Gingerbread Cupcakes – Best Frosted Treat for Holidays

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the ultimate holiday treat—soft, spiced, and sweet, topped with a rich, tangy frosting that perfectly complements the bold molasses flavor. These cupcakes bring all the nostalgia of gingerbread cookies in a fluffy, festive form, making them ideal for Christmas gatherings or cozy winter weekends. Whether you’re decorating them with mini gingerbread men or simply dusting with powdered sugar, these cupcakes are sure to be a seasonal showstopper.

Why These Gingerbread Cupcakes Are a Holiday Must-Have

These Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting stand out not only for their festive flavors but also for their texture and balance. The cupcake base is tender and moist, thanks to a blend of vegetable oil and molasses, while the spice mix delivers that classic gingerbread warmth. The cream cheese frosting cuts through the richness with tangy smoothness, offering a harmonious bite every time. These cupcakes are easy enough for casual bakers yet impressive enough for special occasions.

What You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Cupcake

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the cupcakes while allowing for a tender crumb
• Baking Soda: Leavens the cupcakes and helps them rise evenly
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and spices
• Ground Ginger: The hero spice, adding bold warmth and that signature gingerbread kick
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds sweetness and depth to the spice profile
• Ground Nutmeg: Offers a nutty undertone to round out the flavors
• Ground Cloves: Intensifies the spiced aroma with a pungent touch
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and moistness
• Unsalted Butter: Gives richness and a tender crumb

• Vegetable Oil: Contributes to the soft, moist texture
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure
• Unsulphured Molasses: The key to deep, earthy sweetness and authentic gingerbread flavor
• Milk: Keeps the batter smooth and helps it bake evenly
• Cream Cheese: Forms the base of the tangy, creamy frosting
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the frosting
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor
• Mini Gingerbread Men (optional): For decoration and festive flair

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Every Baker

• Molasses Substitute: Try dark corn syrup or golden syrup for a milder sweetness, though the flavor won’t be as robust
• Dairy-Free Option: Use almond milk in the batter and a vegan butter/cream cheese substitute for the frosting
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend
• Egg-Free Alternative: Use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer to keep the cupcakes moist and cohesive

How to Make Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Prep the Oven and Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and spray lightly with non-stick spray.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat brown sugar and softened butter until pale and fluffy.
4. Add Oil, Eggs, and Molasses: Mix in the oil, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in molasses until smooth.
5. Combine with Dry and Milk: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with the dry. Mix just until combined.
6. Fill Liners and Bake: Divide batter among the 12 liners, filling each 2/3 full. Bake 19–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Down: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Place in an airtight container once slightly warm to retain moisture.
8. Make the Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; whip until light and fluffy. Chill if needed for a firmer texture.
9. Frost and Decorate: Frost the cooled cupcakes and garnish with mini gingerbread men or sprinkles.

Tips to Bake Like a Pro

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much creates dense cupcakes. Stop when ingredients are just incorporated.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Help batter blend smoothly and evenly
• Chill the Frosting: If it’s too soft, refrigerate briefly and whip again
• Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and bring to room temp before serving

Serving, Storing, and Fun Flavor Variations

• Pair With: Hot cocoa, chai latte, or mulled wine
• Toppings: Crushed gingersnaps, sugared cranberries, or a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Flavor Twists: Add orange zest to the batter or frosting for a citrusy holiday pop
• Mini Versions: Make bite-size cupcakes and reduce bake time to 10–12 minutes
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight bag for up to 2 months

The Seasonal Magic of Gingerbread Cupcakes

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting capture everything we love about the holiday season: spice, warmth, indulgence, and celebration. The molasses and spice combination creates a nostalgic flavor, while the luscious cream cheese frosting brings balance and richness. Whether you’re sharing with guests or enjoying them fireside, these cupcakes are bound to become your new holiday tradition.

Wrapping Up the Holiday Treat of Gingerbread Cupcakes

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are more than just a seasonal dessert — they’re a cozy, nostalgic bite of holiday joy. From the warming spices to the creamy tang of the frosting, every element of these cupcakes feels like a celebration. Whether you’re baking a batch for a festive gathering or indulging in a quiet moment with a warm drink, this recipe delivers both flavor and tradition. And thanks to how easy they are to make, you can bring that festive feeling to your kitchen anytime the craving hits.

So if you’re looking for the perfect way to sweeten the season, look no further than these irresistibly fluffy, beautifully spiced gingerbread cupcakes. Make them once, and you’ll be baking them every holiday season—and maybe beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins: These moist and flavorful muffins combine the best of fall flavors with a spiced apple and pumpkin base, topped with a buttery streusel. A perfect alternative or complement to gingerbread cupcakes for cozy seasonal baking.
• Pumpkin Cookies with Cinnamon Frosting: Soft, cake-like cookies that deliver warm spices and sweetness, topped with a cinnamon-spiced frosting. This recipe closely matches the creamy-spiced profile of the gingerbread cupcakes and is ideal for festive gatherings.
• Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake: Rich with brown butter and fall spices, this tender cake captures a similar comforting vibe as gingerbread cupcakes, with a deep, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy toppings or frostings.

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