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    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Baked Goods

    Gingerbread Cupcakes

    Published: Dec 18, 2019 · Modified: Sep 17, 2021 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 54 Comments

    796 shares
    • 403
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Gingerbread cupcakes with a text title overlay.

    We have taken a simple, but lightened up, cupcake recipe and added our two favourite Christmas spices, ginger and cinnamon, to make some Christmas Gingerbread Cupcakes that the whole family will love. It wouldn't be Christmas without some kind of gingerbread recipe would it?

    Four cupcakes decorated with Christmas designs.

    Cupcakes always go down well, at least in our house they do, and these gingerbread cupcakes are a must at Christmas time. Subtle notes of cinnamon and ginger, these are spiced to perfection and make a delicious Christmas cupcake.

    Topped with a creamy icing and some festive faces, these would be great at a kids Christmas party! These are a great way to create some festive memories and traditions that hopefully they will carry on with their own children too. Feel free to add some extra cinnamon and ginger if you want it more warming and Christmassy.

    If you are looking for some more Christmas bakes, then why not try our Healthy Gingernut Biscuits, Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies, Puff Pastry Mince Pies, or Cinnamon Biscuits.

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love them
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to make gingerbread cupcakes - Step by step
    • Christmas flavours
    • Healthy swap
    • What to serve with Gingerbread Cupcakes
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Extra tips
    • More Christmas dessert recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love them

    • A delicious festive treat - We are all about the baking at Christmas time and these gingerbread cupcakes are one of our favourites. The combination of ginger and cinnamon just screams Christmas!
    • Low in calories - Thanks to a couple of healthy swaps (like using Greek yoghurt), these are just 204 calories a cupcake.
    • Kids love making them - These are so easy to make, that kids can do most of it themselves. They will love mixing everything up and then licking the bowl and spoon.

    Ingredients needed

    • Flour - We used plain flour. To make these gluten free, swap it for your favourite brand of gluten free flour.
    • Butter - We used unsalted butter for this recipe. It will need to be softened if it has been kept in the fridge.
    • Egg - We used medium sized eggs and make sure they are room temperature before baking.
    • Sugar - We used caster sugar and light brown sugar. The caster sugar adds some crunch and the brown sugar gives a caramel flavour.
    • Yogurt - We like to add this to baked goods where we can, as it helps to make them light and fluffy. This also replaces some of the butter too.
    • Vanilla - This adds a lovely warmth to the cupcakes. Vanilla brings out the other flavours.
    • Milk - This helps to loosen the mixture a little.
    • Salt - Just a pinch brings out the sweetness of the ginger cupcakes.
    • Baking powder and Baking soda - These help the gingerbread cakes to rise and make them nice and fluffy.
    • Cinnamon and Ginger - The main flavours in these Christmas cupcakes. Feel free to adjust them depending on how much you like those flavours.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to make gingerbread cupcakes - Step by step

    One: In a large mixing bowl, add the butter, and sugars.

    A mixing bowl with sugar and butter.

    Two: Add the milk, egg, yogurt and vanilla. Beat together until a smooth batter is formed.

    A mixing bowl with sugar, butter, egg, yogurt and vanilla.

    Three: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Pour the wet ingredients in to the dry ingredients and mix well.

    A mixing bowl with cake batter.

    Four: Divide the batter between the cupcake cases.

    A six hole cupcake tin with cake batter in each hole.

    Five: Put in a preheated oven at 200°C/400°F/Gas 6, for 25 minutes.

    Six cooked cupcakes in a cupcake tin.

    Six: Top with your favourite frosting (optional; not included in nutritional values)

    Christmas flavours

    You can't go through the festive period without enjoying a dessert full of some cinnamon and ginger. Not only do these Christmas cupcakes make your whole house smell amazing, but it is delicious too.

    Make them extra festive by baking them in some Christmas themed cupcake cases and then putting some cute little Christmas faces on top.

    A Gingerbread Cupcake with a cream and caramel frosting. A reindeer decoration is on top.
    heart icon

    Healthy swap

    Cupcakes are never going to be the most nutrient dense food in the world, but we have made a little lighter swap. We used Greek yogurt to replace some of the butter and you can use a sugar alternative too.

    Whilst you don't have to ice them, we thought that seeing as it is Christmas we would treat ourselves to some traditional frosting, but you could always just top it with some Greek yogurt to keep it lighter.

    What to serve with Gingerbread Cupcakes

    We think these are the perfect afternoon treat with a hot drink. Why not try one of the ones we have on the blog - here are some of our favourites:

    • Cinnamon Coffee
    • Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate
    • Pumpkin Spice Latte
    • Snowman Hot Chocolate
    • Cinnamon Mocha
    • Chai Tea Latte
    Four Gingerbread Cupcakes topped with frosting and Christmas decorations.

    Frequently asked questions

    How to store gingerbread cupcakes?

    You can store these in an air tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, but we don't like the change of texture when they are in the fridge.

    Can you freeze gingerbread cupcakes?

    You can store the un-iced cupcakes. Individually wrap them and then put them in a freezer bag and they will keep for 2 months.

    How to make gluten free gingerbread cupcakes?

    You can swap the flour for gluten free flour, but it will change the texture.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • Add some chocolate chips for a ginger and chocolate combination.
    • To ensure that your cakes are cooked all the way through and don't burn either, use an oven thermometer to make sure it gets to the correct temperature for the recipe.
    • Don't over-mix your batter, as this can cause the cakes not to rise.
    • This recipe is for just the cupcakes. Feel free to top it with your favourite frosting like chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. To keep with the ginger theme, use ginger icing.
    • For some extra cute decoration, add a mini gingerbread man.

