Festive Gingerbread Delight Cupcakes Recipe: Spiced Cream Cheese Tops

Warm spices dance through these irresistible gingerbread delight cupcakes with spiced cream cheese frosting, promising a festive flavor explosion.

The rich molasses and aromatic ginger create a cozy winter embrace in every tender bite.

Soft, moist cake layers mingle with creamy, tangy frosting that tingles your taste buds with holiday cheer.

Each cupcake tells a story of comfort and warmth, reminiscent of grandmother’s kitchen during the most magical time of year.

Delicate swirls of spiced cream cheese frosting crown these delectable treats, making them impossible to resist.

The blend of traditional spices and modern baking techniques ensures a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of holiday joy in one delightful, spice-packed cupcake.

Inside Gingerbread Cupcakes: Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that gives structure and softness to your cupcakes, ensuring a tender crumb.
• Baking Soda: The magical leavening agent that helps cupcakes rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that infuse depth and create that classic gingerbread flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the cupcakes.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the golden-brown color during baking.
• Molasses: Delivers a deep, robust flavor and signature dark color typical of gingerbread treats.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cupcakes' rich, moist texture.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients and maintain moisture in the batter.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, smooth base for the frosting with luxurious mouthfeel.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfect spreading consistency.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness and adds a subtle bright undertone.
• Milk: Adjusts frosting texture to achieve ideal spreadability.

What You’ll Need to Bake These Spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming sugar, butter, and creating smooth frosting.
• Large mixing bowls: Two needed for separating wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• Cupcake tin: Standard 12-cup size for baking cupcakes.
• Cupcake liners: Prevents sticking and adds presentation appeal.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows cupcakes to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Toothpicks: Useful for testing cupcake doneness.
• Spatula: Helps spread frosting smoothly over cupcakes.

How to Make Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven and get your cupcake pan ready with cute paper liners.

• Batter Creation

Blend sugar, butter, molasses, and eggs into a silky smooth mixture. In another bowl, mix your dry ingredients and spices to ensure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

• Mixing Magic

Combine wet and dry ingredients by alternating with water, making sure everything blends beautifully without lumps.

• Baking Adventure

Fill each cupcake liner with batter and send them into the hot oven. Watch for golden edges and test with a toothpick for perfect doneness.

• Cooling Zone

Let cupcakes rest briefly in the pan, then transfer to a cooling rack to chill completely.

• Frosting Finale

Whip cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and vanilla into a dreamy spread. Gradually fold in powdered sugar and adjust thickness with a splash of milk.

• Decoration Delight

Swirl the frosting generously on top of cooled cupcakes. Surprise your guests with festive garnishes like tiny gingerbread cookies or sparkly cranberries.

Tips for Bold Spice and Smooth Frosting in Every Bite

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better cupcake texture.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or star anise to enhance the gingerbread flavor profile.
• Create decorative piping patterns using a star tip for a professional bakery-style presentation.
• Store unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for longer preservation.
• Substitute butter with coconut oil and cream cheese with a vegan alternative for a plant-based version of these delightful cupcakes.

Serving Your Gingerbread Cupcakes Like a Holiday Treat

• Serve Up Festive Delights: Highlighting the cupcakes on a rustic wooden board creates a cozy holiday atmosphere that invites guests to grab and enjoy.
• Pair with Warm Beverages: Complement these spiced cupcakes with hot mulled cider, chai tea, or rich hot chocolate to enhance the warm, comforting flavor profile.
• Create a Seasonal Display: Arrange the cupcakes on a tiered cake stand with pine sprigs, cinnamon sticks, and cranberries to transform them into a stunning holiday centerpiece that captures the essence of winter celebrations.
• Gift with Festive Packaging: Package individual cupcakes in clear gift boxes tied with plaid ribbons, making them perfect homemade presents for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.

Keeping Frosted Gingerbread Cupcakes Fresh and Fluffy

• Maximize Freshness and Flavor
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cream cheese frosting requires cold storage to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before adding frosting.
• Room Temperature Magic: Keep unfrosted cupcakes in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Ensure the storage spot is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup that could compromise their soft texture.
• Quick Serving Tip: Remove refrigerated cupcakes 30 minutes before serving to let them reach room temperature. This simple step helps restore their original moisture and allows the frosting to soften perfectly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Velvety Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Spiced gingerbread delight cupcakes blend warm holiday memories with rich, complex flavors from traditional German baking techniques. Creamy cream cheese frosting and delicate spice notes invite bakers to savor winter’s most comforting dessert experience.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) butter, softened
• ½ cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml) molasses
• ¾ cup (180 ml) water
• 1 ½ tsps ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for cake)
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• 1 package (8 oz) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (60 ml) butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 ml) powdered sugar
• 2 tsps lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1–2 tsps milk
• ½ tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and arrange cupcake liners evenly in a standard muffin tin.
2. Wet Ingredient Fusion: Cream together granulated sugar, unsalted butter, dark molasses, and eggs using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes silky and pale.
3. Dry Ingredient Blend: Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl, ensuring uniform spice distribution.
4. Batter Creation: Merge dry ingredients with wet ingredients, alternating with room temperature water in three stages to maintain a smooth, velvety consistency.
5. Baking Process: Fill cupcake liners two-thirds full and bake for 16-19 minutes, verifying doneness with a toothpick that comes out clean.
6. Cooling Technique: Allow cupcakes to rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frosting Preparation: Whip cream cheese, butter, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until completely smooth, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and milk to achieve a perfect spreading consistency.
8. Final Presentation: Once cooled, generously top cupcakes with spiced cream cheese frosting, using a piping bag or offset spatula for an elegant finish.
9. Optional Garnish: Embellish with miniature gingerbread cookies, candied cranberries, or a delicate rosemary sprig to elevate the visual appeal.

Notes

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for spices to achieve the perfect balance of warmth and flavor in these gingerbread cupcakes.
• Room Temperature Matters: Ensure eggs, butter, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Blend ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense cupcakes that lose their delicate crumb.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and maintain the frosting’s beautiful piped design.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg