Festive Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe: Sweet Holiday Magic

These delightful gingerbread cupcakes sparkle with warm, nostalgic spices that dance through your kitchen.

Soft, moist, and bursting with classic holiday gingerbread flavor, these treats capture winter’s cozy essence.

The carefully blended ginger, cinnamon, and molasses create a delectable symphony of comfort and sweetness.

Each cupcake promises a tender crumb that melts in your mouth with rich, aromatic spices.

The creamy frosting adds a delicate finish that perfectly complements the deep, robust gingerbread base.

Sweet and spicy notes blend harmoniously, transforming a simple dessert into a memorable seasonal delight.

These cupcakes will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Different Takes on Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cupcakes: Replace regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture and spicy flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Spice Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and choose dairy-free buttermilk alternatives like almond or soy milk to create a compassionate version of the classic recipe.
• Low-Sugar Holiday Treat: Substitute dark brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the warm, comforting gingerbread essence.
• Dairy-Free Ginger Cupcakes: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and swap butter with coconut oil, creating a creamy, allergen-friendly dessert that still captures the traditional holiday spirit.

FAQs

• What makes gingerbread cupcakes different from regular cupcakes?

The unique blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg gives these cupcakes their distinctive, rich flavor that sets them apart from traditional vanilla or chocolate cupcakes.

• Can I make these cupcakes without buttermilk?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before using to create a similar tangy effect.

• How do I know when the cupcakes are perfectly baked?

Check for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cupcakes are done. Avoid overbaking, which can make them dry.

• Is molasses essential for this recipe?

Molasses is crucial for the authentic gingerbread flavor and provides a deep, rich sweetness. Without it, the cupcakes won’t have the classic gingerbread taste and texture.

Why These Gingerbread Cupcakes Hit the Mark

• Warm gingerbread spices transform ordinary cupcakes into a cozy, nostalgic treat that wraps you in delicious memories.
• Straightforward mixing steps and basic ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced pastry enthusiasts.
• Minimal prep work and simple techniques ensure you can whip up these delightful cupcakes without spending hours in the kitchen, letting you enjoy homemade goodness with minimal effort.
• Guaranteed to delight both kids and adults, these cupcakes bring festive cheer and irresistible sweetness to family gatherings, holiday parties, or casual weekend treats.

Gingerbread Cupcake Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcake that provides structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Contributes to the cupcake's soft and tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cupcakes.

• Ground Ginger: Delivers the classic warm and spicy gingerbread flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a sweet and aromatic warmth to the cupcakes.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty undertone to the spice profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich and tender base for the cupcakes.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and moisture to the batter.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity.
• Molasses: Gives the cupcakes their signature dark color and deep, complex sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tanginess to the cupcakes.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cupcakes Flawlessly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake tin with paper liners.

Lightly spray the liners with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and warm spices in a large mixing bowl.

The blend of spices will create a delightful aroma and ensure even distribution throughout the cupcakes.

Step 3: Create Liquid Mixture

Combine molasses and buttermilk in a separate container.

Stir until the ingredients are fully integrated, releasing a rich, deep fragrance that hints at the delicious cupcakes to come.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to beat softened butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

This process typically takes about 3 minutes and creates the foundational texture for tender cupcakes.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Stir in vanilla extract, which will enhance the overall flavor profile of the cupcakes.

Step 6: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

• First half of dry ingredients
• Buttermilk-molasses mixture
• Remaining dry ingredients

Blend until a smooth, thick batter forms.

Step 7: Bake Cupcakes

Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about three-quarters full.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Finish

Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Cooling ensures the frosting will set properly and maintain its beautiful appearance.

Top Tips for Moist Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Add an extra tablespoon of molasses to enhance the deep, rich flavor and keep cupcakes incredibly moist and tender.
• Freshly ground spices like ginger and cinnamon will elevate the cupcake's taste, creating a more robust and aromatic profile compared to pre-ground spices.
• Ensure eggs, butter, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing to guarantee smooth batter and consistent texture in every cupcake.
• Fold ingredients gently to prevent overmixing, which can result in tough, dense cupcakes instead of light, fluffy ones.
• Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture and softness for 2-3 days at room temperature.

Store and Warm Up Gingerbread Cupcakes with Ease

• Store cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal them tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent toughening the texture. Let cool before adding frosting.
• Keep frosted cupcakes in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days maximum. Cover with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to maintain moisture.

Perfect Sips and Sides for Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Spice Up Your Pairing: Warm mulled wine complements the gingerbread's rich spices, creating a cozy winter harmony that dances on your taste buds.
• Creamy Contrast Companion: Vanilla bean cream cheese frosting balances the deep molasses flavor, adding a smooth, sweet counterpoint to the cupcake's robust profile.
• Crunch and Comfort Sidekick: Candied pecans sprinkled on top introduce a delightful textural element and nutty warmth that echoes the cupcake's holiday spirit.
• Brew the Perfect Match: Chai tea's complex spice blend mirrors the gingerbread's warming notes, offering a comforting beverage that enhances each delicious bite.

Easy Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gingerbread cupcakes bring festive winter warmth with classic spice blends that dance across your palate. Rich molasses and warm cinnamon create delightful holiday memories you’ll savor in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup buttermilk
• 0.5 cup butter
• 0.5 cup dark brown sugar
• 0.33 cup unsulfured molasses
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 8 ounces (226 grams) Philadelphia cream cheese
• 0.5 cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and arranging cupcake liners in the tin. Lightly coat liners with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and aromatic spices in a large mixing bowl to guarantee uniform texture and flavor distribution.
3. Whisk molasses and buttermilk in a separate container, creating a robust, complex liquid base that will infuse deep flavor into the cupcakes.
4. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and significantly increased in volume, approximately 3 minutes.
5. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract to enhance overall taste profile.
6. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk-molasses combination. Mix until a smooth, thick batter forms without overmixing.
7. Distribute batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
8. Allow cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before applying frosting, preventing structural collapse and maintaining optimal texture.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar for a vegan version that maintains moisture and tangy flavor.
• Use gluten-free flour blend to make these cupcakes accessible for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the same delightful texture and spice profile.
• Control sweetness by reducing brown sugar or substituting with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option that still delivers rich caramel undertones.
• Enhance gingerbread spice intensity by toasting ground spices briefly before mixing to awaken deeper, more complex flavor notes in the cupcakes.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg