Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a zesty lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. These delightful muffins are not only great for breakfast but also make a charming addition to any festive gathering. Their rich flavors and inviting aroma will have everyone coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Whip up these muffins in no time with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves creates a warm, inviting taste that’s perfect for the season.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy them as a breakfast option or serve them at holiday parties; they fit right in on any occasion.
• Delicious Toppings: Choose between a tangy lemon glaze or a creamy vanilla glaze to elevate your muffin experience.
• Perfectly Moist: The use of sour cream ensures that every bite is soft, moist, and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your glazed gingerbread muffins, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Muffin tray: This is essential for shaping your muffins perfectly, ensuring they bake evenly.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep your dry and wet ingredients organized for easier mixing.
• Whisk: A whisk allows you to blend ingredients thoroughly, making sure no lumps remain in your batter.

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: Prepare Molasses Mixture

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture. Note that the batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.

Step 6: Fill Muffin Tray

Divide the batter among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one all the way up to the top. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place the muffin tray in the oven and bake for 5 minutes at 425°F. Then reduce heat to 350°F without opening the oven door. Continue baking for an additional 11–14 minutes or until a tester comes out clean when inserted into a muffin center.

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: Make Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy. Adjust consistency as needed by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze on Muffins

Once cooled, drizzle your desired glaze over each muffin. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Optional Vanilla Glaze:

If you prefer a vanilla glaze instead of lemon, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract until creamy. Drizzle over cooled muffins as desired.

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

These glazed gingerbread muffins are perfect for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your muffin experience.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee – Pair your muffins with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack.
• Tea – A soothing herbal or spiced tea complements the flavors beautifully.
• Hot Chocolate – Enjoy these muffins with a rich hot chocolate for a sweet treat.

Topped with Extras

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy texture and sweetness.
• Cream Cheese Frosting – For an indulgent twist, spread some cream cheese frosting over the glaze.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad – Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a colorful and healthy addition.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layer them with yogurt and granola for a satisfying brunch option.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Achieving the perfect glazed gingerbread muffins is easy with a few helpful tips. Follow these guidelines for delicious results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensuring that your egg, sour cream, and milk are at room temperature helps create a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix until just combined to keep your muffins light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense muffins.
• Check Oven Temperature – Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures, as ovens can vary significantly.
• Let Them Cool Properly – Allowing the muffins to cool in the pan before transferring them helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Pair your glazed gingerbread muffins with these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Each side complements the warm spices and sweetness of the muffins.

1. Cinnamon Apples – Warm spiced apples make for a comforting side that enhances the flavors of gingerbread.
2. Maple Oatmeal – A hearty bowl of oatmeal topped with maple syrup provides warmth and nourishment.
3. Sautéed Kale – The slight bitterness of sautéed kale balances out the sweetness of the muffins nicely.
4. Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory touch that contrasts the sweet muffins.
5. Chia Seed Pudding – Light and nutritious, chia pudding offers a refreshing texture alongside your muffins.
6. Nut Butter Toasts – Whole grain toast spread with almond or peanut butter adds protein and richness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking glazed gingerbread muffins can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch for.

• Boldly skip measuring: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results. Always use the right measuring tools for dry and wet ingredients.
• Boldly ignore room temperature: Using cold eggs or dairy can affect the batter’s texture. Ensure to bring these ingredients to room temperature before mixing.
• Boldly overmix the batter: Overmixing can make your muffins dense and tough. Stir until just combined for light and fluffy muffins.
• Boldly overlook cooling time: Cooling muffins in the pan for too long can lead to sogginess. Let them cool on a wire rack to maintain their texture.
• Boldly skip testing doneness: Not checking if your muffins are done can result in undercooked or burnt treats. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Freeze unglazed muffins for best results; wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer bag, and they will last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the muffins for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm; avoid overheating as this can make them dry.
• Stovetop: Place a muffin in a covered skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring it warms through evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about glazed gingerbread muffins that may help you enjoy this recipe even more.

Can I use whole wheat flour in Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Yes, whole wheat flour can be used, but it may change the texture slightly. Consider mixing half all-purpose flour with half whole wheat flour for best results.

How do I make a healthier version of Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

You can substitute half of the butter with applesauce or yogurt, and reduce sugar by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

What can I add to my Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

You might try adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips to customize your muffins further while enhancing flavor and texture.

How should I store my Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

These glazed gingerbread muffins are not only tender and flavorful but also perfect for any holiday gathering. With their delightful spices and sweet glaze, they can be easily customized with your favorite mix-ins. Try making these delicious treats today!