Spiced Holiday Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe: A Festive Treat

Holiday baking reaches new heights with these delectable gingerbread cupcakes that dance between nostalgic warmth and contemporary charm.

Aromatic spices weave magic through each tender crumb, promising comfort in every bite.

Molasses and cinnamon create a rich tapestry of flavor that whispers winter memories.

Soft and moist, these cupcakes bring classic gingerbread into a delightful handheld treat perfect for festive gatherings.

Childhood traditions merge seamlessly with modern baking techniques in this irresistible dessert.

Crisp edges and a pillowy center guarantee a sensory experience you won’t forget.

Prepare to fall in love with a cupcake that captures the essence of holiday cheer.

Cupcakes That Wrap Gingerbread into Mini Spiced Joys

• Effortless Holiday Baking: Whip up these gingerbread cupcakes with simple ingredients and basic baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Festive Flavor Explosion: Packed with warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these cupcakes deliver a cozy, nostalgic taste that captures the essence of holiday cheer.
• Kid and Crowd-Pleaser: The adorable mini gingerbread man topper and festive sprinkles make these cupcakes a hit with children and adults alike, guaranteed to bring smiles at gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, potlucks, or a sweet treat to enjoy with afternoon tea, these cupcakes suit multiple occasions and celebrations.

Gingerbread Cupcakes Pantry Musts

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure for the cupcakes.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves: Spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender crumb.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Molasses: Gives signature gingerbread color and flavor.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together.
• Buttermilk: Creates a tender and moist texture.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Powdered Sugar, Heavy Cream, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a creamy, sweet buttercream.
• Mini Gingerbread Men: Cute decorative topping.
• Glitter or Festive Sprinkles: Optional decorative elements.

Baking Gingerbread Cupcakes That Warm the Spirit

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Grab a standard muffin tin and line it with cute cupcake wrappers. This step sets the stage for your holiday baking adventure.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground cloves

Whisk until everything is perfectly blended and fragrant.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sweeteners

• Softened butter
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar

Mix until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a holiday cloud.

Step 4: Add Wet Flavor Boosters

• Molasses
• Egg

Beat these into the butter mixture until completely combined and smooth.

Step 5: Create Cupcake Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Alternate with buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until the batter looks silky and smooth.

Step 6: Bake Your Cupcakes

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners. Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Whip Up Decadent Buttercream

• Butter
• Brown sugar

Add powdered sugar gradually until you reach a dreamy consistency. Mix in cream and vanilla extract. Beat until the frosting is cloud-like and fluffy.

Step 8: Decorate with Holiday Cheer

Pipe the buttercream onto completely cooled cupcakes. Top with a tiny gingerbread man and sprinkle with festive glitter or colorful sprinkles for that magical holiday touch.

Cupcake Tips That Infuse Gingerbread Holiday Cheer

• Measure Ingredients Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate proportions for perfect texture and flavor.
• Soften Ingredients Strategically: Let butter, eggs, and buttermilk sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create smoother, more even batter.
• Choose Quality Spices: Use fresh, high-quality ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves for a more vibrant and authentic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Control Mixing Technique: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined for a tender crumb.
• Decorate with Festive Flair: Get creative with mini gingerbread men, edible glitter, or seasonal sprinkles to make cupcakes visually appealing and festive.

How to Keep Gingerbread Cupcakes Soft After Baking

• Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place unfrosted cupcakes in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before frosting.
• Microwave individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Let buttercream come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
• Keep frosted cupcakes at room temperature for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place, covered loosely with plastic wrap to prevent buttercream from drying out.

Gingerbread Cupcakes Flavor Matches

• Pair with Spiced Warmth: Mulled wine's cinnamon and clove notes harmonize perfectly with the cupcake's holiday spices, creating a cozy flavor symphony.
• Create Contrast with Coffee: Rich, dark espresso cuts through the buttercream's sweetness, balancing the gingerbread's warm, intense flavors and providing a delightful palate cleanser.
• Complement with Caramel Liqueur: Smooth, buttery caramel liqueur echoes the molasses depth, enhancing the cupcake's rich, complex taste profile and adding a festive adult twist.
• Elevate with Chai Tea: Spicy, creamy chai tea mirrors the cupcake's warming spices, offering a comforting, aromatic companion that intensifies the holiday mood.

Gingerbread Cupcake Holiday Combos

• Gluten-Free Gingerbread Cupcakes: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and rich spice profile.
• Vegan Holiday Spice Cupcakes: Swap butter for coconut oil, eggs for flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk to create a plant-based version that maintains the classic gingerbread flavor.
• Reduced Sugar Ginger Cupcakes: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic option that still delivers warm, festive notes.
• Dairy-Free Gingerbread Mini Cakes: Use almond milk instead of buttermilk and dairy-free margarine to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests while preserving the cupcakes' signature holiday charm.

FAQs

• What makes the gingerbread spice blend unique?

The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, aromatic flavor profile that captures the essence of traditional holiday baking, providing a rich and nostalgic taste experience.

• Can I make these cupcakes without buttermilk?

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

• How do I ensure my cupcakes are moist and not dry?

The key is to not overmix the batter and to check for doneness using the toothpick method. Remove cupcakes from the oven as soon as the toothpick comes out clean to prevent overbaking and maintain moisture.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The recipe has clear, step-by-step instructions and uses basic baking techniques. With careful attention to measurements and mixing, even novice bakers can create delicious gingerbread cupcakes.

Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Festive gingerbread cupcakes dance with classic holiday warmth, blending rich molasses and warming spices into a delectable seasonal treat. Creamy frosting and delicate crumb promise sweet comfort that connects you directly to cherished winter memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) molasses
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup (120 ml) buttermilk

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Fats and Oils:

• 0.25 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F and positioning cupcake liners in a muffin tin to create a perfect baking canvas.
2. Create a fragrant dry ingredient mixture by whisking together flour, baking soda, salt, and a symphony of warming spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Transform butter, oil, and brown sugar into a light, airy mixture by beating until the texture becomes cloud-like and voluminous.
4. Introduce rich molasses and a single egg, blending thoroughly to develop a deep, complex flavor profile.
5. Carefully incorporate the dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk to ensure a smooth, well-integrated batter that promises tender cupcakes.
6. Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising during baking.
7. Bake the cupcakes for 18-20 minutes, watching for a golden finish and testing doneness with a clean toothpick inserted into the center.
8. Allow cupcakes to rest in the pan for a brief 5-minute cooling period before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Craft a decadent buttercream by whipping butter and brown sugar until creamy and voluminous.
10. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, creating a smooth frosting, then enhance with cream and vanilla extract for a luxurious finish.
11. Decorate the cooled cupcakes by piping the buttercream with artistic flair, crowning each with a miniature gingerbread man and a sprinkle of festive glitter or seasonal decorations.

Notes

• Swap buttermilk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk for a vegan-friendly version.
• Reduce spices by half if you prefer a milder flavor profile for sensitive palates.
• Freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to one month, wrapping individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Toast ground spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the batter to enhance their warm, rich aromatics and deepen the overall flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 195
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg