Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. They’re ideal for cozy gatherings, brunches, or simply to enjoy with a warm cup of tea. The combination of spices and the sweet zing from the glaze make these muffins truly irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple steps that anyone can follow, making it perfect for novice bakers.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of molasses and warm spices creates a rich flavor profile that captures the essence of the season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these muffins as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert.
• Customizable Glazes: With options for both lemon and vanilla glaze, you can tailor the sweetness to your liking.
• Perfect for Sharing: These muffins make great gifts during the holidays or at potlucks, bringing joy to everyone who tries them.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your glazed gingerbread muffins, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: Essential for shaping your muffins; it helps them rise evenly.
• Large mixing bowls: Allows ample space for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures ingredients are well blended, especially dry ingredients like flour and spices.

Ingredients

To create these delicious glazed gingerbread muffins, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Muffins

• ¾ cup un-sulphured or dark molasses
• 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 your oven to 425°F. Coat a muffin tray well with cooking spray so that your muffins don’t stick.

Step 2: Prepare Molasses Mixture

Combine the molasses and butter in a large glass bowl. Microwave for about one minute or until the butter is melted. 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 they are well mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add brown sugar, sour cream (or yogurt), milk, and beaten egg to the molasses mixture. Mix until everything is very well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing. 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 some coarse sugar on top for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

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 another 11-14 minutes or until a tester inserted into 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: Make Lemon Glaze

For a lemon glaze, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice if necessary.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze

Drizzle your lemon glaze over cooled muffins as desired. Serve immediately!

Step 11: Optional Vanilla Glaze

If you prefer a vanilla glaze instead of lemon, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until creamy. Adjust consistency as needed before drizzling over muffins.

Enjoy these delicious glazed gingerbread muffins as part of your seasonal celebrations!

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these muffins are sure to please everyone at the table.

With a Warm Beverage

• Coffee: Pair these muffins with a steaming cup of coffee for a perfect morning boost.
• Tea: A soothing herbal tea complements the spiced flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate: Enjoy the sweet touch of hot chocolate alongside your gingerbread muffins for a cozy treat.

As a Dessert

• Ice Cream: Serve warm muffins with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream to add a light and airy finish.
• Fruit Compote: Drizzle with fruit compote for a fresh and fruity contrast.

For Special Occasions

• Holiday Brunch: These muffins make an excellent addition to any holiday brunch spread.
• Gift Baskets: Package them in decorative boxes as homemade gifts during festive seasons.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Perfecting glazed gingerbread muffins is easy with just a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions to achieve delightful results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, milk, and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until just combined; this keeps your muffins tender and fluffy.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for the best rise.
• Experiment with Spices: Adjust the spice levels according to your preference for personalized flavor.
• Cool Before Glazing: Allow muffins to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting away.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins pair wonderfully with several side dishes. Here are some great options to enjoy alongside them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious complement.
3. Savory Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses that provide a savory contrast to the sweet muffins.
4. Nut Butter Spread: Almond or peanut butter adds protein and richness when spread on warm muffins.
5. Oatmeal Bowl: A hearty oatmeal bowl topped with nuts and honey enhances the wholesome experience.
6. Vegetable Smoothie: Pairing with a green smoothie introduces nutrients while being refreshing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes ensures your glazed gingerbread muffins turn out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and affect the texture. Always use room temperature ingredients for better results.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make muffins dense instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
• Skipping the oven temperature adjustment: Starting at a higher temperature is key for achieving that perfect dome. Don’t skip this step!
• Not measuring flour correctly: Packing flour can lead to dry muffins. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurement.
• Ignoring cooling times: Letting muffins cool in the pan too long can make them soggy. Remove them after a few minutes to cool on a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 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.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat each muffin on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place muffins in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 3-5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries regarding glazed gingerbread muffins.

Can I substitute ingredients in Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Yes! You can use plain yogurt instead of sour cream, and any milk will work as well.

How do I make these muffins vegan?

To make glazed gingerbread muffins vegan, replace the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based butter and milk.

What spices are best for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are classic spices that enhance the flavor of your muffins.

Can I add mix-ins to my Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins add great texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These glazed gingerbread muffins are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfectly spiced for fall or winter gatherings, they can easily be customized with different toppings or mix-ins. Try them today and enjoy this delightful treat!