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If there’s anything that truly screams Christmas, it’s these Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Browned Butter Buttercream I made in partnership with McCormick. Sweet gingery cupcakes made with brown sugar, molasses and a touch of vanilla extract. Then baked up and frosted with a cinnamon infused buttercream. These cupcakes are moist, full of warming spices, so delicious, and simple enough to make any day of the week for a fun December treat. There is no flavor like home, but, for me, gingerbread comes pretty close!
Did you ever decorate a gingerbread house as a kid? One of my favorite childhood memories is of spending the day at my Aunt Carol’s house with my cousins, decorating gingerbread houses. She’d bake the gingerbread houses from scratch before we arrived. Then each of us would get to decorate our own house to take home. It’s only now just occurring to me that she must have had to do so much prep work before hand to make all those houses. I’m not sure how many she made exactly, but there had to have been at least four…and these were not small houses.
Anyway, we used to have so much fun decorating those houses. And while I have yet to master the 100% homemade gingerbread house (honestly, I’m all about a good gingerbread house kit…you know?). I have mastered the gingerbread cupcake.
And they are DELICIOUS.
If you love gingerbread cookies, and you love cupcakes, then I’m pretty sure you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.
I’m so excited to partner with McCormick this holiday season to show-off one of my signature holiday flavors. I put my favorite McCormick spices to good use with these cupcakes, by allowing them to shine in both the cupcake and the frosting. I figured that since it’s December, if there was ever a time a double up on cozy spices it’s now. These cupcakes have very classic gingerbread flavors. They’re made with molasses, brown sugar, McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract and the ideal mix of McCormick ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
The cupcakes bake perfectly light, tender, and moist. My favorite part though? The smells coming from the kitchen as the cupcakes bake in the oven. It’s as if you’re walking into the kitchen of Mrs. Clause herself…I know, a little cheesy, but so true.
Ok, here’s my suggestion. Invite someone you’d like to impress over while you’re making these cupcakes. The smells alone are sure to capture the attention of anyone near the kitchen. But the taste, oh the taste of these cupcakes is even better!
No cupcakes are complete without a little buttercream.
This one is simple, but delicious. I’m currently obsessed with browning butter. So, I first browned the butter, then added a touch of McCormick cinnamon, a splash of McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract, and sweetened the deal with confectioners’ sugar.
Perfection.
For decorating, I made some mini gingerbread cookies. I then frosted them very simply, with melted white chocolate, and called it a day. Clearly I’m all about cute, but easy, Christmas desserts right now.
If you make these gingerbread cupcakes please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
{This post is sponsored by McCormick Spice. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Half Baked Harvest cooking!}
I made this recipe twice and they fell both times. The first time I thought my BS/BP may have been old so I replaced them. Same thing happened the second time. The taste is great, however, they weren’t presentable as cupcakes. I ended up breaking them up and making a trifle so as to not waste them. And by sink, I mean completely so they couldn’t even be salvaged with some extra frosting. The frosting is divine. I was very disappointed.
Hi Susan,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback. Sorry to hear they are sinking for you. Anything you might be adjusting in the recipe? What kind of cupcake pan are you using? Let me know how I can help! xx
I’ve made these twice. Both times the cupcakes have all sunk. I followed the recipe perfectly I officially give up on baking.
Hi Jess,
Thanks for giving this recipe a try, sorry to hear these sunk for you. Like a lot or just a bit in the middle? Sometimes cupcakes do that:) Was there anything you adjusted in the recipe? Let me know how I can help! xx
Jess, Not sure if this is your answer but have you checked the expiration on the baking soda and powder? The same thing happened to me, and it turns out that was my issue.
Hi! Very excited to make this for some friends. Would I be able to make the frosting ahead of time?
Hi Margaret,
Sure, that would be okay to do! Let me know how this recipe turns out, I hope it’s delish! xT
Was fantastic! The browned butter frosting was delicious!
Hey Melanie,
Wonderful!!❄️ Thanks a bunch for giving this recipe a try and sharing your feedback, I am so glad it was a winner:)
Hi! Can I use oil instead of molasses?
Hi Reemi,
Sorry, the oil is not going to give you the same results as the molasses, I would follow the recipe as is. Please let me know if you give them a try! xTieghan
I baked these cupcakes for a holiday social along with 3 other seasonal themed cupcakes. I didn’t change anything except use a store bought gingerbread man cookie for the top decoration and some green sprinkles. This is the cupcake everyone came back for 2nds of and asked me for the recipe. Omg the brown butter smell when you are making them – just heaven! Thank you for an amazing recipe that I’ll be using again and again, I’m sure 🙂
Hey Roni,
Happy Sunday! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! xTieghan