Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

Gingerbread cupcakes are the perfect treat for the holiday season, capturing the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread in a soft, fluffy cupcake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes strike a beautiful balance between spiced and sweet. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, baking for family, or simply indulging in seasonal flavors, gingerbread cupcakes are an irresistible addition to your recipe repertoire.

This recipe will guide you step-by-step in creating moist and flavorful gingerbread cupcakes from scratch. It also includes tips for frosting, decorating, and storing your festive creations.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Gather Ingredients: Measure and organize all ingredients to ensure smooth baking.

Step 2: Make the Cupcake Batter

1. Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add Molasses: Mix in the molasses and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and uniform.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

1. Fill the Liners: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
2. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
3. Cool: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Stir in vanilla extract and optional ground cinnamon for a spiced touch.

Step 5: Frost and Decorate

1. Frosting Options: Use a piping bag with a star tip for a professional look or simply spread the frosting with a spatula for a rustic finish.
2. Decorate: Add festive touches like sprinkles, edible glitter, candied ginger, or mini gingerbread cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Holiday Flavor: The warming spices and rich molasses make these cupcakes a perfect seasonal treat.
2. Moist and Tender Texture: The buttermilk and molasses ensure a soft, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth.
3. Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginners can master these cupcakes.
4. Versatile: Customize the frosting or decorations to suit any occasion.

Variations

1. Spiced Buttercream Frosting: Swap cream cheese frosting for a cinnamon or brown sugar buttercream for a different twist.
2. Mini Cupcakes: Make mini gingerbread cupcakes by using a mini muffin tin and reducing the baking time to 10-12 minutes.
3. Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, flaxseed eggs, almond milk, and dairy-free cream cheese to make these cupcakes vegan-friendly.
4. Add Mix-Ins: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

1. For Dessert: Serve these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
2. For Gifting: Package them in festive boxes or wrap them in decorative cellophane for a thoughtful holiday gift.
3. For Parties: Create a dessert platter with an assortment of holiday-themed cupcakes and cookies.

Pro Tips

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth batter and even baking.
2. Measure Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and molasses.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in dense cupcakes; mix just until combined.
4. Perfect Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Decorating Ideas

1. Gingerbread Men Toppers: Use mini gingerbread cookies as edible toppers.
2. Holiday Sprinkles: Add red and green sprinkles for a festive touch.
3. Candy Canes: Crush candy canes and sprinkle them over the frosting for a peppermint twist.

Conclusion

Gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate holiday indulgence. The warm spices, rich molasses, and creamy frosting create a dessert that’s as comforting as it is festive. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, these cupcakes are sure to impress. Follow the recipe, get creative with decorations, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the season!

Yield: 12 Cupcakes

Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

Print

Gingerbread cupcakes are the perfect treat for the holiday season, capturing the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread in a soft, fluffy cupcake. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes strike a beautiful balance between spiced and sweet. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, baking for family, or simply indulging in seasonal flavors, gingerbread cupcakes are an irresistible addition to your recipe repertoire.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Cupcakes:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cupcakes:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Set aside.

2. Make the Batter:

1. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with a mixer until light and fluffy.
2. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the molasses until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Bake:

1. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

5. Frost and Decorate:

1. Once the cupcakes have cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of each cupcake.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, gingerbread cookie crumbs, or mini gingerbread cookies for a festive touch.

Notes

• Spice Levels: Adjust the spices to your liking for a milder or bolder gingerbread flavor.
• Molasses Substitute: Use dark corn syrup or honey if molasses isn’t available, though molasses gives the signature gingerbread taste.