Craving a cozy, spiced treat that will make your home smell absolutely delightful? Look no further than my Gingerbread Muffins ! These muffins are the perfect blend of warm spices and a hint of sweet molasses, making them an ideal snack or breakfast option during chilly mornings or the holiday season. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!
Imagine biting into a soft, moist muffin that bursts with the flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Paired with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate, these gingerbread muffins will have you in the perfect festive mood.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients list for these muffins is simple, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour : The base for our muffins, providing a sturdy yet soft texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar : Adds sweetness and a note of molasses for richer flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder : Provides the lift and makes the muffins fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda : Works with the molasses to make the muffins rise.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt : Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon : Adds warmth and spice.
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground ginger : The star flavor of our gingerbread muffins.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves : Brings a rich depth to the spice blend.
- 1/2 cup molasses : Choose light or dark depending on how bold you like the flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk (room temperature) : Ensures the muffins are rich and moist.
- 1/2 cup melted butter : Adds richness to the batter. You can substitute this with melted coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer.
- 2 eggs (room temperature) : Binds the ingredients and ensures the muffins are light and fluffy.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract : Adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the spices.
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional) : For a sweet, crunchy topping.
These gingerbread muffins will make your home smell like a winter wonderland, and best of all—you can whip these up in no time with a muffin tin and basic kitchen tools.
Tools You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having a well-equipped kitchen makes baking a breeze, and for this recipe, you’ll want to gather the following:
1. Muffin Tin
To get that classic muffin shape, grab a 12-cup muffin tin. Don’t forget to either grease the tin well or use cupcake liners for easy removal after baking.
2. Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. A large bowl is perfect for the dry ingredients, while a medium one works well for the wet mixture.
3. Whisk
For whisking your dry and wet ingredients together, a solid whisk is essential.
4. Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon
A spatula or spoon will help you gently fold the wet and dry mixtures together without overmixing. Overmixing can make the muffins dense, so we want to be gentle.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are key in baking. Having measuring cups for your flour, sugar, and milk, and measuring spoons for your spices ensures that your muffins turn out just right.
6. Toothpick
A toothpick will come in handy to check if the muffins are fully baked. This simple tool can make all the difference in avoiding undercooked centers.
With these tools by your side, you’re all set to begin your muffin-making journey!
How to Make Gingerbread Muffins
Now that you have your ingredients and tools ready, it’s time to make some delicious gingerbread muffins! Follow these simple steps to bring your cozy, holiday-inspired treats to life.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) . This initial high temperature will help the muffins rise quickly. While the oven heats, prepare your muffin tin by greasing it with non-stick spray or lining it with cupcake/muffin liners.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour , 1/2 cup brown sugar , 2 teaspoons baking powder , 1/2 teaspoon baking soda , 1/4 teaspoon salt , 2 teaspoons cinnamon , 1 1/4 teaspoons ginger , and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves . Make sure everything is well combined so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup molasses , 1/2 cup milk , 1/2 cup melted butter (cooled), 2 eggs , and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract . The butter should be melted and cooled before mixing in, so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Tip : Be careful not to overmix the batter—it’s okay if a few lumps remain. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins, and we want them to stay light and fluffy!
Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups. Depending on the size of your muffin tin, each cup will be about 3/4 full to completely full. If you want, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top of the batter for a sweet, crunchy muffin top.
Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Once your muffin tin is filled, it’s time to bake your gingerbread muffins.
- Initial Bake at High Temperature: Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven (400°F) and bake for 8 minutes . This initial burst of heat will help the muffins rise nicely, giving them that classic domed top.
- Reduce the Temperature Midway: After 8 minutes, without removing the muffins, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F . Continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes . Start checking at 8 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of a muffin. If it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, your muffins are done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, give them a few more minutes.
- Cool the Muffins: Remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. After that, transfer the muffins to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important to keep the muffins from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Storage and Serving Tips
Storing Your Muffins
Once cooled, store your gingerbread muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days . You can also store them in the refrigerator for about a week , but make sure to bring them to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave or oven for that fresh-from-the-oven feel!
Freezing Your Muffins
If you want to keep some for later, you can freeze the muffins . Place them in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months . To reheat, simply microwave a muffin for 30-45 seconds , or pop it into the oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes .
Conclusion
And there you have it—perfectly spiced, moist, and flavorful Gingerbread Muffins ready to enjoy! Whether you’re whipping these up for an easy breakfast or sharing them with loved ones during the holidays, these muffins are sure to become one of your go-to comfort treats.
The warmth of ginger, a dash of cinnamon, and a hint of molasses will transport you to cozy winter evenings, and the ease of preparation means you don’t have to labor away in the kitchen. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for that extra sweet crunch. Now, grab a muffin, brew a hot drink, and enjoy the rich flavors of the holiday season.
Happy baking!