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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Arrange cupcake liners in a standard 12-cup muffin tin, ensuring even spacing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Distribute approximately of batter into each prepared cupcake liner, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for rising.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Once cupcakes are completely cooled, generously pipe or spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over each cupcake using an offset spatula or piping bag.
- 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