Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with warm fall spices and topped with a delightful lemon glaze are the perfect treat for any holiday gathering. These muffins are not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making them suitable for brunches, dessert tables, or cozy family breakfasts. The combination of spices and the sweet glaze will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates an irresistible aroma and taste.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, these muffins can be whipped up in no time.
• Perfectly Moist: The addition of sour cream ensures each muffin is tender and moist.
• Customizable Toppings: Enjoy them with a lemon glaze or switch it up with a vanilla glaze to suit your taste.
• Festive Appeal: Ideal for holiday celebrations or as a cozy treat on chilly days.

Tools and Preparation

Getting your kitchen ready is key to making these delicious glazed gingerbread muffins. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Essential for shaping your muffins perfectly during baking.
• Mixing bowls: Needed to combine all ingredients without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, ensuring light and fluffy muffins.

Ingredients

To create these delightful glazed gingerbread muffins, gather the following ingredients:

For the Muffins

• 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)

For the Glaze

• 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 one minute or until the butter is melted. Stir until combined and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together:
1. Flour
2. Ground ginger
3. Baking soda
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Ground cloves
6. Ground nutmeg
7. Salt

Ensure everything is 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 cup all the way up to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place into the oven and bake for 5 minutes at 425°F. Without opening the oven door, reduce the heat to 350°F and continue baking for another 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 finish cooling.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy and you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 10: Glaze Muffins

Drizzle the lemon glaze over cooled muffins as desired before serving.

Step 11: Optional Vanilla Glaze

If you prefer a vanilla glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until creamy for another delicious topping option.

Enjoy your homemade glazed gingerbread muffins!

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are delightful on their own, but you can elevate the experience with a few creative serving ideas. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these muffins can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their rich flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve your muffins with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Apples: Pair with thinly sliced apples drizzled with honey for a sweet and crunchy addition.

Topped with Cream Cheese

• Cream Cheese Spread: Lightly spread cream cheese on your muffins before adding the lemon glaze for added creaminess and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top makes for an indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings.

Alongside Hot Beverages

• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these muffins with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea to complement the spicy notes.
• Hot Chocolate: For a cozy treat, pair with a rich cup of hot chocolate, especially during colder months.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Perfecting glazed gingerbread muffins can take some practice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to baking success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, egg, and dairy products are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the muffins light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Fill Muffin Cups Generously: Fill muffin cups all the way to the top for a nice dome shape that is visually appealing.
• Check Doneness Early: Use a toothpick to check doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off; this helps prevent overbaking.
• Adjust Glaze Consistency: If your lemon glaze is too thick, add a little more lemon juice or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are versatile and can be served alongside various side dishes to create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:

1. Greek Yogurt – A creamy and tangy addition that pairs well with the spiced flavors of the muffins.
2. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
3. Scrambled Eggs – Soft scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the muffins.
4. Oatmeal – A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts or fruit complements the muffin’s flavor profile beautifully.
5. Nuts & Seeds – A small bowl of mixed nuts offers crunch and healthy fats, making it an excellent accompaniment.
6. Smoothie Bowl – Blend up your favorite fruits and serve in a bowl topped with granola for extra texture.
7. Cheese Platter – Mild cheeses like brie or cheddar can enhance flavors and provide savory notes alongside sweet muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking glazed gingerbread muffins can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Boldly skip the room temperature ingredients: Using cold eggs or milk can result in uneven mixing. Always bring these ingredients to room temperature for optimal results.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough muffins. Mix just until combined; lumps are okay!
• Boldly neglecting the oven temperature: Starting at too low a temperature can prevent the muffins from rising properly. Begin baking at 425°F before reducing to 350°F.
• Boldly ignoring cooling time: Allowing the muffins to cool too quickly can affect texture. Let them sit in the pan briefly before transferring to a wire rack.
• Boldly skipping the glaze: The lemon glaze adds flavor and moisture. Don’t miss this step; it elevates your muffins significantly!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place muffins on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual muffins on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about glazed gingerbread muffins.

How do I make Glazed Gingerbread Muffins extra moist?

Adding sour cream or yogurt helps keep these muffins moist. Ensure your wet ingredients are well mixed into the batter.

Can I use whole wheat flour for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but this may change the texture slightly.

What spices can I add to Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Feel free to experiment! Nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice can enhance the flavor profile of your muffins.

How do I make gluten-free Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Substituting an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour should work well. Check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Glazed gingerbread muffins are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize them with various spices or glazes according to your taste. Try making these delightful treats today!