Tender and flavorful, Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are filled with warm fall spices and topped with a refreshing lemon glaze. These muffins are perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy mornings, or as an afternoon treat. Their delightful aroma and unique flavor profile make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins come together quickly.
- Flavorful Spices: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, inviting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Versatile Topping Options: Choose between a zesty lemon glaze or a sweet vanilla glaze to suit your preference.
- Perfect for Sharing: These muffins are great for brunches or as gifts during the holiday season.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The use of sour cream ensures each muffin is rich and soft.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your delicious muffins, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tray
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave-safe bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tray: Ensures even baking and helps shape the muffins perfectly.
- Mixing bowls: Allows for easy combining of ingredients without mess.
- Whisk: Helps in achieving a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing dry and wet ingredients.
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.
Step 2: Combine Molasses and Butter
In a large glass bowl, combine the molasses and butter. Microwave for one minute or until the butter is melted. Stir to combine and set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add brown sugar, sour cream, whole milk, and the well-beaten egg to the cooled molasses mixture. Mix until very well combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture until just combined; do not overmix. Note that the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 6: Fill Muffin Tray
Divide the batter among the prepared muffin tray, filling each section up to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.
Step 7: Bake Muffins
Place into the preheated oven. Bake at high heat for five minutes then reduce temperature 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. This method helps create that lovely muffin dome!
Step 8: Cool Muffins
Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze
Make the lemon glaze by combining powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy. Adjust for desired consistency.
Step 10: Drizzle Glaze on Muffins
Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze on top of each muffin if desired. Serve them warm or at room temperature—enjoy!
Step 11: Optional Vanilla Glaze
For an alternative topping option, combine powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until creamy for a sweet vanilla glaze instead.
With these easy steps, you’ll have delicious Glazed Gingerbread Muffins ready in no time!
How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy morning at home, serving these muffins creatively can enhance the experience.
Pair with Hot Beverages
- Coffee – A rich cup of coffee complements the spices in the muffins perfectly.
- Tea – Warm herbal or chai tea brings out the flavors of ginger and cinnamon.
- Hot Chocolate – For a sweet treat, pair your muffins with creamy hot chocolate.
Add Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Apples – Fresh apple slices add a crisp texture that contrasts nicely with the soft muffins.
- Citrus Segments – Oranges or mandarins provide a refreshing burst of flavor alongside the warm spices.
- Berries – Raspberries or blueberries offer a tangy sweetness that balances the richness of the muffins.
Serve with Spreads
- Cream Cheese Frosting – A light spread of cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch to each bite.
- Honey or Maple Syrup – Drizzling honey or maple syrup enhances sweetness and adds moisture.
How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
To create the perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, consider these helpful tips for achieving moist and flavorful results.
- Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature ensures better mixing and a fluffier muffin.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding the ingredients together helps maintain a light texture; lumps are okay!
- Check for doneness early – Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Customize spices – Feel free to adjust spice levels based on your taste; adding more ginger or cinnamon can enhance flavors.
- Cool completely before glazing – Allowing the muffins to cool prevents the glaze from melting off, ensuring it stays beautifully on top.
Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
Serving side dishes alongside your Glazed Gingerbread Muffins can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
- Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the muffins.
- Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal provides heartiness and pairs well with the spiced flavors of gingerbread.
- Savory Quiche – A slice of vegetable or cheese quiche introduces savory notes that work well with sweet muffins.
- Cheese Platter – An assortment of cheeses offers a savory pairing that balances the sweetness of the muffins.
- Chia Seed Pudding – This light and healthy option adds texture and nutrition, making for an excellent breakfast spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making glazed gingerbread muffins, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to tough muffins. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect the rise and texture of your muffins. Always use room temperature eggs, milk, and sour cream.
- Incorrect Oven Temperature: Not preheating the oven properly can result in uneven baking. Ensure your oven reaches 425°F before placing the muffins inside.
- Skipping the Sugar Topping: Not adding coarse sugar on top may result in less crunchy muffins. A sprinkle of coarse sugar enhances texture and flavor.
- Not Checking Muffin Doneness: Relying solely on baking time can lead to undercooked or overcooked muffins. Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
- Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Frozen muffins can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the muffins for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each muffin on medium power for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a muffin in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about glazed gingerbread muffins:
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
How do I make these muffins gluten-free?
To make glazed gingerbread muffins gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips gives a delightful twist to these muffins. Fold them into the batter before baking.
What if I don’t have molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute it with dark brown sugar mixed with a bit of water or honey for sweetness.
How do I store leftover lemon glaze?
Store leftover lemon glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good stir before using it again.
Final Thoughts
These glazed gingerbread muffins are not only tender and flavorful but also versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. With warm spices and a refreshing lemon glaze, they make an excellent treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding nuts or dried fruits!
Glazed Gingerbread Muffins
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of Glazed Gingerbread Muffins. Perfectly spiced with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, these muffins are a delightful treat for any occasion, from cozy mornings to festive gatherings. Topped with a zesty lemon glaze, they offer a refreshing contrast to the rich molasses base. Easy to make and sure to impress, these muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. Bake a batch today and fill your home with the comforting aroma of gingerbread.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 muffins 1x
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsulfured or dark molasses
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2⅔ cups 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
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and coat a muffin tray with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, microwave molasses and butter until melted. Stir to combine and cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, ground ginger, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix brown sugar, sour cream, whole milk, and egg into the cooled molasses mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until just combined (batter will be thick).
- Fill muffin tray and sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired.
- Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F; then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 11-14 minutes.
- Cool briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice until creamy; drizzle over cooled muffins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 muffin (75g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: To enhance texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. Feel free to incorporate chopped nuts or dried fruits into the batter for added flavor.
