Name: Gingerbread Cupcakes: A Festive Treat You Can't Resist
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ⅓ cup (167 g) all-purpose flour; ½ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar; ¼ teaspoons baking soda; ¾ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoons salt; 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground allspice; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; ⅓ cup (78 ml) Avocado oil; ⅓ cup (76 g) melted butter; ⅓ cup (78 ml) unsulfured molasses; 1 egg + 1 large egg yolk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ cup (60 ml) very hot or boiling water; ⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream; 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese; ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter; 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar; pinch of salt

When the holiday season rolls around, few treats evoke as much warmth and comfort as Gingerbread Cupcakes. These delightful confections are not just a delicious dessert; they also carry the nostalgic flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, reminiscent of cozy winter evenings. With a moist crumb and a hint of spice, these festive delights can elevate any celebration, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy soirée with friends.

Moreover, Gingerbread Muffins, as they are sometimes called, offer a creative twist on traditional gingerbread cookies while still delivering that classic festive flavor. Topped with rich cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, these cupcakes make for an irresistible treat. Dive into the world of holiday baking and discover how these scrumptious cupcakes can bring joy and cheer to your festivities!

Delicious Variations of Gingerbread Cupcakes:

When it comes to baking sweet treats, Gingerbread Cupcakes are a festive favorite that can be easily customized to suit your palate. One delightful variation is to add a cream cheese frosting, enhancing the warm spices and creating a velvety texture. Another option is to incorporate chocolate chips, providing a rich contrast to the traditional gingerbread flavors.

If you’re looking to explore different flavor profiles, you might consider blending in pumpkin puree for an autumn twist. For those who love the combination of spices, try adding nutmeg or cloves to amplify the gingerbread experience.

For inspiration on another delightful cupcake style, check out these irresistible peanut butter chocolate cupcakes that offer a creamy, nutty contrast perfect for any occasion.

No matter which variation you choose, these enticing ginger-spiced delights will surely warm hearts and taste buds alike!

Ingredients:

Creating delightful Gingerbread Cupcakes requires precise ingredients for that cozy, spiced flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 ⅓ cup (167 g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar
¼ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
⅓ cup (78 ml) avocado, vegetable, or canola oil
⅓ cup (76 g) melted butter
⅓ cup (78 ml) unsulphured molasses (such as Brer Rabbit)
1 egg + 1 large egg yolk (room temperature preferred)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup (60 ml) very hot or boiling water
⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream

For the delightful frosting:

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (softened)
2 tablespoons light brown sugar (firmly packed)
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste or 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar
Pinch of salt (scant ⅛ teaspoon)

Pair these gingerbread delights with other sweet treats, like snickerdoodle cupcakes, for a festive celebration!

How to Prepare:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all your warm spices: ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients until well blended. In another bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, melted butter, molasses, whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Gradually incorporate the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until combined.

Now, add the very hot water and sour cream, stirring until the batter is smooth. Line your cupcake pan with liners and fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let these delightful gingerbread treats cool completely before frosting.

For an irresistible finish, prepare a cream cheese frosting using softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla, and powdered sugar. For a detailed frosting recipe, check out this in-depth guide to gingerbread cupcakes. These cupcakes are perfect for any festive occasion. If you’re looking for more scrumptious cupcakes, such as snickerdoodle cupcakes, those are worth exploring too!

Frosting Ideas for Gingerbread Cupcakes:

When it comes to topping your delicious Gingerbread Cupcakes, the right frosting can elevate their flavor. Traditional cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully, adding a creamy tang that balances the spices in the cupcakes. For a festive touch, consider a spiced buttercream. Infuse your buttercream with cinnamon and nutmeg to echo the warmth of gingerbread.

Another creative option is to use a maple frosting. Maple’s rich flavor complements the ginger and molasses, leaving anyone who tries them wanting more. If you prefer something lighter, a whipped cream frosting can provide a fluffy contrast. Don’t forget to garnish your cupcakes with crushed ginger snap cookies for added texture and taste.

For more delightful cupcake ideas, check out these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes. Each frosting option will make your treats unforgettable, making them the star of any dessert table!

Storage Tips for Gingerbread Cupcakes:

To keep your delicious Gingerbread Cupcakes fresh and moist, proper storage is essential. First, allow the cupcakes to cool completely after baking. Once it’s cooled, you can choose between two simple methods. If you plan to enjoy them within a few days, store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature. This way, they’ll retain their flavor and texture beautifully.

For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them at room temperature and frost as desired.

For a delightful dessert idea alongside your gingerbread treats, try out these Snickerdoodle Cupcakes. They offer a wonderful contrast in flavor and will surely impress your guests!

Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Cupcakes:

These delightful gingerbread cupcakes are perfect for the holiday season, adorned with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. To elevate the experience, serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced chai. Alternatively, consider pairing these festive treats with snickerdoodle cupcakes for a wonderful dessert spread, making your gathering even sweeter!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What makes gingerbread cupcakes different from regular cupcakes?

Gingerbread cupcakes are distinguished by their warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, which give them a festive flavor profile. This spiced base sets them apart from the traditional vanilla or chocolate varieties. The addition of molasses can also add a rich depth to these delightful treats.

Can I use dairy alternatives in gingerbread cupcakes?

Absolutely! Dairy-free alternatives such as almond milk or oat milk can be used in gingerbread cupcake recipes without compromising flavor. Additionally, coconut oil or vegetable oil can replace butter for a vegan option.

How can I store leftover gingerbread cupcakes?

To keep your gingerbread cupcakes fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to thaw before serving.

What type of frosting pairs well with gingerbread cupcakes?

Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice as it complements the spiced flavor beautifully. Alternatively, buttercream frosting flavored with vanilla or even a maple glaze can enhance the festive taste of these autumn-inspired cupcakes.

Are there any great variations for gingerbread cupcakes?

Certainly! You can experiment by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter. You might also consider creating a layered cupcake with peppermint frosting for a holiday twist, similar to variations found in our Peanut Butter Chocolate Cupcakes recipe.

Can I make gingerbread cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare gingerbread cupcakes a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly. Frost them on the day of serving to ensure that the decorations remain fresh and appealing.

Gingerbread Cupcakes: A Festive Treat You Can’t Resist

Total Time: 50
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Moist and spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes topped with a creamy frosting, perfect for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ⅓ cup (167 g) all-purpose flour

½ cup (100 g) dark brown sugar

¼ teaspoons baking soda

¾ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoons salt

1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger

1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground allspice

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

⅓ cup (78 ml) Avocado oil

⅓ cup (76 g) melted butter

⅓ cup (78 ml) unsulfured molasses

1 egg + 1 large egg yolk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ cup (60 ml) very hot or boiling water

⅓ cup (75 g) sour cream

8 oz (226 g) cream cheese

½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter

2 Tablespoons light brown sugar

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar

pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, dark brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
In another bowl, mix the oils, melted butter, molasses, egg, yolk, vanilla extract, and boiling water.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed, then fold in the sour cream.
Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cool completely before frosting.
For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter, then add the brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Frost the cooled cupcakes as desired.