Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a refreshing lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. These muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or festive gatherings. Their unique spice blend and delightful glaze will make them a standout option on any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip these up quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies the essence of the season.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a festive gathering; these muffins fit any occasion.
• Customizable Glaze: You can choose between a zesty lemon glaze or a sweet vanilla glaze to suit your preference.
• Great for Sharing: These muffins make an excellent gift for friends and family during the holidays.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather all your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Microwave-safe bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly and ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Multiple sizes allow you to mix ingredients efficiently and prevent spills.
• Whisk: Helps in thoroughly combining dry ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.

Ingredients

Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need for making these delicious glazed gingerbread muffins:

Dry Ingredients

• ¾ cup un-sulphured or dark molasses (do not use blackstrap, Grandma’s brand is a good choice)
• 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

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt, room temperature)
• ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1 large egg (room temperature)

Toppings

• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice (to taste)

Vanilla Glaze Ingredients (optional)

• 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 your muffin tray well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter with Molasses

Combine the molasses and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for about one minute or until the butter is melted. Stir until well combined and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add brown sugar, sour cream, milk, and the well-beaten egg into the molasses mixture. Mix until everything is very well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture. Mix until just combined; be careful not to 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 cup all the way up to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake

Place in the oven and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce heat to 350°F and 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 let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

To make the lemon glaze, mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy. Adjust consistency as desired.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Once cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over your muffins as desired. Serve and enjoy!

Optional Vanilla Glaze

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

Now you’re ready to indulge in these delightful glazed gingerbread muffins! Enjoy every bite of this seasonal favorite!

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are versatile treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, these muffins pair well with many accompaniments.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with sliced apples or pears – The crispness and sweetness of fresh fruit complement the rich flavors of the muffins.
• Pair with berries – Strawberries or blueberries add a tart contrast that brightens each bite.

With Spiced Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy with chai tea – The warm spices in chai enhance the ginger notes in the muffins.
• Pair with a cup of coffee – A smooth coffee balances the sweetness of glazed muffins for a delightful morning treat.

As a Dessert Option

• Top with whipped cream – A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a creamy texture and extra indulgence.
• Serve with ice cream – Vanilla or caramel ice cream provides a deliciously cool contrast to the warm muffins.

With Yogurt

• Accompany with Greek yogurt – The tanginess of Greek yogurt pairs well and adds protein for a more filling snack.
• Drizzle honey over yogurt and muffins – Honey enhances sweetness while adding moisture to your serving.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

To achieve perfectly tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins, consider these useful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Ingredients like eggs and dairy mix better at room temperature, resulting in a smoother batter.
• Don’t overmix – Stir until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense muffins rather than light and fluffy ones.
• Check for doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the muffins are done baking.
• Cool before glazing – Allowing the muffins to cool prevents the glaze from melting away, ensuring a beautiful finish.
• Experiment with spices – Adjusting the spice levels can create your unique twist on these classic muffins.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

These glazed gingerbread muffins pair wonderfully with several side dishes, enhancing your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cream Cheese Spread – A rich cream cheese spread adds tanginess that complements the sweet flavors of the muffins beautifully.
2. Cinnamon Butter – Whipping up cinnamon butter provides a warm spread perfect for slathering on freshly baked muffins.
3. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers brightness and balances the richness of the gingerbread taste.
4. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and fruits makes for a hearty breakfast alongside your muffins.
5. Granola Parfait – Layer yogurt, granola, and fruit for a balanced side that contrasts nicely with the muffin’s sweetness.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses introduces savory elements that play off the sweet spices in the gingerbread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature ingredients like eggs and milk. This helps create a better batter consistency.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour can make muffins dry.
• Skipping the oven preheating step: Preheat your oven to ensure the muffins rise properly from the start.
• Ignoring baking time adjustments: Watch the muffins closely as they bake; oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness a minute or two early.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep muffins at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a couple of days.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Freeze muffins in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Layer parchment paper between muffins to prevent sticking.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Glazed Gingerbread Muffins:

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

Yes, you can substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The muffins may have a denser texture but will still be delicious.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk for similar results.

How do I make these muffins vegan?

To make vegan Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based butter or oil.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to stir in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for added texture and flavor.

How should I store leftover glazed muffins?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are not only tender and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a holiday treat or a cozy breakfast, they can be customized with various mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try and delight your friends and family with these scrumptious muffins!

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Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

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Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, a delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. These muffins are infused with a blend of aromatic fall spices and topped with a refreshing lemon glaze, making them an irresistible choice for breakfast, snacks, or festive gatherings. Their tender texture and unique flavor profile will surely make them a favorite among family and friends. Whip up a batch to share or enjoy on your own; these muffins are as versatile as they are delicious!

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

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• ¾ cup unsulfured or dark molasses
• 2⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 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
• Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• ½ cup powdered sugar for lemon glaze
• 1–2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice for lemon glaze

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a muffin tray with cooking spray.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with molasses for about one minute. Stir until combined and let cool.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
4. Mix brown sugar, sour cream, milk, and egg into the cooled molasses mixture until well combined.
5. Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
6. Fill each muffin cup to the top and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes; then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 11-14 minutes until cooked through.
8. Allow muffins to cool before drizzling with lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg