These Gingerbread Cupcakes bring the heartwarming spice of Christmas straight to your kitchen. Soft, moist, and filled with molasses and cinnamon, they taste like a cozy holiday memory.The cream cheese frosting adds creamy sweetness that balances every spiced bite.
They’re festive enough for parties yet simple enough for a quiet night in.One bite and you’ll feel the magic of gingerbread season all over again!
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
- 1½ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup molasses
- 1 egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with liners.
- Beat butter, sugar, and molasses until creamy. Add egg.
- Mix in dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk.
- Fill liners ¾ full and bake 18–20 minutes.
- Cool completely.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth, then frost cupcakes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these Gingerbread Cupcakes at room temperature so the frosting stays silky and the flavors shine through. 🧁
- A dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed gingerbread cookies adds the perfect finishing touch.
- They pair beautifully with hot cocoa, chai lattes, or a glass of milk after dinner.
- For a festive look, top each with a mini gingerbread man or sugared cranberries.
- Whether on a dessert tray or served fresh from the kitchen, they’re a heartwarming bite of Christmas cheer.
Storing Tips
- Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- If unfrosted, keep them covered at room temperature for up to 3 days for maximum softness.
- To serve, bring chilled cupcakes to room temperature about 30 minutes before enjoying — this keeps the frosting smooth and creamy.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 2 months and thaw before frosting.
- Avoid stacking or tightly wrapping frosted cupcakes — give that beautiful swirl space to stay perfect!
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Beat butter, brown sugar, and molasses until creamy. Add the egg and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cupcakes completely on a wire rack.
- Beat frosting ingredients until smooth and fluffy, then frost cooled cupcakes.
Notes
❓ FAQs
Can I make this as a cake instead of cupcakes?
Yes, simply pour the batter into an 8-inch square pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. It becomes a cozy, rustic gingerbread snack cake!
How do I make the frosting thicker or pipeable?
Add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For piping, chill the frosting for 15–20 minutes before using.
Can I replace molasses with something else?
Molasses gives that classic gingerbread flavor, but if you don’t have it, use a mix of honey and a little brown sugar. It won’t be quite as deep in flavor, but it’ll still be delicious.
Can I make these cupcakes dairy-free?
Yes — replace butter with vegan margarine, buttermilk with almond milk + 1 tsp vinegar, and cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. The flavor remains festive and rich.
How long do they stay fresh?
Unfrosted cupcakes keep for 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge. Once frosted, store covered in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
How can I decorate them for the holidays?
Sprinkle with crushed gingerbread cookies, mini gingerbread men, or cinnamon sugar. A drizzle of caramel or maple syrup also adds a fun twist!
🎯 Conclusion
Every swirl of frosting and crumb of cake whispers holiday comfort. The warmth of molasses, the scent of spice, and the creaminess of frosting create dessert perfection.
Serve them with coffee, cocoa, or right from the baking rack, they shine every time. Perfect for baking with family or sharing at festive gatherings.
These Gingerbread Cupcakes are pure joy, baked and frosted to perfection.