Golden Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Holiday Treats

These decadent gingerbread cupcakes whisper warm holiday memories with their rich, spicy aroma.

Deep notes of molasses and cinnamon dance through a perfectly tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

A classic holiday baking technique blends traditional gingerbread spices into a delightful cupcake that surprises and delights.

Each bite carries the comforting essence of winter celebrations and cozy kitchen moments.

Soft, fragrant, and elegantly spiced, these cupcakes transform simple ingredients into a festive treat.

The recipe promises to fill your kitchen with irresistible warmth and sweet seasonal charm.

You will fall in love with these irresistible little cakes that capture the pure magic of holiday baking.

Tweak And Try Ideas For Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Baking Brilliance: Master the Perfect Gingerbread Cupcakes
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust the ground spices to suit your taste preferences. For a milder flavor, reduce ginger and cloves; for a bolder kick, increase them slightly.
• Room Temperature Magic: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even baking.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake batter a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop more deeply overnight.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for better texture and structure.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use dairy-free butter alternatives for a lactose-free version.

Serving Made Simple For Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Sweet Holiday Platter Pairings: Set these gingerbread cupcakes on a decorative wooden board surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive holiday presentation.
• Winter Beverage Companion: Serve alongside warm mulled wine, spiced apple cider, or rich hot chocolate to enhance the cozy gingerbread flavor profile and create a comforting winter treat experience.
• Gifting Glow-Up: Package cupcakes individually in clear cellophane bags tied with rustic twine and a small cinnamon stick, perfect for homemade holiday gifts that spread delicious cheer to friends and family.
• Dessert Table Star: Arrange cupcakes on tiered stands with varying heights, mixing in mini gingerbread cookies and dusting with powdered sugar to create an eye-catching display that celebrates seasonal baking magic.

Keep Gingerbread Cupcakes Fresh For Longer

• Cupcake Chill Zone: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent frosting from getting smudged.
• Quick Freezer Trick: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These gingerbread treats stay delicious for 2-3 months when frozen. Thaw at room temperature before adding cream cheese frosting.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cupcake batter and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking. This technique allows spices to meld, intensifying the rich gingerbread flavor. Bring batter to room temperature before baking.
• Room Temperature Rules: Keep frosted cupcakes at cool room temperature for 4-6 hours if serving the same day. Avoid direct sunlight or warm kitchen spots to maintain frosting's smooth texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 11

Everything You Need For Gingerbread Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake, providing structure and softness to the delightful treat.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: These magical leavening agents help the cupcakes rise and become wonderfully fluffy.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warming spices that create the quintessential gingerbread flavor profile, bringing cozy winter vibes to each bite.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy notes in the cupcakes.

• Butter: Adds rich, creamy goodness and helps create a tender crumb in the cupcakes.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the deep, caramel-like flavor of gingerbread.
• Molasses: The secret ingredient that gives authentic gingerbread its distinctive dark color and robust taste.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and structure to the cupcakes.
• Buttermilk: Brings tanginess and helps create a soft, moist texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, luxurious base for the frosting with a perfect balance of richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve the ideal frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, comforting background flavor that complements the spices.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warmth to the frosting, echoing the cupcake's spice profile.

What Tools Are Needed For Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients.
• Large bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar, beat frosting to creamy perfection.
• Cupcake tin: Holds 12 cupcake liners for baking.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking, makes serving easy.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness.
• Wire rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly.
• Piping bag or spatula: Spreads frosting beautifully on cupcakes.

Easy Instructions For Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature. Grab your cupcake pan and dress it with adorable paper liners.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Create a magical powder mix by combining flour and warming spices. Whisk them together until they whisper sweet harmony.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

In a separate bowl, transform butter and sugars into a fluffy cloud. Splash in molasses and eggs, stirring with love and energy.

• Batter Creation

Gently marry your dry and wet mixtures, alternating with buttermilk. Stir tenderly until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

• Cupcake Baking

Pour the batter into waiting liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Slide the pan into the warm oven and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

• Frosting Delight

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky dream. Fold in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until luxuriously smooth.

• Finishing Touches

Once cupcakes have completely cooled, crown them with dreamy frosting. Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon or tiny gingerbread cookies for festive charm.

Festive Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Spiced gingerbread cupcakes bring festive cheer to holiday gatherings with their warm, rich flavors. Moist crumbs and creamy frosting invite culinary exploration, delighting those who savor seasonal treats.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) molasses
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: Blend flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl, creating a fragrant spice foundation.
3. Creaming: Whip butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, developing a rich, caramelized base.
4. Wet Integration: Fold molasses and eggs into the sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth, cohesive texture that embodies the warmth of gingerbread.
5. Batter Development: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, gently folding until a silky, well-combined batter forms.
6. Baking: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden exterior and testing with a toothpick for doneness.
7. Cooling: Rest cupcakes in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
8. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese and butter until impossibly smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
9. Finishing: Lavishly frost cooled cupcakes using a piping bag or spatula, garnishing with a cinnamon dusting, miniature gingerbread cookies, or festive sprinkles.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients combine for light, tender texture.
• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust warming spices to personal preference, but maintain balanced proportions to preserve authentic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Master Cream Cheese Frosting: Ensure ingredients are room temperature and beat gently to prevent overwhipping, which can make frosting runny or grainy.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for standard flour, use dairy-free butter alternatives, and replace eggs with applesauce or flax eggs for inclusive baking options.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg