Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a tangy lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. These muffins are not only ideal for cozy family gatherings but also make a delightful addition to any festive brunch. Their warm spices and sweet glaze make them a standout choice that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins are perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Flavorful Spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that evokes the essence of the holiday season.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as breakfast, dessert, or even a snack throughout the day. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea!
• Customizable Glaze: Choose between a zesty lemon glaze or a sweet vanilla glaze to suit your taste preferences.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, these muffins are great for sharing at parties or holiday events.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious glazed gingerbread muffins, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the baking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Ensures even baking and helps shape the muffins perfectly.
• Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffy muffins.
• Rubber spatula: Great for scraping down sides of bowls to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat.

Ingredients:
– ¾ cup un-sulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap; Grandma’s brand is a good choice)
– ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)
– 2⅔ cup flour
– 2 tsp ground ginger
– 1½ tsp baking soda
– 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
– ½ tsp ground cloves
– ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
– ¼ tsp salt
– ½ cup brown sugar
– ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt, room temperature)
– ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
– 1 large egg (room temperature)
– Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (to taste)
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tbsp milk, to taste
– ½ tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat a muffin tray well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Molasses and Butter

Combine the molasses and butter in a large glass bowl. Microwave for about one minute, or until the butter is melted. Stir well to combine and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together:
* Flour
* Ground ginger
* Baking soda
* Ground cinnamon
* Ground cloves
* Ground nutmeg
* Salt

Ensure all dry ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the following ingredients to the cooled molasses mixture:
1. Brown sugar
2. Sour cream
3. Whole milk
4. Well-beaten egg

Mix until very well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tray

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tray, filling each cup up to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Then reduce heat to 350°F without opening the oven door. Continue baking for an additional 11–14 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Muffins

Remove from oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

To make your lemon glaze, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy, adjusting consistency as desired.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze on Muffins

Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over each muffin as desired. Serve warm or at room temperature!

Step 11: For Vanilla Glaze (Optional)

If you prefer a vanilla glaze instead of lemon, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until creamy.

Enjoy your delightful glazed gingerbread muffins!

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

These glazed gingerbread muffins are delightful as a sweet treat or festive snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of the muffins complement a hot cup of coffee perfectly.
• Tea: Enjoy them with a warm spiced tea for a cozy afternoon.
• Hot Chocolate: For a sweeter touch, pair with a creamy hot chocolate.

Add Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Apples: Crisp apples balance the sweetness of the muffins and add freshness.
• Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor and color.

Serve with Spreads

• Cream Cheese Spread: A tangy cream cheese spread enhances the muffin’s taste.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle honey or maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness.

Garnish Ideas

• Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream for a decadent treat.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle toasted nuts for added crunch and texture.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Perfecting your glazed gingerbread muffins is easier than you think. Follow these tips for delicious results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smoother batter and evenly baked muffins.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently combine ingredients to avoid tough muffins; a few lumps are okay.
• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly calibrated for precise baking times.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices like ginger and cinnamon according to your taste preferences.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow muffins to cool completely before adding glaze for better adherence.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins make an excellent centerpiece but can be enhanced with complementary side dishes. Here are some ideas to consider.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness to your meal.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a nourishing side that balances sweetness.
3. Cheese Platter: Include varieties like cream cheese or soft goat cheese alongside crackers to contrast flavors.
4. Savory Scones: Pair with savory scones such as cheddar or herb-infused options for variety.
5. Oatmeal Bowl: A warm oatmeal bowl topped with nuts and fruits offers heartiness alongside the muffins.
6. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crunchy veggies with hummus or ranch dip provide a healthy crunch option.
7. Smoothie Bowl: A nutrient-packed smoothie bowl served on the side complements the muffins beautifully.
8. Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars bring an additional texture and flavor dimension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the taste and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little of an ingredient can lead to poor results. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.

• Overmixing the batter – This can cause your muffins to be dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

• Skipping the cooling step – If you frost your muffins while they’re hot, the glaze will melt away. Allow them to cool completely before adding any toppings.

• Using cold ingredients – Cold eggs or milk can lead to uneven mixing and baking. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.

• Ignoring oven temperature – Baking at incorrect temperatures can cause muffins to rise improperly. Always preheat your oven and follow the specified temperature.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place muffins on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat one muffin at a time for about 15-20 seconds on high power for a warm treat.
• Stovetop – Place a muffin in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to common questions about Glazed Gingerbread Muffins:

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be substituted, but the muffins may turn out denser. Consider mixing it with all-purpose flour for better texture.

How do I make these muffins gluten-free?

To make gluten-free glazed gingerbread muffins, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added flavor and texture.

How long do glazed gingerbread muffins last?

When stored properly, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months if frozen.

What if I don’t have molasses?

If you don’t have molasses on hand, try using honey or maple syrup as alternatives, but keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

These Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile, making them perfect for breakfast or dessert. You can customize them with various add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, ensuring that every batch is unique. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!