The holiday season is here, and there’s nothing better than starting your Christmas morning with a cozy, festive breakfast. These Belgian Christmas Waffles are the ultimate indulgence — golden, fluffy, and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, and a hint of orange zest. Not only are they perfect for the holiday season, but they’re also easy to make, completely plant-based, and customizable with your favorite toppings.
What Makes These Waffles Special?
These waffles capture the essence of Christmas with every bite. Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Warm Holiday Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom creates a comforting, aromatic flavor that feels like Christmas in every bite.
- Fresh Citrus Zest: A touch of orange zest brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the waffles.
- Vegan & Delicious: Using a flax egg and plant-based milk ensures these waffles are completely vegan without sacrificing taste or texture.
How to Top Your Christmas Waffles
The best part about these waffles is how versatile they are when it comes to toppings! Here are a few festive ideas to inspire you:
- Pomegranate Seeds: Add a pop of color and burst of juicy sweetness.
- Vegan Whipped Cream: A creamy topping to balance the crispy waffles.
- Maple Syrup: A classic choice that pair beautifully with the spices.
- Crushed Nuts: Pistachios, walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and festive touch.
- Fresh Fruit: Orange slices or a dusting of powdered sugar for a wintry vibe.
How to Store and Reheat Waffles
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftover waffles (if that’s even possible!), here’s how to keep them fresh:
1. Refrigerator: Store cooked waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the waffles. Let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating Waffles:
1. Toaster or Toaster Oven: This is the best method to restore their crispiness. Toast frozen waffles directly for a few minutes until heated through.
2. Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and place waffles on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes.
3. Microwave: While not ideal for crispiness, you can microwave refrigerated waffles for 30-60 seconds for a quick option.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Mornings
If you want a stress-free Christmas morning:
- Prepare the Batter Ahead: Mix the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. In the morning, add the wet ingredients, stir, and cook.
- Freeze Pre-Cooked Waffles: Bake your waffles in advance, freeze them, and simply reheat them on Christmas morning for a quick and delicious breakfast.
Your New Christmas Tradition
These Vegan Belgian Christmas Waffles are more than just a breakfast – they’re a festive tradition in the making. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, friends, or on your own with a cozy mug of hot cocoa, they’re sure to bring joy to your holiday mornings.
Belgian Christmas Waffles
Equipment
- 1 waffle iron
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour see notes
- ¼ cup sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp cardamom
- Zest of 1 orange
Wet Ingredients
- 1½ cup plant-based milk
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water can sub with chia seeds
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Vegan whipped cream
- Maple syrup
- Pomegranate seeds
- Crushed pistachios or pecans
- Orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare flax egg: Mix the flaxseed meal and water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and orange zest.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and the flax egg.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Cook waffles: Preheat your Belgian waffle iron and lightly grease it with oil or vegan butter. Pour the batter into the waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Top with your favorite festive toppings of choice!
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked waffles in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the waffles. Let them cool completely, then layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Reheating Waffles
- Toaster or Toaster Oven: This is the best method to restore their crispiness. Toast frozen waffles directly for a few minutes until heated through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 °F and place waffles on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: While not ideal for crispiness, you can microwave refrigerated waffles for 30-60 seconds for a quick option.
Notes
