There is nothing quite like the warm, spicy embrace of the Gingerbread Muffins Recipe to cozy up your kitchen on a chilly day. These muffins deliver a perfect balance of deep molasses sweetness and fragrant holiday spices that melt in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re craving a comforting breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a festive addition to your dessert table, these gingerbread muffins bring a delightful combination of soft texture and aromatic flavor that’s simply irresistible.

Gingerbread Muffins Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Gingerbread Muffins Recipe plays a special role in crafting its delicious taste and texture. From the rich molasses adding depth and warmth to the blend of spices that awaken your senses, these simple pantry staples come together effortlessly.

Molasses (½ cup): Gives the muffins their signature dark, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor that defines gingerbread.

Very warm water (¼ cup): Helps the molasses dissolve smoothly for an even sweetness throughout.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural base providing soft, tender crumb to each muffin.

Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Essential for a light, airy rise that keeps the muffins fluffy.
Ground ginger (2½ teaspoons): The star spice delivering that classic gingery warmth.

Ground cinnamon (1½ teaspoons): Adds comforting sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
Ground cloves (1 teaspoon): Offers a slightly sharp, aromatic edge that balances sweetness.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle hint of nutty spice.

Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and prevents blandness.
Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Adds richness and moisture for tender, buttery muffins.
Light brown sugar (¾ cup): Contributes a gentle caramel flavor and tenderness.

Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds stability for perfect muffin shape.
Sour cream (¼ cup): Keeps the muffins moist with a slight tang that balances sweetness.
Milk (¼ cup): Lightens the batter, ensuring soft texture.

Coarse sugar (2 – 3 tablespoons, optional): Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, sparkling finish.

How to Make Gingerbread Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prepare to Bake

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s nice and hot when your batter is ready. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners — this helps the muffins come out easily and keeps their shape.

Step 2: Combine Molasses and Warm Water

In a microwave-safe cup, warm the water just until hot but not boiling. Stir in the molasses until it dissolves into a smooth, flowing mixture. This step ensures the molasses blends evenly into the batter later, giving each bite that rich, sticky essence.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined. Getting this done separately means your spices distribute evenly in the batter for consistent flavor throughout.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk melted butter and light brown sugar until creamy; this makes the muffins extra moist and rich. Then add the warm molasses mixture, the egg, and sour cream, whisking until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet bowl, alternating with milk. Stir just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen muffins, so stop as soon as the flour disappears for soft and tender results.

Step 6: Scoop the Batter

Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop, distribute the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. For those picture-perfect tall bakery-style tops, leave every other cup empty and then fill the remaining ones; this trick encourages height as the batter has more room to rise.

Step 7: Add Topping and Bake

If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top of each muffin before baking. Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, and when you gently press the tops, they bounce back quickly.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This pause helps the muffins set perfectly so they don’t crumble when you take your first delicious bite.

How to Serve Gingerbread Muffins Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a simple garnish is a wonderful way to elevate your Gingerbread Muffins Recipe. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance. You can also try a brush of melted butter topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the spicy undertones.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of warm spiced cider. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweet and spicy flavors with something bright and juicy.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress guests? Arrange a tower of gingerbread muffins on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch. Wrapping each muffin in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming gift or holiday party favor. You can even slice them in half and layer with cream cheese and jam for an irresistible snack sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Gingerbread Muffins Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for about two days and maintain their soft texture beautifully. For best flavor, enjoy them within this timeframe.

Freezing

Want to keep your gingerbread muffins for longer? Freeze them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap before freezing to prevent freezer burn and preserve moistness.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or day-old muffins warm, pop them in a toaster oven or microwave just until heated through, about 15-30 seconds depending on your device. This quick reheat revives their soft crumb and wakes up all those cozy flavors.

FAQs

Can I substitute the molasses with honey or maple syrup?

Molasses provides a unique, robust flavor that is essential to the Gingerbread Muffins Recipe’s character. While honey or maple syrup can be used in a pinch, they will change the flavor profile and sweetness level, so expect a lighter taste and color.

What is the best way to keep the muffins moist?

Using sour cream and melted butter in this recipe is key to moist muffins. Ensuring not to overmix the batter also helps maintain a tender crumb. Proper storage in airtight containers is crucial to prevent drying out.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can make a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free baking blend measured cup-for-cup. Be mindful of extra moisture adjustments depending on your flour blend.

Is it okay to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes! Using room temperature egg, sour cream, and milk allows them to blend more evenly, resulting in a smoother batter and evenly baked muffins.

How can I make the muffins more festive for the holidays?

Elevate your Gingerbread Muffins Recipe holiday style by adding chopped crystallized ginger or a handful of chopped nuts to the batter. Top with a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sparkle and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting baked good that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, the Gingerbread Muffins Recipe is your answer. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas and fills your belly with tender, spiced goodness. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this cozy treat a new favorite in your kitchen!

Gingerbread Muffins Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Lila

Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Gingerbread Muffins are a delightful treat infused with warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, complemented by the rich sweetness of molasses. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive occasions, these muffins boast a tender crumb with a slightly crisp top sprinkled with optional coarse sugar for extra texture and sweetness.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Warm Molasses Mix: Warm the water in a microwave-safe cup until very warm. Stir in the molasses until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, setting this aside for now.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and light brown sugar together until well combined. Then whisk in the warm molasses mixture, followed by the egg and sour cream, mixing until smooth and cohesive.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the muffins.

Scoop Batter: Using a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, evenly portion the batter into the muffin liners. For taller bakery-style tops, fill alternate muffin cups. Optionally, sprinkle the coarse sugar over each muffin for added crunch and sweetness.
Bake Muffins: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The muffin tops should bounce back quickly when lightly pressed.
Cool and Serve: Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently remove them from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these flavorful gingerbread muffins warm or at room temperature.

Notes

To achieve bakery-style tall tops, fill alternate muffin cups rather than adjacent ones.
Use room temperature eggs, milk, and sour cream to ensure a smooth batter and proper rise.
Coarse sugar topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and decorative sparkle.

Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for extended storage.
This recipe can be easily doubled for larger batches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 muffin
Calories: 220 kcal

Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 8 g

Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g

Carbohydrates: 33 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Protein: 3 g

Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: gingerbread muffins, spiced muffins, holiday muffins, molasses muffins, ginger spice baking