Cozy Warm Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Festive winter gatherings call for a delectable gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting that warms hearts and delights taste buds.

Soft, spicy notes of ginger and molasses dance through each tender crumb of these irresistible treats.

The rich, velvety frosting adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this simple yet impressive recipe in no time.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that capture the essence of cozy holiday moments.

Drizzle a bit of caramel or sprinkle some crushed pecans on top for an extra layer of indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of these heavenly cupcakes that bring comfort and joy to the table.

FAQs

• Are these cupcakes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

These cupcakes contain gluten, dairy, and eggs, making them unsuitable for those with specific dietary needs. For alternative options, consider using gluten-free flour, dairy-free butter substitutes, and egg replacements.

• Can I make the cupcakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cupcakes a day in advance. Store them unfrosted in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost them just before serving to maintain the frosting’s freshness and texture.

• What gives these cupcakes their distinctive flavor?

The combination of molasses, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates the classic gingerbread taste. These warm spices work together to give the cupcakes their rich, comforting flavor profile.

• How can I ensure my cupcakes turn out moist?

To keep the cupcakes moist, avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely dry.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 13

Gingerbread Cupcakes With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the cupcake, select unbleached flour for best texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cupcakes rise and creates soft, tender crumb.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy flavor characteristic of gingerbread.
• Ground Ginger: Essential spice that gives authentic gingerbread taste and aroma.
• Ground Cloves: Contributes deep, rich warming sensation to the cupcake.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter: Creates rich, tender crumb and adds luxurious flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel notes and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and create structure, use room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Molasses: Delivers classic gingerbread flavor and dark color, choose robust variety.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, creamy base for frosting, ensure it's softened.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting, sift to prevent lumps.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm spice to frosting, complementing gingerbread base.

Tools to Whip Up These Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Muffin Tin: 12-cup standard size for baking cupcakes.
• Cupcake Liners: Paper liners to prevent sticking and easy removal.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for creaming butter and beating ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: For combining dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Spatula: For scraping and mixing ingredients.
• Piping Bag or Offset Spatula: For frosting the cupcakes neatly.
• Wire Cooling Rack: To cool cupcakes after baking.
• Toothpick: To test cupcake doneness.

How to Bake Gingerbread Cupcakes and Frost Them Right

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F and grab a muffin tin. Slide in some cupcake liners to keep things neat.

• Create the Dry Mix

Grab a bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, and all those cozy spices. Set this powder blend aside.

• Cream the Base

Blend butter and brown sugar until they become a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Whip it good for about 2-3 minutes.

• Introduce Wet Ingredients

Drop in eggs one by one, giving each a moment to mingle. Pour in that rich molasses and stir until everything looks happy together.

• Merge the Mixtures

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, splashing in milk between additions. Mix just until everything comes together – no need for heavy handed stirring.

• Bake to Perfection

Fill those muffin cups about two-thirds full. Pop them in the oven for 18-22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cupcakes chill on a cooling rack.

• Whip Up the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until silky smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, mixing between each addition. Sprinkle in cinnamon and vanilla for that extra warmth.

• Dress the Cupcakes

Once cooled, crown each cupcake with a generous swirl of frosting. Dust with a hint of cinnamon if you’re feeling fancy.

Fun Add-Ons for Gingerbread Cupcakes and Frosting

• Prepare cupcake batter a day ahead and refrigerate overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles.
• Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs, butter, and milk to ensure smoother, more even batter mixing.
• Add a tablespoon of applesauce or sour cream to the batter for extra-moist, tender cupcakes that stay soft longer.
• Use a star-tipped piping bag for gorgeous, professional-looking cream cheese frosting swirls that make your cupcakes look bakery-worthy.
• Adjust ground spices like ginger and cinnamon based on personal preference – start with less and taste as you go.
• Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better texture.
• Replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.

Serve These Cupcakes Warm or Chilled

• Festive Holiday Plating: Arrange cupcakes on a rustic wooden board with sprigs of fresh rosemary and cinnamon sticks for a cozy winter display that screams holiday cheer.
• Warm Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai latte or rich hot chocolate to complement the gingerbread's warm, spicy flavors and create a comforting dessert experience.
• Seasonal Gift Giving: Package individual cupcakes in clear gift boxes tied with plaid ribbon, making them perfect homemade presents for neighbors, teachers, or holiday gatherings.
• Dessert Table Centerpiece: Create a stunning holiday dessert spread by clustering cupcakes at different heights using cake stands and adding small ornamental elements like pine cones or festive sugar decorations.

Keep Gingerbread Cupcakes Fresh in the Fridge

• Keep cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Their moist texture stays delightful when sealed properly.
• Refrigerate frosted cupcakes for up to 5 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent condensation.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving for maximum flavor.
• Prepare cupcake batter or frosting 1-2 days in advance. Store batter in sealed container in refrigerator. Keep frosting in airtight container, bringing to room temperature before use for smooth spreading.

Warm Gingerbread Cupcakes With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Gingerbread cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting offer a delightful winter dessert from German holiday traditions. Warm spices and creamy frosting create a comforting treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup molasses
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and line muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Creaming: Use electric mixer to cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, creating a voluminous base.
4. Wet Ingredients: Incorporate eggs one at a time, then blend in molasses, ensuring complete integration.
5. Batter Formation: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined to maintain delicate texture.
6. Baking: Fill muffin cups two-thirds full and bake for 18-22 minutes, verifying doneness with a clean toothpick test.
7. Cooling: Rest cupcakes in tin for five minutes, then transfer to cooling rack until completely cooled.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until smooth and uniform, gradually adding powdered sugar for optimal consistency.
9. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a hint of salt, whipping until frosting becomes light and creamy.
10. Decoration: Pipe or spread frosting onto cooled cupcakes, optionally garnishing with ground cinnamon or gingerbread decorations for visual appeal.

Notes

• Monitor Moisture: Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough cupcakes; stir just until ingredients combine for a light, tender crumb.
• Precise Temperature Control: Use room-temperature eggs and butter to ensure even mixing and consistent baking results, preventing potential textural issues.
• Customize Spice Intensity: Adjust ginger and cinnamon quantities to personal preference, keeping the balance subtle or bold based on individual taste.
• Dietary Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free flour blend for standard flour and use dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese for vegan or lactose-intolerant bakers.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg