Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Festive Treat Full of Warm Spices

There’s something magical about gingerbread—the aroma of warm spices, the deep molasses sweetness, and the cozy, nostalgic feeling it brings. These Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting capture all of that in a moist, fluffy cupcake topped with a silky, tangy frosting.

Perfect for the holiday season or whenever you’re craving a spiced dessert, these cupcakes are easy to make yet taste like a special bakery treat. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves in the batter creates a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful cupcake, while the cream cheese frosting provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, a cozy gathering, or just because, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make these delicious cupcakes.

For the Gingerbread Cupcakes

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	1 ¾ cups
Baking soda	1 teaspoon
Baking powder	½ teaspoon
Ground ginger	1 ½ teaspoons
Ground cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Ground cloves	½ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg	¼ teaspoon
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)
Brown sugar (light or dark)	½ cup
Molasses	½ cup
Egg	1 large
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Milk	½ cup
Hot water	¼ cup

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredient	Quantity
Cream cheese, softened	8 oz (1 block)
Unsalted butter, softened	½ cup (1 stick)
Powdered sugar	2 ½ cups
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon

Optional Garnishes

• Cinnamon or nutmeg for dusting
• Mini gingerbread cookies
• Crushed gingersnap cookies
• Festive sprinkles

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining the dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – To cream the butter and sugar for a smooth batter and frosting.
• Whisk and spatula – For mixing and folding ingredients.
• Cupcake tin – To bake the cupcakes in their perfect shape.
• Cupcake liners – Prevents sticking and makes for easy serving.
• Piping bag and tip – For a professional-looking frosting application (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the molasses, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, mixing just until combined. Finally, stir in the hot water to create a smooth batter.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about ¾ full. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.

Step 8: Frost the Cupcakes

Once cooled, pipe or spread the cream cheese frosting onto the cupcakes. Decorate with cinnamon, gingerbread cookies, or sprinkles as desired.

Tips and Variations

• Make it extra moist: Add ¼ cup of applesauce for an even softer cupcake.
• For a stronger spice flavor: Increase the ginger to 2 teaspoons and add a pinch of black pepper for warmth.
• Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan option: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, egg with flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and milk with almond or oat milk.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the frosting for an extra indulgent touch.

Serving Suggestions

These cupcakes look stunning when topped with a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg. If you want to go all out, garnish with mini gingerbread cookies or crushed gingersnaps for added texture.

Pair them with a warm drink like hot chocolate, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy dessert experience. For an elegant holiday dessert table, serve alongside a platter of assorted holiday cookies and a cup of eggnog.

Pairings

These cupcakes are perfectly complemented by:

• Mulled Wine: The spiced wine enhances the warmth of the gingerbread flavors.
• Eggnog Latte: A creamy, nutmeg-infused coffee drink that balances the sweet and spiced flavors.
• Hot Buttered Rum: A rich, buttery cocktail that pairs beautifully with the molasses notes in the cupcakes.
• Chai Tea: The mix of spices in chai enhances the ginger and cinnamon in the cupcakes.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store frosted cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting.
• Reheating: If desired, bring to room temperature before serving to soften the texture.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Carbohydrates	~45g
Protein	~3g
Fat	~14g
Sugar	~30g
Saturated Fat	~8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Conclusion

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting are the perfect way to embrace the warm, spiced flavors of the holiday season. The combination of rich molasses, aromatic spices, and fluffy cake creates a nostalgic and comforting treat, while the smooth, tangy frosting adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering, a family treat, or just to fill your home with the delightful scent of gingerbread, these cupcakes are sure to bring joy to anyone who takes a bite.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is approachable for both beginner and experienced bakers. You can even customize them with different toppings or variations to suit your taste. Give these cupcakes a try, and don’t forget to share your creations—whether it’s on social media or at your next holiday party. Happy baking!