Just imagine the aroma of these gingerbread muffins cooking in the oven. They come out moist and fluffy with hints of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg.
So easy to make and covered in an eggnog buttercream with brandy, (or not), so they are guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit!
Bon appétit!
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Why you will love this gingerbread recipe
- makes a small batch of six that you can easily adjust for more servings
- delicious without the buttercream too
- keeps for a week in an airtight container
- super moist muffins full of festive flavours
What are the ingredients?
This recipes uses a basic muffin mix of equal parts sugar, butter and self raising flour. For colour and richness I've used dark soft brown sugar.
I usually like to add crème fraîche to my muffin mix to keep them moist but I've replaced it with honey and maple syrup as I thought treacle would be too heavy and I still wanted this gingerbread recipe to have the fluffiness of a cake.
For the eggnog buttercream I have used brandy and vanilla extract but if you are serving to children leave the brandy out obviously!
How to make a gingerbread spice mix
I also made my own gingerbread spice, although you can buy it in the shops depending on where you live.
Simply mix together the following to give about 7 teaspoons:
- 2 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon grated nutmeg
How to make gingerbread muffins
I use a stand mixer for ease, but these are easy to make by just using a wooden spoon too.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the honey and maple syrup.
Mix the flour with the gingerbread spice mix and add to the mixture.
Gently fold in the flour with a metal spoon.
Line a 6 cup muffin tin with paper cases and divide the mixture between them.
Bake at 180C/160FAN/350F/Gas4 for about 30-35 minutes until well risen.
Leave them on a cooling rack while you make the eggnog buttercream icing
Beat the butter until soft then add in the icing sugar, vanilla extract and brandy, if using. You may need to add up to a tablespoon of milk instead.
Pipe swirls with a star shaped nozzle and decorate with grated nutmeg.
I have also used some copper sprinkles I had because it's Christmas!
Recipe FAQs
The term gingerbread refers to any baked good, from cakes to biscuits, that have spices including ginger, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. These items are also often baked with honey or molasses too.
In France I used to buy a jar of spices for pain d'épices, or spiced bread and everywhere in Europe seems to have it's own variation.
These cupcakes will happily sit plain or iced or in an airtight container for up to a week.
These gingerbread cakes are delicious with the buttercream or just without.
Why not serve a plain cake with hot custard or ice cream as a dessert?
Best Christmas recipes
📋 Recipe
Gingerbread Muffins with Eggnog Buttercream
Ingredients
For the muffins
- 115 g butter
- 115 g dark brown sugar
- 115 g flour self raising
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon gingerbread spice
For the buttercream
- 90 g butter
- 180 g icing sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon brandy or milk
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, along with the honey and maple syrup.
- Mix the flour with the gingerbread spice mix and add to the mixture.
- Gently fold in the flour with a metal spoon.
- Line a 6 cup muffin tin with paper cases and divide the mixture between them.
- Bake at 180C/160FAN/350F/Gas4 for about 30-35 minutes until well risen.
- Beat the butter until soft then add in the icing sugar, vanilla extract and brandy, if using. You may need to add up to a tablespoon of milk instead.
- Beat the butter until soft then add in the icing sugar, vanilla extract and brandy, if using. You may need to add up to a tablespoon of milk instead.
- Pipe swirls with a star shaped nozzle and decorate with grated nutmeg.
Notes
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
Detailed instructions for this recipe, including step by step photographs, hints and tips, can be found in the main article.
Food safety
We sometimes take for a granted that we have years (or decades) of cooking experience, that the average visitor may not. Add to, or remove from, the list below with health and safety tips.
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Andrea Metlika
Holy moly these sound amazing! I'm definitely going to have to make a double batch each time!
Kechi
I love everything gingerbread! And you topped it with the amazing eggnog buttercream - YUM!
I have to try this buttercream recipe , thanks for sharing!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
These muffins sound so delicious and packed full of so many festive flavours! What a tasty treat!
veenaazmanov
This is such a delicious combination. Love to try it out for my Kitty Party friends.
Jacqueline Meldrum
Do you deliver? No seriously, these sound amazing!
Michelle
Omg. I could just eat a bowl of the eggnog buttercream by itself
Kushigalu
What a delicious and gorgeous muffin recipe for holidays. Thanks for sharing
Jill
Wishing I had one of these to go with my coffee right now. These are a must make!
Dannii
Oh I just want to eat that buttercream out of the bow. These muffins look amazing.
Natalie
These muffins look so festive and perfect for the Holidays. I bet they taste amazing too. What a lovely treat to make this Christmas. I will definitely give them a try.
Holly
You had me at eggnogg buttercream. That sounds amazing and I know I'd love it on these cupcakes especially paired with that warm gingerbread spice mix.