Description
These Gingerbread Cupcakes are a perfect festive treat for the holiday season, combining warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg with the rich sweetness of molasses. Topped with a smooth cream cheese frosting, these cupcakes are a cozy delight for any occasion. Whether for a holiday party, family gathering, or just because, they’re sure to impress with their tender texture and sweet-spiced flavor.
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ cup unsulfured molasses
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
For the Frosting:
1 cup powdered sugar
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Cupcakes:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and beat until fully incorporated. Stir in the molasses and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Optionally, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the frosting for extra flavor. - Decorate:
Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, spread or pipe the frosting onto each cupcake. Optionally, sprinkle with additional cinnamon or top with candied ginger for a festive touch.
Notes
For a spicier flavor, consider adding extra cinnamon or a pinch of cloves to the frosting.
You can easily make these cupcakes vegan by substituting butter with vegan butter, using a flax egg, and choosing dairy-free cream cheese for the frosting.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to maintain structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cupcakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cupcakes
- Calories: 200 kcal