    More Christmas dessert recipes

    • A wooden serving board with nine Santa Hat Brownies
      Strawberry Santa Hat Brownies
    • Cranberry Orange Muffins, some on a cooling rack, some in a basket.
      Cranberry Orange Muffins
    • Healthy Christmas Cookies on a wooden serving board surrounded by festive decorations.
      Healthy Christmas Cookies
    • Christmas Rice Krispie Treats next to a nutcracker soldier.
      Christmas Rice Krispie Treats

    If you’ve tried these gingerbread cupcakes, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Four Gingerbread Cupcakes topped with frosting and Christmas decorations.

    Gingerbread Cupcakes

    By: Dannii
    We have taken a simple, but lightened up, cupcake recipe and added our two favourite Christmas spices, ginger and cinnamon, to make some Christmas Gingerbread Cupcakes that the whole family will love.
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
    Vegetarian
    4.91 from 65 votes
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American, British
    Prep: 10 minutes mins
    Cook: 25 minutes mins
    Total: 35 minutes mins
    Servings: 6 cupcakes
    Calories: 204kcal
    Allergens:
    An illustration of a carton of milk.
    Dairy
    An illustration of a cracked egg.
    Eggs
    An illustration of two ears of wheat.
    Gluten
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 110 g (1 cups) Plain flour
    • 60 g (2 oz) Butter - unsalted
    • 1 Egg
    • 50 g (0.5 cups) Caster sugar
    • 15 g (1.25 tablespoon) Light brown sugar
    • 60 g (0.25 cups) Greek yogurt
    • 1 teaspoon (1 teaspoon) Vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoon Skimmed milk
    • 0.25 teaspoon (0.25 teaspoon) Sea salt
    • 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder
    • 0.5 teaspoon (0.5 teaspoon) Baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon Ground ginger

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
    • In a large mixing bowl, add 60 g Butter, 50 g Caster sugar and 15 g Light brown sugar.
    • Add 2 tablespoon Skimmed milk, 1 Egg, 60 g Greek yogurt and 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract. Mix together until a smooth batter is formed.
    • In a separate bowl, mix together 110 g Plain flour, 0.5 teaspoon Baking powder, 0.5 teaspoon Baking soda, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Ground ginger and 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well.
    • Divide the batter between the cupcake cases.
    • Put into the oven for 25 minutes.
    • Top with your favourite frosting (optional)

    Notes

    • Add some chocolate chips for a ginger and chocolate combination.
    • To ensure that your cakes are cooked all the way through and don't burn either, use an oven thermometer to make sure it gets to the correct temperature for the recipe.
    • Don't over-mix your batter, as this can cause the cakes not to rise.
    • This recipe is for just the cupcakes. Feel free to top it with your favourite frosting like chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting. To keep with the ginger theme, use ginger icing.
    • For some extra cute decoration, add a mini gingerbread man.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1cupcake | Calories: 204kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 71mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jayne

      December 18, 2019 at 6:28 pm

      I honestly have no idea how you find the time to make all these things. They look so delicious - perfect for popping in the freezer to eat over Christmas. Yummy.
      Hope you guys at HHH HQ have a wonderful Christmas.

      Reply
    2. Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness

      January 03, 2017 at 2:52 am

      5 stars
      Mmm, these cupcakes look delicious. They're so festive & pretty!

      Reply
    3. Valerie

      December 18, 2016 at 8:59 pm

      Do you know I love gingerbread but have never had it in cupcake form? This looks delicious.

      Reply
    4. Maria @ runningcupcake

      December 16, 2016 at 5:17 pm

      5 stars
      These sound lovely- I do love the smell of gingerbread. I like the recipes with bicarb as the batter goes all bubbly.

      Reply
    5. Anthea

      December 16, 2016 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      These are my favourite Christmas spices. Just the smell of them makes me feel all christmasy. I made them yesterday and they tasted as good as they smelt.

      Reply
    6. Ali - We Made This Life

      December 15, 2016 at 10:26 pm

      I love gingerbread and these look so yummy! Great that they are a bit healthier than usual too!

      Reply
    7. Fashion and Style Police

      December 15, 2016 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      These cupcakes look very tasty. Making me feel like eating cakes.

      Reply
    8. Baby Isabella

      December 15, 2016 at 5:38 pm

      We love ginger and cinnamon:) we tried some of these in Costa the other day....but yours look better!

      Reply
    9. [email protected]

      December 15, 2016 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      These are so festive....yum! I like how you replace some butter w yogurt. A great healthy swap.

      Reply
    10. Amrita

      December 15, 2016 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious recipe.I love everything gingerbread. My daughter has a great time baking them. Will make these again.

      Reply
    11. [email protected]

      December 15, 2016 at 2:15 pm

      so perfect for the holidays! Love!

      Reply
    12. Sheri

      December 15, 2016 at 1:07 pm

      I would not be able to say no to these. I try to resist sweet things, but no matter how hard I try, when they look this good, I have no choice but to eat, one or two, ok....maybe maybe four. :-)

      Reply
    13. ellen best

      December 15, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      These were scrumptious.

      Reply
    14. Charlotte

      December 15, 2016 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      These sound and look amazing! I love gingerbread and I love cupcakes! :) x

      Reply
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