Waffles: Gingerbread Waffles with Maple Butter

By NicoleS

Full of spices and topped with rich maple butter, these waffles are the perfect thing for holiday gatherings. Add sliced fruit and whipped cream for an extra flourish. If you are using a Belgian waffle maker, cook on medium-high.

Ingredients

• For the Maple Butter:
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of cinnamon
• For the Gingerbread Waffles:
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, or 1/2 cup canola oil
• 3 tablespoons dark molasses
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Warm maple syrup for serving (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

To make the maple butter, in a small bowl, whisk together the butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Scoop into a ramekin or other serving dish. Place in the freezer for 5 minutes or in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up before serving.

Preheat a waffle maker.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, butter, molasses, and vanilla.

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients, then pour in the egg mixture. Whisk until mostly smooth, with just a few lumps.

Ladle the batter into the waffle maker , using 1/2-3/4 cup batter per batch. Spread the batter so that it almost reaches the edges of the waffle maker. Cook until the waffles are crisp and browned, 3-4 minutes.

Using a spatula, remove the waffles from the waffle maker and serve right away, or place on a baking sheet in a single layer in a 200°F oven for up to 20 minutes before serving. Top with pats of maple butter and drizzle with maple syrup, if using.

Makes 4-8 Waffles.