles safely.
• Keep cooked waffles warm in the oven on a wire rack so they stay crisp.
• If your eggnog is extra thick, add a splash more to loosen the batter as needed.

Make ahead

You can prepare the batter the day before. Just place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. If it thickens overnight, whisk in a bit of extra eggnog to thin it out.

To make waffles ahead of time, cook them as directed, let them cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 4 days. See below for reheating instructions.

How to serve eggnog waffles

These festive waffles are irresistible on their own, but you can make them even more special with fun toppings. Serve them warm with butter and maple syrup, or dress them up depending on the occasion.

• Berries, banana slices, or other fresh fruit make a bright and delicious topping.
• For a holiday brunch, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg and a dollop of whipped cream.
• Try drizzling caramel sauce, dulce de leche, or fruit syrup for extra sweetness.
• Chopped nuts or chocolate chips add crunch and richness.
• Serve with bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
• Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the ultimate winter morning.
• Or turn them into dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to store, freeze, and reheat leftovers

Store leftover waffles in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before storing so they don't steam and turn soggy.

Freeze waffles by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheat refrigerated or frozen waffles in a toaster or a 350°F oven until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soft.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to common questions home cooks have when making waffles.

More waffle recipes

If you love making waffles for breakfast or brunch, here are more delicious options to try next.

• Almond Flour Waffles - A lighter waffle with a fluffy center and crisp edges, perfect for gluten-free mornings.
• Banana Bread Waffles - All the cozy banana bread flavor you love in fun waffle form.
• Buttermilk Waffles - A classic recipe that every home cook should have in their collection.
• Cake Mix Waffles - Sweet, easy, and so fun to customize with your favorite mix-ins.
• Chocolate Belgian Waffles - Rich, decadent waffles served with warm cinnamon apples.
• Quinoa Waffles - A hearty, protein-packed option that delivers a great crunch.

Find lots of easy recipes for breakfast and festive Christmas recipes right here on 2CM!