Top Gingerbread Delight Cupcakes With Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Gingerbread cupcakes bring warmth and nostalgia to any festive gathering with their rich, aromatic spices dancing through soft, tender crumbs.

Winter’s most comforting dessert combines traditional flavors that spark memories of cozy kitchen moments and cherished family recipes.

Warm molasses and fragrant spices create a symphony of taste that feels like a culinary embrace.

Sweet undertones of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger weave magical sensations into each delectable bite.

Dense and moist, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance between robust spiciness and delicate sweetness that converts ordinary baking into an extraordinary experience.

cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, velvety finish that complements the deep, complex flavor profile.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this delightful seasonal treat.

How to Make Gingerbread Cupcakes That Wow

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cupcake Tins

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line cupcake tins with liners, creating a cozy home for your cupcake batter.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Sugar
• Butter
• Molasses
• Eggs

Mix until the ingredients transform into a smooth, creamy base.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients, including spices. This ensures each spoonful will be perfectly seasoned.

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with water. Add in three batches to maintain a silky-smooth batter.

Step 5: Fill and Bake Cupcakes

Spoon of batter into each cupcake liner. Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, signaling perfectly baked cupcakes.

Step 6: Cool the Cupcakes

Let cupcakes rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened cream cheese
• Butter
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla

Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly. Adjust consistency with milk to create a spreadable frosting.

Step 8: Frost and Decorate

• Gingerbread cookies
• Candied cranberries
• Fresh rosemary sprig

Tips for Moist Cupcakes with Spiced Cream Cheese

• Control Spice Intensity: Adjust ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg quantities to match your personal flavor preference without overwhelming the delicate cupcake texture.
• Achieve Moist Perfection: Never overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients combine to prevent dense, tough cupcakes with a rubbery consistency.
• Create Smooth Frosting: Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for effortless blending and a silky-smooth frosting without lumps.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a tablespoon of dark molasses or replace some water with strong brewed coffee to intensify the rich, warm gingerbread notes.
• Prevent Dry Cupcakes: Check doneness early and remove from oven the moment a toothpick comes out clean, as overbaking can quickly transform these delicate treats into dry, crumbly disappointments.

Keep Gingerbread Cupcakes Fresh and Frosted

• Refrigeration: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the frosting from sticking or getting smudged. Keep cupcakes away from strong-smelling foods to maintain their delicate flavor profile.
• Room Temperature: When ready to enjoy, remove cupcakes from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. Letting them sit at room temperature helps restore their soft texture and enhances the cream cheese frosting's creamy consistency.
• Freezing Option: Wrap unfrosted cupcakes individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding frosting and serving.

Drinks That Go Well with Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Brew Bold Beverages: Pair these gingerbread cupcakes with warm chai tea or a rich, dark coffee. The spicy notes will complement the cupcake's warm ginger and molasses flavors, creating a cozy taste experience.
• Enhance with Complementary Desserts: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or a slice of caramel cheesecake. These creamy companions will balance the cupcake's intense spices and provide a smooth textural contrast.
• Create Festive Wine Pairings: Select a sweet dessert wine like port or a late-harvest Riesling. These wines' subtle sweetness and complex flavor profiles will dance beautifully with the cupcake's deep, warm spices.
• Craft Seasonal Cocktail Companions: Mix a spiced rum old-fashioned or a ginger-infused martini. These cocktails will echo the cupcake's warm winter essence and elevate the overall tasting experience.

Different Ways to Decorate Gingerbread Cupcakes

• Autumn Spice Cupcakes: Enhance the recipe by adding pumpkin puree to the batter for a richer, more complex fall flavor profile. Swap some of the water with pumpkin puree to maintain moisture and depth.
• Holiday Rum Cupcakes: Incorporate dark rum into the batter and frosting for an adult-friendly version. Brush the cooled cupcakes with rum syrup before frosting to intensify the boozy notes.
• Gluten-Free Ginger Cupcakes: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and spicy character. Add xanthan gum to help bind the ingredients and maintain texture.
• Nutty Gingerbread Edition: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and nutty undertones. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top of the frosted cupcakes for extra texture and visual appeal.

Why Gingerbread Cupcakes with Spiced Frosting Stand Out

• Warm Spice Symphony: These cupcakes deliver an incredible burst of holiday warmth with perfectly balanced ginger, cinnamon, and molasses flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Foolproof Baking Adventure: The recipe offers simple, step-by-step instructions that make baking these delightful treats accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, ensuring consistent success every time.
• Festive Frosting Elegance: The spiced cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious, tangy dimension that complements the rich gingerbread base, creating a sophisticated dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and winter celebrations.
• Quick Comfort Creation: From start to finish, these cupcakes can be prepared in under an hour, making them an ideal last-minute dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cupcakes.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cupcakes rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Warm spices that give the cupcakes their signature gingerbread flavor and aroma.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Butter: Provides richness and contributes to the cupcakes' moist texture.
• Molasses: Gives a deep, dark sweetness and classic gingerbread color.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cupcakes.
• Water: Helps create a smooth batter and keeps the cupcakes moist.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect frosting consistency.

• Gingerbread Cookies: Adds a festive touch and extra gingerbread flavor.
• Candied Cranberries: Provides a pop of color and sweet-tart contrast.

Gingerbread Delight Cupcakes With Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Gingerbread Delight Cupcakes promise a festive journey through warm holiday spices and rich cream cheese frosting. Fragrant ginger, cinnamon, and molasses blend perfectly, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup water

Spices:

• 1 ½ teaspoons ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for frosting)

Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup butter, softened
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoons milk
• ½ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Arrange cupcake liners in a standard 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
2. In a large mixing bowl, utilize an electric mixer to thoroughly blend granulated sugar, unsalted butter, dark molasses, and large eggs until the mixture becomes uniformly creamy and light.
3. Separately, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl, guaranteeing all spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with room temperature water. Blend carefully, making three separate additions to maintain a smooth, lump-free batter.
5. Distribute approximately of batter into each prepared cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
6. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 16-19 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center of a cupcake – it should emerge without any wet batter.
7. Remove cupcakes from the oven and let them rest in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.
8. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract in a clean mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
9. Gradually sift powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Adjust the consistency by adding 1-of whole milk until the frosting reaches a spreadable texture.
10. Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously pipe or spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over each cupcake using an offset spatula or piping bag.
11. Optionally, garnish with miniature gingerbread cookies, candied cranberries, or a delicate rosemary sprig for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Plan ahead by gathering all ingredients at room temperature for seamless mixing and optimal texture.
• Measuring spices precisely creates the perfect balance of warm, aromatic flavors in these festive cupcakes.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense cupcakes; mix just until ingredients are combined.
• Cool cupcakes completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a beautiful, professional finish.
• Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, bringing to room temperature before serving.
• Experiment with optional garnishes like crushed gingersnap cookies or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flair.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 310 cal
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg