These gingerbread cupcakes with cream cheese frosting are an ideal treat for any festive gathering! Soft and moist sponge, flavoured with aromatic spices, topped with delicious, sweet, rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, gingerbread biscuits, and your favourite festive sprinkles!
Thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and black treacle, the cupcakes stay moist for days, so they will be great to make ahead. Combination of dark muscovado and black treacle or molasses also gives them that distinctive, dark appearance and deep flavour. Quick, easy and utterly delicious recipe that will become your go-to for holidays!
This easy gingerbread cupcakes recipe is one of my favourite recipes to bake during December. They smell, taste and look like Christmas! All these wonderful and aromatic spices are just perfect to get you into the festive spirit and make you feel cosy and warm. They would make a lovely, delicious centrepiece for your festive table too!
Just like my Chocolate Orange Cupcakes, these festive cakes are topped with smooth cream cheese frosting, which makes them just that extra bit special.
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Ingredients
The ingredients for these easy gingerbread cupcakes can be split into two groups. One for the sponge, and another one for the frosting. Let's look at the sponge ingredients first:
- Dry ingredients - You will need plain/ all-purpose flour, dark muscovado sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg (I recommend using fresh, but you can also use ground nutmeg), some mixed spice and small pinch of salt.
- Wet ingredients - These will consist of unsalted butter, Greek yogurt, black treacle or molasses, eggs, and vanilla.
To make the classic cream cheese frosting you will need the following ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, cream cheese, icing/ powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
You will also need some festive sprinkles for decoration, but they are totally optional. I used some buttery feuilletine on the cupcakes you see in these photos. I also like to decorate mine with some mini gingerbread cookies, for which, I'm using my Soft Gingerbread Cookies recipe.
Instructions
Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients apart from the muscovado sugar in a large bowl and set them aside.
Use a small jug or a small bowl to combine together the Greek yogurt (make sure it is at room temperature) and black treacle, until smooth.
Hint: When working with treacle or molasses, lightly cover the spoon or the ramekin in some olive oil or vegetable oil. This way, it won't stick to it and will be much easier to remove.
Cream the sugar and butter together, using an electric mixer, then add eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla. Don't worry if the mixture curdles a bit, it will all come together later.
With the mixer running on low speed, add half of the dry ingredients into the egg and butter mixture, followed by half of the treacle and yogurt mixture. Repeat, by adding the remaining dry and wet ingredients. Stir until all the ingredients are combined and divide the batter between cupcake cases.
Bake the cupcakes for 15-18 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
While the cakes are baking, prepare the cream cheese frosting. Mix the icing sugar and softened butter on low speed, until no larger butter lumps remain. Add the cream cheese and vanilla and mix for a couple of minutes, until you have smooth, thick buttercream.
Hint: Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature at least an hour before starting the recipe. It's the crucial step to ensure the silky-smooth, lump-free frosting!
Allow the cupcakes to cool down completely before topping them with the frosting. Add some sprinkles and gingerbread cookies for decorations, if you'd like.
Substitutions
- Gluten free - I haven't tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, but I believe it will work just fine. Make sure that baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free, or use the alternatives, like xanthan gum. You can also check out this recipe for Gluten Free Gingerbread Cupcakes from Gluten Free Cup Of Tea blog.
- Dark muscovado sugar - This type of sugar contributes to the dark appearance of the sponge, along with the treacle. You could also use light muscovado or just soft light brown sugar, the only difference is that they will be lighter in colour.
- Black treacle - This ingredient adds moisture, sweetness and dark colour to the bake. You can also use molasses or dark corn syrup instead.
- Greek yogurt - You can swap it for buttercream instead.
- Gingerbread cookies - If you don't want to make your own, use a store-bought version.
- Vegan and dairy free - To make vegan version, check out the Banana Diaries recipe for Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes
Variations
If you would like, check out the below suggestions for some different versions of this recipe:
- Mini cupcakes - This recipe can be used to make about 30 mini cupcakes. Prepare the recipe as per the instructions in the recipe card, then bake them in the mini muffin tin, reducing the baking time to 10 minutes (or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean).
- Cake - You can also turn this recipe into one gingerbread cake with cream cheese frosting on top. Follow the recipe as per the instructions below, but use 20 -23 cm round baking tin instead of muffin/ cupcake pan.
- Cinnamon cream cheese frosting - Try adding half teaspoon ground cinnamon to the frosting ingredients to intensify the flavour.
- Stuffed cupcakes - Why not take it even a step further and stuff the cupcakes with some more cream cheese frosting, a citrus curd or some apricot jam?
Equipment
Here's what you will need to make these easy gingerbread cupcakes:
- An electric mixer - handheld or freestanding mixer with a paddle attachment.
- 12-hole cupcake/ muffin tin
- Cupcake liners - I get asked a lot about the cupcake liners I've used in these photos. They're called 'wave' liners and I bought mine from Wilton few years ago.
- An ice cream scoop - optional, but I always recommend it. It's just super-handy with dividing the batter.
- Piping bag - disposable or reusable piping bag for the frosting
- Large piping nozzle - I used large open star piping nozzle, but you can use any of your favourite nozzles.
- Festive mini cookie cutters - if you want to decorate your gingerbread cupcake with mini gingerbread men (or any shape), you will need the small cutters. They are widely available online.
Storage
Store any leftover cupcakes in the airtight container in the fridge. They will last up to 4-5 days.
Unfrosted cupcakes can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.
Cream cheese frosting can be frozen in the airtight container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature. You may have to re-whip the frosting before using it.
Top tip
Make sure to use digital kitchen scales, if possible, to measure the ingredients. It's the most accurate method of measuring and weighing the ingredients and ensuring this recipe turns out perfect.
Remember to bring the Greek yogurt, butter and cream cheese to room temperature before starting this recipe. Skipping this step will result in split or curdled frosting and cake batter.
FAQ's
Do I have to use black treacle in this cupcake recipe?
Treacle or molasses is what gives the cupcakes that darker appearance, but it is also responsible for moist texture and extra flavour. You don't have to use it, but this recipe will simply be not the same without it.
Can this recipe be made ahead?
Yes. You can bake the cupcakes a day ahead and store them wrapped tightly at room temperature. Prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in the fridge overnight.
Help, my cream cheese frosting is runny?!
If the frosting turns thin and runny, simply place it in the fridge for 30min - 1 hour. This will allow the butter and cream cheese to firm up again and hold its shape better.
Why did my cream cheese frosting split?
This is more likely due to the ingredients not being brought to room temperature prior to using them. I recommend bringing the cream cheese and the butter to room temperature at least an hour before making the frosting.
Do I have to use full-fat cream cheese?
Yes. This is also non-negotiable. Full-fat cream cheese ensures the right consistency and is crucial to the right texture of the frosting.
📖 Recipe
Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- hand-held electric mixer or freestanding mixer with the paddle attachment
- 12 hole muffin tin
- cupcake cases
- Piping bag
- large open star piping nozzle (or any nozzle)
Ingredients
For the gingerbread cupcakes:
- 185 g plain flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon mixed spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 110 ml Greek yogurt room temperature
- 110 ml black treacle or molasses
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 115 g unsalted butter softened
- 85 g dark muscovado sugar
For the cream cheese frosting
- 225 g full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 115 g unsalted butter softened
- 560 g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
For decorations:
- 2 tablespoon festive sprinkles
- 12 mini gingerbread cookies optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180° C (160° C fan). Line the 12-hole muffin tin with cupcake liners and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, all the spices and salt. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix together the black treacle and Greek yogurt. Set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla.
- With the mixer running on low speed, add half of the flour mixture, followed by half of the treacle and yogurt mixture. Repeat again, add the remaining flour mixture followed by remaining treacle and yogurt mix. Stir until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Divide the batter between the cupcake cases, but don't over fill them. Fill only up to ¾ of each cupcake case. Bake for 15 minutes, until the toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before topping with frosting.
Cream cheese frosting
- Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and icing sugar on low speed, until no large butter lumps are remaining. Add the cream cheese and vanilla and mix on medium speed until well combined and you have smooth, thick buttercream.
- Fill the piping bag fitted with the nozzle with the cream cheese frosting and pipe it on top of the cooled cupcakes. Add festive sprinkles on top of the frosting. Decorate the cupcakes with mini gingerbread cookies and enjoy!
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for a more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
- If possible, make sure to use digital kitchen scales for the best accuracy and most precise measuring method.
- Bring the ingredients to room temperature at least an hour before starting the recipe.
- Store any leftover cupcakes in the airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Unfrosted cupcakes can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and bring to room temperature before frosting and serving.
- To make ahead: Bake the cupcakes a day before, then store in the airtight container or wrapped tightly at room temperature. Store the frosting in the airtight container or sealed bag in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in December 2019. It has been updated with the new photos, tips and revised recipe in November 2021.
Nancy
Safe to say I’d be making these on repeat during the holiday!
Anna
Happy to hear that, thanks so much Nancy! Definitely one of the cookies I make the most of during festive season 🙂
Natalie
Oh wow, now I can't wait to make these cupcakes. They look fantastic. That frosting sounds super delicious. I bet the flavors combined are amazing too.
Anna
Thanks Natalie, let me know if you try them!
Jacqueline Debono
Gingerbread always makes me think of Christmas. It really is the best holiday treat whether as cookies, cakes or muffins. Your muffins look beautiful. I love the dark colour the molasses makes. We don't have Waitrose here in Italy but maybe I can the feuilletine online.
Jamie
These look so cute and I love the gingerbread man on top of the cupcake! This is such a great idea and I know my nieces would love decorating them with me!
