Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a refreshing lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat. These delightful muffins are suitable for breakfast, dessert, or even a festive gathering. Their warm spices create a cozy ambiance, making them ideal for chilly days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these muffins can be whipped up in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and molasses brings rich, comforting flavors that everyone will love.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or serve them at a holiday gathering.
• Customizable Toppings: Choose between a zesty lemon glaze or a sweet vanilla glaze to suit your taste.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the use of sour cream and butter, each muffin is soft and moist.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will 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 ensures that your muffins bake evenly and hold their shape.
• Mixing bowls: Using separate bowls helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing.
• Whisk: A whisk is essential for combining dry ingredients thoroughly.

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Ingredients

Tender and flavorful glazed gingerbread muffins filled with fall spices and topped with a lemon glaze are the perfect holiday treat.

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 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 glass bowl.
1. Microwave for about one minute or until the butter melts.
2. Stir to combine and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In another large bowl:
1. Whisk together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add brown sugar, sour cream, milk, and well-beaten egg to the cooled molasses mixture. Mix until very well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the molasses mixture to the flour mixture:
1. Mix 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:
1. Fill all the way up to the top.
2. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if desired for added crunch.

Step 7: Bake Muffins

Place in the oven:
1. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F.
2. Without opening the oven door, reduce heat to 350°F.
3. Continue baking for an additional 11-14 minutes or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Muffins

Remove from oven:
1. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes.
2. Transfer muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl:
1. Combine powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until creamy.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Step 10: Drizzle Glaze on Muffins

Once muffins are cooled:
1. Drizzle lemon glaze on top as desired before serving.

Step 11: Vanilla Glaze Option

For a vanilla option:
1. Combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy for drizzling on muffins instead of lemon glaze.

Enjoy these delightful glazed gingerbread muffins warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

These glazed gingerbread muffins are delightful on their own, but there are many ways to enhance your serving experience. Whether you want to impress guests or simply enjoy them with family, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee

• Pair these muffins with your favorite hot beverage for a comforting snack. The spices in the muffins complement the flavors of both tea and coffee beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Add slices of fresh apples or pears on top of the muffins. The crisp texture and natural sweetness elevate the flavor profile.

Drizzled with Extra Glaze

• For those who love a sweet touch, adding more lemon glaze or even a vanilla glaze can enhance the muffin’s taste and presentation.

Served with Whipped Cream

• A dollop of whipped cream can turn these muffins into an indulgent dessert. You can also infuse the cream with a hint of vanilla for added flavor.

Accompanied by Yogurt

• Serve the muffins alongside a small bowl of plain yogurt. This adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the muffins.

How to Perfect Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

To ensure your glazed gingerbread muffins turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature helps create a smooth batter that rises evenly.

• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your muffins tender and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to dense muffins.

• Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven properly before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect dome shape.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or tester inserted into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your muffins are ready.

• Cool Properly: Allow muffins to cool in the pan briefly before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins make a great addition to any meal or snack time. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with them.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and berries adds freshness and balances sweetness.

2. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as creamy brie or sharp cheddar, complements the spices in gingerbread.

3. Chai-Spiced Oatmeal: A warm bowl of chai-spiced oatmeal provides comfort and pairs well with the flavors of gingerbread.

4. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Toast bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for a crunchy side that echoes the muffin’s spices.

5. Roasted Nuts: Serve a bowl of mixed roasted nuts for crunch and protein; they add a savory contrast to sweet muffins.

6. Herbal Tea: A light herbal tea such as chamomile or mint refreshes the palate after enjoying rich gingerbread flavors.

7. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crunchy veggie sticks served with hummus offer a healthy contrast and keep things interesting on your plate.

8. Mini Quiches: Savory mini quiches filled with vegetables provide balance against the sweetness of glazed gingerbread muffins.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, it’s easy to encounter some common pitfalls. Here are mistakes to watch out for:

• Incorrect Ingredient Measurements: Using too much or too little of an ingredient can ruin the texture and flavor. Always measure ingredients accurately using proper measuring cups and spoons.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing the batter too much can lead to dense muffins. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Removing muffins from the pan too soon can cause them to crumble. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an oven that isn’t hot enough can affect rising and texture. Always preheat your oven as per the recipe instructions.

• Ignoring Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold ingredients can prevent proper mixing and rising. Ensure eggs, milk, and sour cream are at room temperature before using.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store glazed gingerbread muffins in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Wrap muffins individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped muffins in a freezer-safe bag or container; they can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place muffins on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one muffin at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place muffin in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Glazed Gingerbread Muffins, here are some common queries:

Can I substitute molasses in Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

Molasses gives these muffins their signature flavor. You can use dark corn syrup or honey, but the taste will vary slightly.

How do I make my Glazed Gingerbread Muffins more flavorful?

Adding extra spices like allspice or cardamom can enhance flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

What should I serve with Glazed Gingerbread Muffins?

These muffins pair well with coffee, tea, or even spiced apple cider for a cozy treat.

Can I make these muffins ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake them ahead of time and store them as directed above. They taste great even after a few days!

Final Thoughts

Glazed Gingerbread Muffins are not only delicious but also versatile! With their warm spices and zesty lemon glaze, they make a perfect treat for any occasion. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Try this recipe today and enjoy these delightful muffins!