Snuggly Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Warm spices dance through these delightful gingerbread cupcakes that promise comfort in every bite.

Soft crumbs carry deep molasses notes and warming hints of ginger.

Home kitchens will feel instantly inviting with their rich, nostalgic aroma.

Delicate swirls of cream cheese frosting add a luxurious touch to each miniature treat.

Baking these little delights feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly afternoon.

Sweet memories of holiday gatherings bubble up with each tender morsel.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these irresistible seasonal gems.

Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Highlights

• Spark Holiday Magic: Dive into a festive baking adventure that captures the warm, spicy essence of gingerbread in a delightful cupcake form, perfect for spreading seasonal cheer.
• Customize with Ease: Personalize these cupcakes by adjusting spice levels or adding decorative toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkled cinnamon to make them uniquely yours.
• Comfort in Every Bite: Experience a nostalgic flavor journey with the rich combination of molasses, warm spices, and creamy cinnamon frosting that feels like a comforting hug.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Gather loved ones in the kitchen for a fun baking session that creates delicious treats and lasting memories, suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes

• All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
• Ground Ginger, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that create the classic gingerbread flavor profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweet and spicy flavors of the cupcakes.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cupcakes rise and become light and fluffy.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, rich sweetness and moisture to the cupcakes.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Molasses: Gives the cupcakes their signature dark color and deep, robust flavor.
• Whole Egg, Egg Yolks: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the cupcake batter.
• Milk, Sour Cream: Add moisture and contribute to the soft, tender texture of the cupcakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor complexity of the cupcakes.

• Cream Cheese, Unsalted Butter: Create a smooth, creamy base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve the right frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Bean Paste, Ground Cinnamon, Salt: Add depth, warmth, and balance to the cream cheese frosting.

How to Prepare Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a muffin tin and line it with adorable cupcake liners to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Spice Blend

• Flour
• Ginger
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cloves

Set this magical spice mixture aside.

Step 3: Butter and Sugar Dance

In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat brown sugar and softened butter until they transform into a dreamy, smooth mixture.

Step 4: Bring in Rich Flavors

Pour in molasses and whisk until fully blended. Add whole egg and egg yolks one by one, giving each a good mix.

Step 5: Moisture Magic

Stir in milk and sour cream until silky smooth. Splash in vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Gentle Mixing

Softly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stop mixing the moment ingredients are just combined to keep the texture light and tender.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Fill cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Slide into the oven and bake for 20-22 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean. Let cupcakes cool in the pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Whip Up Frosting Clouds

Beat softened butter and cream cheese until they become fluffy and light.

Step 9: Flavor Fusion

• Vanilla bean paste
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Gradually mix in powdered sugar until frosting becomes smooth and dreamy.

Step 10: Decorate with Love

Once cupcakes are completely cool, generously cover each with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Use a spatula or piping bag to create beautiful swirls that’ll make everyone smile.

Tips for Moist Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture light and moist. Stir just until ingredients are combined for tender, soft cupcakes.
• Toast ground spices briefly in a dry pan before adding to the batter to intensify their warm, rich aroma and deepen the gingerbread taste.
• Let butter, eggs, milk, and sour cream sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smoother, more evenly blended batter.
• Sift powdered sugar before adding to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth cream cheese frosting that spreads effortlessly.

Variations for Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Vegan Gingerbread Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk, swap eggs with flax eggs, and choose vegan cream cheese for frosting. Perfect for dairy-free and egg-free diets.
• Gluten-Free Spice Sensation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich gingerbread flavor while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
• Reduced Sugar Ginger Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar, and opt for a low-sugar powdered sugar alternative in the frosting. Great for those monitoring sugar intake.
• Nutty Gingerbread Option: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch and depth of flavor, creating a more textured cupcake experience.

Pairing Suggestions for Gingerbread Cupcakes

• A rich mulled wine with notes of orange, cinnamon, and cloves perfectly complements the gingerbread cupcakes' warm spices, creating a harmonious winter dessert experience.
• A creamy vanilla latte with a sprinkle of cinnamon echoes the cupcakes' sweet and spicy profile, providing a delightful contrast to the dessert's rich texture.
• A spiced caramel apple cider brings out the cupcakes' molasses undertones, offering a cozy, comforting beverage that enhances the dessert's seasonal charm.

Proper Storage for Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place a paper towel loosely over the top to prevent condensation from making the frosting soggy.
• Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before frosting.
• Place cupcakes uncovered in the freezer for 1 hour until frosting hardens. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

FAQs

• What gives these gingerbread cupcakes their unique flavor profile?

The combination of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a rich, complex taste that captures the essence of traditional gingerbread, while molasses adds depth and a slight earthiness to the cupcakes.

• Can I make these cupcakes without a mixer?

While an electric mixer helps create a smoother batter and fluffier texture, you can use a whisk and some elbow grease. Just ensure you mix thoroughly and avoid overmixing to maintain the cupcakes’ light consistency.

• How important is the sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream is crucial as it adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tanginess to the cupcakes. It helps create a softer crumb and prevents the cupcakes from becoming dry or dense.

Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gingerbread Cupcakes elevate winter comfort with warm spices and rich molasses notes. Creamy cinnamon frosting crowns these delightful treats, inviting sweet memories of holiday cheer and homemade happiness you’ll savor with each tender bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Dry):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 5 cups powdered sugar

Wet Ingredients and Fats:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup molasses
• 1 large egg
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment at 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a muffin tin for smooth baking preparation.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, spices, salt, leavening agents – in a medium bowl, thoroughly whisking to distribute evenly.
3. Use an electric mixer to cream brown sugar and butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency with no lumps.
4. Incorporate molasses into the butter-sugar mixture, then carefully integrate whole egg and additional egg yolks, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Gently blend milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the wet ingredients, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous texture.
6. Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stopping immediately once ingredients are just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
7. Distribute batter evenly, filling cupcake liners approximately two-thirds full. Bake for 20-22 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted.
8. Allow cupcakes to rest momentarily in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Whip softened butter and cream cheese until achieving a light, airy consistency using an electric mixer.
10. Introduce vanilla bean paste, ground cinnamon, and salt to the butter-cream cheese base. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, beating until frosting becomes smooth and voluminous.
11. Once cupcakes have reached room temperature, generously apply cinnamon cream cheese frosting using a spatula or piping bag for elegant decoration.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Cupcakes by carefully measuring flour and not overmixing the batter, which can develop gluten and create a tough texture.
• Enhance Flavor Depth by using freshly ground spices instead of pre-ground versions, as they provide more intense and vibrant gingerbread notes.
• Accommodate Dietary Restrictions by substituting gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and using dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for vegan or lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Maximize Moisture by storing cupcakes in an airtight container with a slice of bread, which helps maintain softness and prevents them from drying out quickly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 391 kcal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 138 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 67 mg