Eggnog is the creamy, nostalgic holiday drink many of us enjoy each season. Have you ever tried using it in waffles? These easy spiced eggnog waffles use store-bought eggnog for a simple, festive breakfast. Lightly spiced with cinnamon and freshly grated nutmeg, they pair beautifully with warm butter and maple syrup.
With Christmas and New Year approaching, eggnog often makes an appearance at holiday gatherings. These waffles are a simple way to switch up your seasonal breakfast or brunch. They contain no alcohol and rely on ready-made eggnog for their creamy flavor, so they’re quick to prepare and ideal for busy mornings or a cozy weekend treat.
Why this recipe works
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Uses store-bought eggnog for convenience
- Mild, festive spice blend of cinnamon and nutmeg
- Made from common pantry ingredients
- Waffles store and freeze well
- Reheats easily in a toaster for quick breakfasts
Ingredient notes
Below are the main ingredients you’ll need to make these spiced eggnog waffles.
- All-purpose flour — the base of the batter.
- Baking powder and baking soda — for lift and lightness.
- Salt — balances the sweetness.
- Cinnamon — warm holiday spice.
- Nutmeg — freshly grated for the best flavor.
- Egg — lightly beaten to bind the batter.
- Sugar — a touch of sweetness.
- Butter — melted, for richness.
- Eggnog — store-bought, non-alcoholic and preferably all-natural; leftover eggnog works well in other drinks or treats.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Equipment
You will need a waffle iron. Any classic or Belgian-style waffle maker works fine—choose the one you prefer.
Step by step instructions
Here is a straightforward visual and written overview of the process.
Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s directions. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with sugar and eggnog. Slowly whisk in the melted butter until incorporated.
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy—don’t overmix.
Let the batter rest for about 5–10 minutes to thicken slightly and allow the leavening to activate.
Pour the batter into the preheated waffle iron—use the amount recommended for your model. Close the lid and cook according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Cook until the waffles are golden brown and crisp on the outside. Serve immediately with maple syrup, warmed butter, and an extra grating of nutmeg if you like.
💡Top tip
To achieve the waffle-style pattern shown in the photos, use a heaping ¼ cup of batter and pour it directly into the center of each waffle section rather than filling the entire cavity. Then cook as usual.
Eggnog substitute
If you don’t have eggnog, substitute with a mixture of milk and heavy cream or half-and-half. Increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of sugar to mimic the eggnog flavor, or use a non-dairy eggnog alternative if needed.
What to serve with spiced eggnog waffles
- Maple syrup
- Warm butter
- Whipped cream
- Fresh seasonal fruit — cranberries or pomegranate add a festive touch
- Powdered sugar
- Cranberry sauce — leftover sauce makes a surprisingly delicious topping
- Ice cream — vanilla or a festive eggnog-flavored ice cream for a dessert-style waffle
Mix and match toppings to build a holiday breakfast or brunch spread that suits your taste.
Storage
Cool waffles completely before storing. Refrigerate wrapped tightly for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster until warmed through and crisp.
FAQ
Yes. Traditional eggnog is made from milk, cream, sugar, eggs, and often vanilla. If you prefer, dairy-free and egg-free commercial alternatives are widely available.
Looking for something to pair with waffles?
Here are a few complementary seasonal ideas to serve alongside your waffles.
-
Sugared Cranberry Christmas Mimosa
-
Apple Pie Oatmeal Brûlée
-
Cranberry Orange Cream Scones
-
Roasted Fig and Rosemary Butter Board
Made this recipe? I’d love to hear about it. Please leave a rating and comment below the recipe. If you snapped a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram so I can see your creation!
📖Recipe
Easy Spiced Eggnog Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle iron — classic or Belgian-style
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher or fine salt
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup eggnog, non-alcoholic
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Heat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, and eggnog together. Gradually whisk in the melted butter. Add the dry ingredients and stir until just combined; the batter will be slightly lumpy. Let rest 5–10 minutes.
- Pour batter into the hot waffle iron and cook until golden and crisp. Serve with maple syrup, warm butter, and an extra sprinkle of fresh nutmeg if desired.
Notes
This recipe was tested using a Belgian-style waffle iron and yields 4 large Belgian waffles or 8 smaller waffles. The batter doubles easily.
Storage: Wrap cooled waffles and refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat frozen waffles in a toaster until heated through and crisp.
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Actual values may vary.
Made this recipe?
Leave a comment and a rating. If you snapped a photo, tag @brunchandbatter on Instagram!