Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up in warmth and nostalgia, look no further than this Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These cupcakes capture the essence of the holiday spirit with rich spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, perfectly balanced by a luxuriously smooth, tangy cream cheese frosting flecked with cinnamon. Whether for a festive gathering or a comforting treat on a chilly afternoon, these cupcakes bring joy in every bite with their tender crumb and aromatic sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each contribute a special something—from the deep warmth of molasses to the soft tang of cream cheese frosting. Gathering these basics ensures the perfect blend of spice, texture, and flavor that will make your cupcakes unforgettable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cupcakes their tender texture.
• 2 tsp ground ginger: Provides that signature zing and warmth essential to gingerbread.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds sweet, woody notes that complement the frosting.
• ½ tsp kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Introduces a subtle, nutty spice that deepens the flavor profile.
• ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Works with baking soda for light, fluffy crumb.
• ¼ tsp ground cloves: A little pinch adds an exotic warmth.
• ⅔ cup packed light brown sugar: Gives moist sweetness with a hint of caramel.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for batter): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• ½ cup molasses: The heart of gingerbread flavor with a deep, robust sweetness.
• 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to texture.
• 2 large egg yolks: Enrich the batter for extra moistness.
• ⅓ cup whole milk: Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
• 2 Tbsp sour cream: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the crumb.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting): Creates a creamy, luscious base for the frosting.
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened: Brings a tangy counterpoint to the spicy sweetness.
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste: Offers deep vanilla flavor with pretty vanilla specks.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting): Ties the frosting directly to the cupcake flavors.
• ¼ – ½ tsp kosher salt (for frosting): Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• 5 cups powdered sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting for perfect piping consistency.

How to Make Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners for easy removal and cleanup. This step ensures your cupcakes bake evenly and peel away effortlessly once cooled.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and cloves. Mixing these spices and leavening agents thoroughly upfront allows the flavors to be evenly distributed throughout the batter, making each bite perfectly spiced.

Step 3: Cream Sugar and Butter

In a large bowl, beat together the light brown sugar and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creaming process aerates your batter, giving the cupcakes a light, tender texture while imparting that irresistible buttery sweetness.

Step 4: Add Molasses and Eggs

Next, stir in the molasses, then whisk in the egg and egg yolks one at a time until fully combined. The molasses provides the essential rich, deep flavor, while the eggs add structure and richness to your batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Milk and Sour Cream

Blend in the whole milk and sour cream until the batter is smooth. This combination not only adds moisture but also a pleasant tang that complements the spices beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry spice mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could make your cupcakes dense rather than tender and fluffy—the goal is a light batter that bakes into soft perfection.

Step 7: Bake Your Cupcakes

Fill your cupcake liners about two-thirds full with batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 8: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and fluffy. Add the vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, and salt, then gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar until your frosting is luscious and pipeable. Once your cupcakes are fully cooled, spread or pipe the frosting generously over each one, inviting you to indulge in these cozy delights.

How to Serve Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a little extra flair elevates these cupcakes to the next level of charm. Consider sprinkling a light dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the frosting. Crushed candied ginger or a small cinnamon stick served on the side creates an inviting aroma and beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes shine on their own but also pair perfectly with a hot cup of spiced tea, chai latte, or a rich dark coffee. For a cozy gathering, serve alongside warm apple cider or a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream to complement the gingerbread flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try frosting your cupcakes with a generous swirl using a star piping tip to give them a festive appeal. For holiday events, place each cupcake in a decorative paper liner or top with mini gingerbread cookies for a playful touch. You can even plate them on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruits or nuts for an inviting, homey display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any cupcakes left (which can be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting contains cream cheese, so chilling keeps it fresh and safe to eat. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days stored this way.

Freezing

These cupcakes also freeze beautifully if you want to prepare them in advance. Freeze unfrosted cupcakes tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw completely, then frost just before serving to retain that fresh homemade feel.

Reheating

To enjoy as if freshly baked, bring refrigerated cupcakes to room temperature before serving. If frozen, thaw cupcakes overnight in the refrigerator and then warm gently in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften the cake but avoid melting the frosting.

FAQs

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

While you can substitute granulated sugar, the light brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel note essential to the gingerbread flavor. Using brown sugar results in a richer and more tender cupcake.

What can I substitute for molasses if I don’t have any?

If molasses isn’t available, you can use a blend of dark corn syrup mixed with a little honey or maple syrup, though the flavor won’t be quite as deep and characteristic of classic gingerbread.

Can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for an equal amount of a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be aware the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious and cozy.

Is it okay to use cream cheese frosting without the cinnamon?

Absolutely, you can leave out the cinnamon in the frosting if you prefer a milder flavor. However, the cinnamon perfectly complements the gingerbread spices in the cake, so it’s worth trying with it included first.

How can I tell when my cupcakes are done baking?

The best method is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of a cupcake and it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can dry out your cupcakes, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about baking a batch of Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that fills your home with heartwarming scents and your soul with comfort. Whether you’re spoiling yourself or sharing with loved ones, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of sweet spice and creamy frosting that feels like a hug in dessert form. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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