When the festive season approaches, nothing warms the heart quite like the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cupcakes wafting through the kitchen. These delightful treats, with their spiced flavor and rich, moist texture, beckon from the dessert table, inviting everyone to indulge. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to treat yourself, these cinnamon-infused confections are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction.
Moreover, gingerbread cupcakes make a beautiful addition to any festive celebration. Their unique blend of spices not only tantalizes the taste buds but also evokes nostalgic memories of cozy winters. With each bite, you’ll experience the joy of the season wrapped up in a delicious cupcake. So, get ready to bring some holiday cheer into your baking routine!
Delicious Holiday Treats: Gingerbread Cupcakes
Craving the cozy and spicy flavors of the holiday season? Gingerbread cupcakes are the answer! These delightful treats combine the classic essence of gingerbread cookies with the softness of a cupcake, making them perfect for festive gatherings. The warm spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg create a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
To elevate your holiday baking, try pairing these ginger-infused delights with a rich cream cheese frosting. For an extra twist, consider exploring other ginger-themed recipes like our Gingerbread Bundt Cake for a more traditional dessert option. Each gingerbread cupcake bursts with flavor, ensuring they will become a favorite at any holiday table.
Moreover, these sweet treats are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them great for festive decorations. So, whip up a batch of gingerbread cupcakes and share the joy of the season with family and friends!
Ingredients:
Gingerbread cupcakes bring the warmth of traditional gingerbread with a delightful twist. Here’s what you need:
- 1 ⅓ cups (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) unsulfured molasses
- 1 large 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
To top off these festive treats, consider making a creamy frosting. To learn more fun ideas, check out how to create Gingerbread Bundt Cake for more inspiration!
For the frosting, you’ll need:
- 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 substitute with 1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt (about scant ⅛ teaspoon)
These gingerbread cupcakes promise cozy flavors and festive joy in every bite!
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cupcakes:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a cupcake pan with liners. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all your spices—ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Next, create a wet mixture by combining the avocado oil, melted butter, molasses, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Blend thoroughly until smooth.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture. Stir gently, then pour in the very hot water along with the sour cream, integrating everything until just combined. This helps create a moist texture in your gingerbread delights.
Fill each cupcake liner about two-thirds full with the batter, and bake for 18–20 minutes. For a creamy finish, consider topping with a delicious cream cheese frosting, reminiscent of what’s found in my Gingerbread Bundt Cake.
Ensure to cool them before frosting. Enjoy these delightful treats alongside a hot drink! For more variations, check out this Gingerbread Cupcakes recipe.
Frosting Ideas for Gingerbread Cupcakes:
When it comes to frosting for your gingerbread cupcakes, the options are as delightful as the cupcakes themselves. One popular choice is cream cheese frosting, which adds a rich and tangy flavor that complements the warm spices of ginger. To make it even more festive, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor dimension.
Another fantastic idea is to use a maple buttercream. This sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the spiciness of the ginger, creating a luscious contrast. Whip up a batch of this creamy concoction and spread it generously on your cupcakes for a cozy feel.
For a more adventurous twist, try a spiced caramel drizzle. This will bring a buttery depth and a hint of sweet decadence to each bite. To see another scrumptious dessert option, check out our recipe for gingerbread bundt cake, where you can explore even more ways to enjoy the delightful flavors of ginger.
No matter which frosting you choose, be sure to decorate with a sprinkle of crushed ginger or a swirl of chocolate for added flair. These gingerbread-inspired cupcakes promise a taste of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Serving Suggestions for Gingerbread Cupcakes:
Gingerbread cupcakes shine when paired with delightful accompaniments. Consider serving them with a dollop of spiced cream cheese frosting, which enhances their warmth and sweetness. For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of edible gold dust or festive holiday sprinkles on top. These options elevate the overall presentation and taste.
Additionally, consider a warm beverage pairing. A comforting cup of chai tea or spiced apple cider complements the cupcake’s rich flavors. For those with cravings for more gingerbread goodness, link your serving style to an exquisite gingerbread bundt cake, like this Gingerbread Bundt Cake: A Cozy Holiday Delight.
Lastly, these treats make fantastic gifts. Package them in decorative boxes to spread the cheer. Overall, gingerbread cupcakes can adapt perfectly to any occasion with creative presentations.
Storage Tips:
To keep your Gingerbread Cupcakes fresh and flavorful, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider refrigerating them for up to a week or freezing for a month. Thaw the cupcakes before enjoying. If you’re a fan of gingerbread, you might also love our Gingerbread Bundt Cake for a festive twist!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What are Gingerbread Cupcakes?
Gingerbread cupcakes are delightful treats infused with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, typically featuring a moist, tender crumb. These festive cupcakes evoke the essence of traditional gingerbread cookies but in a fluffy, cupcake form, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How can I decorate my Gingerbread Cupcakes?
You can add a swirl of cream cheese frosting, which complements the spices wonderfully. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with crushed gingerbread cookies or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You could also use edible decorations like candy stars for a whimsical flair.
Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! To create gluten-free gingerbread cupcakes, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Be sure to check if the other ingredients, such as baking powder, are also gluten-free.
What are some great pairings for Gingerbread Cupcakes?
These spicy, sweet treats pair wonderfully with a hot beverage. For instance, serving them alongside a steaming cup of chai latte or a spiced cider elevates the flavor experience. Also, you could consider pairing them with some rich vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake and store gingerbread cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three days. To keep them fresh, consider freezing them if you need to store them longer. Just thaw before serving and add your frosting right before the festivities.
Where can I find similar recipes?
For more delicious ideas, check out this gingerbread bundt cake which shares similar flavors and can be a show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
Print
Gingerbread Cupcakes You’ll Love This Winter Season
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes that are perfect for the holiday season or any cozy gathering.
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) 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- In another bowl, combine the avocado oil, melted butter, molasses, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the very hot water and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cupcakes cool, prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese, unsalted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled cupcakes with the cream cheese frosting and enjoy!
Notes
Use unsulphured molasses for the best flavor. These cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Gingerbread Cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, spiced cupcakes, dessert recipes