Carmy
These cupcakes look amazing! I love the little gingerbreads too. The cream cheese frosting goes so well with the gingerbread cupcakes.
Anna
Thank you Carmy, these are my favourite festive cupcakes, we make them every year and it has now become our little tradition. And you are so right, the cream cheese frosting is a perfect addition to these cupcakes!
Nicoletta De Angelis Nardelli
Since we are going to have a much smaller gathering for Christmas this year, these amazing gingerbread cupcakes are most certainly going to be our dessert! Love the ingredients (hello Greek yogurt and molasses!) and a look at that crumb sold me! Thank you!
Anna
Hey Nicoletta, thanks for stopping by! Same here, we are actually opting for these instead of the cake this year! Greek yogurt is just the best ingredient to create this moist, yet light and airy crumb. And pleasure all mine 😉
Gunjan
Oh my gosh! These cupcakes are so beautiful. I am sure it’s equally yummy. My daughter is crab for these while write it to you. So definitely making it in the coming days.
Anna
Thanks Gunjan, I hope you will enjoy them.
Moop Brown
These look like such a great treat for the holidays. I love the cream cheese frosting on top as well!
Tracy
We loved these cupcakes. My girls had SO much fun with them. Thank you!
Anna
Hi Tracy, thanks so much for this review, I'm so happy to hear that you and your girls enjoyed these festive cupcakes!
Amy Liu Dong
Such a pretty cupcake and I am pretty sure that this one is delicious, I must try making this. Thank you!
Jenny
These are fantastic! They look so cute, I almost don't want to eat them but that is impossible because cream cheese frosting is my weakness. Can’t wait to make these for the holidays. What a lovely recipe. Thanks so much!!
Jan
Very cute cupcakes - perfect for the holidays. Your cupcake liners look so sturdy. What brand are they and where can they be purchased? Thanks.
annabanana
Thanks Jan, glad you like them so much! The cupcake liners are from Wilton, I bought them online on their website. Hope this helps!
Natalie
These cupcakes look absolutely gorgeous. I love the cream cheese frosting and decoration. I can't wait to make this for my kids for holidays. What a lovely recipe. Thanks!
annabanana
Aww Natalie, pleasure is all mine, these will be ideal to make with kids! So happy to hear that you will be making them! Happy baking! X
Ela
Oh my, these cupcakes are so cute and festive! I love gingerbread so much, it's simply perfect for the holiday season. 🙂
annabanana
Hey lovely! Thanks so much, I couldn't agree more, it's the flavour of Christmas and all the good memories, right? Sending hugs from increasingly cold UK! x
GUNJAN C Dudani
Ah! heavenly combination of ingredients. Love these cupcakes.
annabanana
Thanks so much, glad you like them!
Sophie
This looks insanely delicious and festive. Love the flavors of gingerbread.
annabanana
Thank you Sophie, they are crazy good, my friends and family love them and always ask when I will be making them again!
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
I love the gingerbread flavours over the holidays. These cupcakes are perfect!! Bookmarking it to make later!
annabanana
Same, my favourite flavour of the season! Thanks so much for stopping by Cathleen, please let me know if you try them, I would love to hear how did you like them! x
Debbie
What an adorable cupcake for the Holiday season! Everything about this Gingerbread cupcake I love. The cream cheese frosting on top of spiced gingerbread sounds amazing!! I can't wait to try these.
annabanana
Thanks so much Debbie, so glad you like them! And please let me know if you make these, I would love to know did you enjoy them!
Jess
These are the cutest holiday cupcakes of all time! I love the flavors too! And those gingerbread men!
annabanana
Hey Jess, thanks so much for stopping by! Over the moon to hear that you love these cupcakes! Gingerbread men are perfect for decorating any festive bakes and making them look super-cute!
Leslie
First of all, your photography for this recipe looks stunning! Second, I LOVE cream cheese frosting with gingerbread. It's the perfect combination!
annabanana
Thank you so much Leslie, so happy to hear that you like the photos and the recipe! Cream cheese frosting is one of my favourites too, I could eat it on its own!
Analida Braeger
I always keep molasses on hand for tasty recipes like this! Thanks for all the great tips to make them!
annabanana
Aww you're welcome Analida! Molasses are a must have ingredient, especially at this time of the year! Great for all the festive bakes!
Aleta
Oh yes, yes, yes please!! These gingerbread cupcakes look amazing, especially topped with cream cheese frosting! I love the little gingerbread cookies on top - a really nice touch!
annabanana
Thank you so much for your kind words Aleta! So happy you like them! And yes, the gingerbread men make everything look so much cuter, right? Perfect decorations for all the festive bakes! x
Jacque Hastert
These are an absolutely perfect cupcake for Christmas holiday baking. They would be perfect to take to classroom or office parties.
annabanana
Oh gosh, yes, yes they would be! They are always go down a treat with crowds, I honestly have not met anyone who wouldn't like these! And thank you Jacque!