Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. These Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are not only delightful but also versatile for any occasion, from festive gatherings to cozy breakfasts. The combination of warm spices and a zesty glaze makes them stand out, ensuring they will be a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The rich spices of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins are perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal for holiday celebrations, brunches, or as an everyday snack.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream and butter, each muffin remains moist and tender.
• Customizable Glaze: Choose between a bright lemon glaze or a creamy vanilla glaze to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your glazed gingerbread muffins, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Muffin tray
• Cooking spray
• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Ensures that your muffins hold their shape while baking.
• Large mixing bowls: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for a light texture.

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 the Butter

Combine the molasses and butter in a large glass bowl. Microwave for one minute or until the butter melts. Stir until combined 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 the brown sugar, sour cream (or yogurt), whole milk, and well-beaten egg to the cooled molasses mixture. Mix until very well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. 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 cavity all the way up to the top. If desired, sprinkle with coarse sugar for added texture.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

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

Step 8: Cool Muffins

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

Step 9: Make Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy. Adjust consistency as desired.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Once muffins have cooled completely, drizzle lemon glaze on top if desired. Serve immediately or enjoy later!

Step 11: Optional Vanilla Glaze

For a vanilla option, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth; drizzle over cooled muffins as an alternative glaze option.

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are delightful on their own, but they can be served in various ways to enhance your experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy brunch, these serving suggestions will make your muffins even more enjoyable.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Pairing your muffins with a warm cup of tea or coffee can create a comforting experience that enhances the flavors of the spices.

Cream Cheese Spread

• A light layer of cream cheese spread adds a creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the muffins perfectly.

Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside fresh slices of apple or pear for a refreshing and flavorful contrast that complements the spiced muffins.

Whipped Cream

• Top your glazed gingerbread muffins with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat that feels festive.

Ice Cream

• For a decadent dessert, serve warm muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, allowing the glaze to melt slightly into the ice cream.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

To achieve the best results with your glazed gingerbread muffins, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that every batch is tender, flavorful, and perfectly glazed.

• Choose quality molasses – Using unsulfured or dark molasses contributes to richer flavor and color in your muffins.
• Room temperature ingredients – Ensure that your eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Do not overmix – When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined to maintain a light muffin texture.
• Check doneness carefully – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when baked properly.
• Let them cool before glazing – Allow muffins to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins pair well with several side dishes. These options complement their rich flavors and create a balanced meal or snack.

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that balances the spices in the muffins.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a creamy contrast while adding crunch.
3. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy notes of gingerbread.
4. Spiced Hot Chocolate – Warm up with hot chocolate infused with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday cheer.
5. Savory Quiche – A slice of quiche offers protein and savory flavors, making for an excellent brunch option alongside muffins.
6. Chai Latte – The spiced notes in chai complement gingerbread flavors wonderfully while providing warmth on cold days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making glazed gingerbread muffins can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Using the wrong type of molasses: Not all molasses are created equal. Avoid blackstrap molasses as it has a bitter taste. Stick to dark or un-sulphured molasses for sweetness.
• Overmixing the batter: It’s important to combine the ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins instead of light and fluffy ones.
• Skipping room temperature ingredients: Cold ingredients can affect how well your muffins rise. Ensure your butter, egg, and dairy are at room temperature for the best results.
• Not preheating the oven properly: Starting with a hot oven helps create that beautiful dome shape on your muffins. Always preheat before baking.
• Ignoring baking times: Each oven is different. Always check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Place cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label them!

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat with a lid. Warm for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about glazed gingerbread muffins that might help you.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the muffins may have a denser texture.

How do I know when my Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they are fully baked.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your glazed gingerbread muffins with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk if needed.

Final Thoughts

These glazed gingerbread muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings, you can easily customize them with various mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Try making this recipe soon; you’ll love how comforting and satisfying they are!