Protein-Packed Waffle Recipes for Healthy Holiday Indulgence

Holiday travel, parties, and gatherings can make staying on track with your wellness goals difficult. Fortunately, prioritizing protein is the ultimate holiday hack to help you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to feel in control of your appetite and avoid overloading on sweets. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to boost your protein intake without giving up your favorite holiday indulgences—think protein waffles!

Below are three holiday-inspired protein waffle recipes that are both healthy and delicious.

Why prioritize protein during the holidays

Protein is essential for several important functions including muscle repair, immune support, and keeping your energy levels stable—this is especially important during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

Including a source of protein in every meal can help you maintain a balanced diet, even when your calendar is full of festivities that make it nearly impossible to avoid less healthy foods.

One of the simplest ways to boost your protein intake is by boosting your favorite recipes with protein powder. A protein powder like HUM’s Core Strength is a popular choice because it’s digestion-friendly, meaning no post-protein bloat and its vanilla flavor makes it versatile. 

For instance, vanilla protein powder can easily be added to popular holiday treats like cookies or morning waffles, giving you that extra protein boost while still enjoying your seasonal favorites.

3 protein waffle recipes to try this holiday season

Ready to give your holiday breakfast a protein boost? We’ve rounded up three tasty and festive protein waffle recipes that make it easy to stay on track without giving up flavor or the holiday spirit.

Apple Cinnamon Protein Waffles

What You’ll Need:

• 1 scoop HUM’s Core Strength vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup rolled oats (blended into flour)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (unsweetened if using a plant-based milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How To Prepare:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a bowl, combine the protein powder, oat flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, mix applesauce, milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until well combined.
5. Cook in the waffle iron until crispy.
6. Serve with sliced apples, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Peppermint Mocha Protein Waffles

What You’ll Need:

• 1 scoop HUM’s Core Strength vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tsp instant coffee granules
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (unsweetened if using a plant-based milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

How To Prepare:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. Mix the protein powder, flour, chia seeds, baking powder, cocoa powder, and instant coffee.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, peppermint extract, and maple syrup.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook until crispy.
6. Top with Greek yogurt, crushed peppermint candy, and chocolate chips.

Gingerbread Protein Waffles

What You’ll Need:

• 1 scoop HUM’s Core Strength vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (unsweetened if using a plant-based milk)
• 1 large egg (or flax egg)
• 1 tbsp molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

How To Prepare:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a bowl, mix the protein powder, oat flour, flaxseed, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, molasses, and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Pour batter into the waffle iron and cook according to manufacturer instructions.
6. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Feeling inspired to try out more protein waffle recipes? You can find additional protein waffles and pancake recipes here to help fuel your mornings without sacrificing flavor.