Jolly Gingerbread Delight Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Smiles

Sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible, these gingerbread delight cupcakes bring winter’s warmth to your kitchen table.

Aromatic ginger and cinnamon dance through a soft, tender crumb that promises pure comfort.

Each bite carries the nostalgic essence of holiday memories and cozy gatherings.

Molasses adds a rich, deep undertone that makes these cupcakes extraordinary.

The delicate cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the robust spice profile.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily master this delightful recipe.

Get ready to fill your home with an enchanting aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cupcakes Right

• Cozy Kitchen Preparation

Warm up your kitchen and grab your baking gear. Set the oven to a toasty 350°F and line a cupcake pan with cute paper liners.

• Spice Blend Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and whirl together all the dry ingredients. The mix of ginger, cinnamon, and other warm spices will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Liquid Harmony

In a separate container, gently swirl buttermilk and molasses until they become best friends. This secret combo will give your cupcakes deep, rich flavor.

• Butter and Sugar Dance

Whip butter and dark brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. This is where the magic begins.

• Egg Symphony

Add eggs one by one, letting each settle into the buttery mixture. A splash of vanilla will elevate the entire performance.

• Batter Fusion

Carefully fold dry ingredients and liquid mixture into the butter base. Stir gently until everything looks smooth and inviting.

• Cupcake Transformation

Pour batter into liners, filling each about three-quarters full. Slide the pan into the oven and let the aromatic alchemy begin.

• Cooling and Crowning

After 15-18 minutes, pull out golden cupcakes. Let them cool completely before crowning with dreamy cream cheese frosting.

• Frosting Finale

Whip cream cheese and butter into a silky dream. Add powdered sugar and a whisper of vanilla. Pipe this cloud-like topping onto your cupcakes for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Spice and Sweetness in Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Freshly grate whole nutmeg and ginger for more intense, vibrant flavor that elevates the traditional spice profile.
• Replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt to create an ultra-tender, rich cupcake texture that stays moist for days.
• Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature to guarantee smooth mixing and consistent baking results.
• Sprinkle crushed candied ginger, dust with cinnamon, or top with mini gingerbread cookie crumbs for festive presentation.
• Bake cupcakes up to two days in advance and store in an airtight container, frosting them just before serving to maintain peak freshness.

Ways to Serve Gingerbread Cupcakes at Holidays

• Garnish with Spice Sprinkle finely ground cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosted cupcakes for an extra burst of warm, aromatic flavor that complements the gingerbread base.
• Pair with Beverage Serve alongside a steaming mug of hot chai tea or rich, dark coffee to enhance the cupcakes' deep, spicy notes and create a cozy winter dessert experience.
• Holiday Presentation Arrange the cupcakes on a rustic wooden platter with small cinnamon sticks and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive, elegant display that captures the holiday spirit.
• Gourmet Topping Decorate each cupcake with a small piece of crystallized ginger or a delicate chocolate curl to add a sophisticated and eye-catching finishing touch.

Gingerbread Cupcake Storage Tips for Freshness

• Store Smartly: Keep the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
• Chill for Longer Life: Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for extended storage, lasting up to 5 days when sealed tightly in a covered container.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their delicious gingerbread flavor.
• Thaw Gently: Remove frozen cupcakes from the freezer and let them defrost at room temperature for 2-3 hours before adding fresh cream cheese frosting.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 338 kcal

Servings: 13

Gingerbread Cupcakes: What You’ll Need

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cupcakes, providing structure and soft texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy flavors.

• Ground Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm, aromatic spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile, adding depth and complexity.

• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, creating a tender crumb.
• Molasses: Brings rich, deep sweetness and signature gingerbread color.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Provides caramel-like sweetness and helps retain moisture.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cupcakes' structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out and enhances the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Create a smooth, luxurious base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right consistency.
• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon: Add extra flavor dimension to the frosting.

Tools That Make Gingerbread Cupcakes Easy

• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and preparing frosting smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring cup: Helps blend buttermilk and molasses accurately.
• Cupcake tin: Holds 12 cupcake liners for even baking.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and makes serving easy.
• Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients without lumps.
• Toothpick: Checks cupcake doneness by testing center.
• Piping bag with large French tip: Creates beautiful frosting decoration.
• Spatula: Helps scrape and fold ingredients completely.

Heavenly Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Spiced holiday magic emerges through homemade gingerbread delight cupcakes crafted with warm seasonal ingredients. Molasses, cinnamon, and nutmeg combine for rich flavor profiles that comfort winter gatherings with sweet memories you will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (113 g) butter (room temperature)
• ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ⅓ cup unsulfured molasses
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 cups (454 g) powdered sugar
• 8 oz (226 g) Philadelphia cream cheese (room temperature)
• ½ cup (113 g) butter (room temperature)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C) with rack centered. Line a standard muffin tin with 12 cupcake liners.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices into a large mixing bowl. Whisk to ensure even distribution of spices.
3. Wet Mixture: Blend buttermilk and molasses in a separate bowl until smooth. Set aside for later incorporation.
4. Creaming Process: Using a stand mixer, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.
5. Batter Assembly: Reduce mixer speed to low. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk-molasses mixture in three portions. Mix gently to combine, avoiding overmixing.
6. Baking: Fill cupcake liners about 75% full using an ice cream scoop. Bake for 16-19 minutes, rotating pan midway. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should have a few moist crumbs when removed.
7. Cooling: Let cupcakes rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely for 45-60 minutes.
8. Frosting Preparation: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Mix in vanilla extract and cinnamon until frosting becomes light and creamy.
9. Finishing Touch: Using a piping bag with a decorative tip, create elegant swirls of frosting on each cooled cupcake, forming smooth peaks and surfaces.

Notes

• Spice Precision: Freshly ground spices dramatically enhance the warm, rich flavor profile of these gingerbread cupcakes, so avoid using old or stale spices.
• Buttermilk Magic: Room temperature buttermilk helps create a tender, soft crumb and ensures even mixing with other ingredients.
• Mixing Mastery: Overmixing the batter can lead to tough, dense cupcakes, so stop mixing as soon as ingredients are just combined.
• Frosting Finesse: Ensure cream cheese and butter are completely softened at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free frosting that pipes beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 338
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg