Description
Ginger Molasses Spice Cupcakes are a holiday-inspired dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of gingerbread with the light texture of a cupcake. The deep, earthy flavor of molasses is the star of the show, complemented by the spices of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. The cupcakes are topped with a rich and creamy frosting made from cream cheese and butter, making them the perfect treat for Christmas gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
Wet Ingredients
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup molasses (unsulfured, like Grandma’s brand)
1 large egg
½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp cinnamon (optional for a “spiced frosting”)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with festive cupcake liners to make the cupcakes look extra special for the holidays.
2. Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Beat in the molasses, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined — be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cupcakes.
3. Bake the Cupcakes
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then the vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If you’d like to add some extra spice, mix in the cinnamon for a delightful twist. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
5. Frost and Decorate
Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them generously with the cream cheese frosting. For a festive touch, you can decorate them with:
Mini gingerbread cookies or gingerbread men sprinkles
A dusting of cinnamon sugar or edible gold shimmer
A drizzle of caramel sauce or molasses glaze
A candied cranberry or a sprig of rosemary for a snowy, wintery look
Notes
For a festive touch, top your ginger molasses spice cupcakes with a swirl of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of crushed candy canes, cinnamon sugar, or edible gold dust. Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa for the ultimate holiday treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American