Gingerbread Cupcakes Cream Cheese (Printable)

Moist spiced cupcakes topped with tangy cream cheese frosting, ideal for festive or cozy occasions.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cupcakes

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
09 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
12 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

15 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - Pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
03 - In a large bowl, cream unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Incorporate molasses into the butter mixture. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
06 - Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy. Incorporate vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
09 - Once cupcakes are fully cooled, frost with the cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The moist, tender crumb stays soft for days, making these perfect for baking ahead
  • That tangy cream cheese frosting balances the warm spices in the most satisfying way
  • They're easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for holiday gatherings
02 -
  • Room temperature ingredients are not optional here; they help everything blend smoothly and create a better crumb
  • The molasses is essential—don't try to substitute with honey or maple syrup, as molasses gives you that specific depth of flavor
  • Cool your cupcakes completely before frosting or the frosting will melt into a puddle, and nobody wants that
03 -
  • If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp of vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes—it works perfectly as a substitute
  • The secret to smooth cream cheese frosting is making sure both the cream cheese and butter are truly softened before you start mixing
  • These freeze beautifully unfrosted for up to two months, so you can bake them whenever inspiration strikes

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