Oh, let me tell you about these gingerbread cupcakes! They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day, bursting with delightful spices that whisk you straight into the heart of the holiday season. I remember making gingerbread treats with my grandma every Christmas, her kitchen filled with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and ginger. It was our special tradition, and now, I’m thrilled to share this recipe that brings that same joy to my home. These cupcakes are not just any dessert; they’re fluffy, moist, and perfectly spiced, making them the ideal treat for any festive gathering. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want them on your holiday table every year!
Ingredients List
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
How to Prepare Gingerbread Cupcakes
Making these gingerbread cupcakes is a fun and straightforward process that’ll fill your kitchen with the sweetest aroma! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and come out perfectly fluffy. While that’s happening, gather your ingredients and get ready to mix up some holiday magic!
In one bowl, you’ll combine all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. It’s really important to whisk them together well to ensure an even distribution of those lovely spices. In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy – trust me, this will make your cupcakes oh-so-delicious!
Next, add the eggs and molasses to the butter mixture, blending them in until it’s nice and combined. Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. This helps to keep the batter smooth and prevents any lumps. Once everything is combined, you’re ready to fill your cupcake liners with that heavenly batter and pop them into the oven!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs and molasses to the butter mixture, blending well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk until smooth.
- Carefully fill the cupcake liners with batter, about 2/3 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
These delightful gingerbread cupcakes are not only delicious but also provide a relatively balanced treat! Each cupcake has approximately 200 calories, with 8g of fat and 3g of protein. Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so it’s always a good idea to check your labels. Enjoy these tasty bites guilt-free during the holiday season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules.
- Deliciously spiced flavor that captures the essence of the season.
- Fluffy and moist texture that everyone will rave about.
- Perfectly portioned for sharing or enjoying solo—no need for slicing!
- Customizable with your favorite frosting or toppings to suit any occasion.
- A delightful treat that fills your home with the warm aroma of gingerbread.
Tips for Success
To make sure your gingerbread cupcakes turn out just perfect, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, don’t skip the creaming step—it’s key for light and fluffy cupcakes! If you’re out of molasses, you can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. For an extra kick, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients; it really enhances the overall taste!
Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is a bit different, so start checking at 18 minutes. If you want to frost your cupcakes, a cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these spiced treats. Or, for a lighter option, just dust them with powdered sugar! Trust me, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
Variations
Oh, the possibilities for customizing these gingerbread cupcakes are endless! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cardamom or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. Want to switch things up? How about folding in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch? You could even mix in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite!
As for toppings, the classic cream cheese frosting is always a hit, but you can also try a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for a lighter touch. Feeling festive? Top them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat. Whatever you choose, these variations will make your cupcakes uniquely yours, perfect for any holiday gathering or cozy evening at home!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your gingerbread cupcakes fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can last for about a week. Just be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!
If you find yourself with leftovers that you want to warm up, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that cozy, just-baked feel. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your gingerbread cupcakes even more, consider pairing them with a steaming cup of spiced chai or a rich hot chocolate. The warmth of the drinks complements the cozy flavors of the cupcakes beautifully! For a delightful dessert spread, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could even add a festive cheese platter with sharp cheddar to balance out the sweetness. Trust me, it’s a match made in holiday heaven!
For more festive recipes, check out these holiday treats!
Print
Gingerbread Cupcakes: 7 Festive Flavors to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious gingerbread cupcakes with a warm spice flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
- Add eggs and molasses to the butter mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fill cupcake liners with batter.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Frost with cream cheese frosting if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Gingerbread cupcakes, holiday cupcakes, spiced cupcakes