richly spiced shadowy gingerbread waffles

Time to Sizzle: Majestic Molasses Magic Waffles

These luscious waffles are your golden ticket to a sweet morning delight! Although they sport a generous amount of sugar, fear not—they strike the perfect harmony with the rich, dark notes of molasses. Topped with just a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or perhaps a luxurious spoonful of unsweetened whipped cream or crème fraîche, they are nothing short of perfection. Pair them with a zesty citrus salad or crispy bacon, and you’ll have a well-rounded breakfast extravaganza that’s sure to impress. For the bacon-averse, know that this recipe stands proudly on its own!

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 15 delightful mini waffles; sufficient for 4 to 5 servings

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea or table salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or yogurt diluted with a splash of milk, fresh apple cider, or stout beer)
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the waffle iron)
• Powdered sugar, for serving

The Art of Cooking

In a spacious bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate medium bowl, blend the buttermilk, molasses, both sugars, egg, and melted butter until they come together. Do not fret if the melted butter clumps a bit; it is perfectly fine! Combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just merged.

Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat. Lightly coat it with some melted butter or a non-stick cooking spray. Pour in the gingerbread batter until it's about three-quarters full. Cook according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, but I personally like to add an extra minute or two for that perfect crisp!

To remove the waffles, wait a brief moment after lifting the lid to allow some steam to escape. With tongs in one hand and a small spatula in the other, carefully lift the edges of each waffle and slide the spatula underneath. They tend to be a bit sticky, so patience is key! Place them on a tray in a single layer to cool slightly. Within a minute, they should be nice and crisp, making it easier to lift them completely. Avoid stacking them too soon as they may clump together.

Serve your masterpieces immediately, adorned with a dusting of powdered sugar, and if you’re in the mood for a treat, elevate the experience with a dollop of lightly whipped or crème fraîche. Enjoy the bliss!