Gingerbread Muffins (ready in under 30 minutes)

by Haley // November 3, 2021 (updated May 26, 2023)

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A holiday recipe in under 30 minutes? You’ve got it with these gingerbread muffins! They are fluffy, tender and flavored with holiday spices. They make the perfect cozy treat for a snowy morning by the fireside.

gingerbread muffin with a bite stacked on top of another gingerbread muffin.

This is a quick and simple recipe that will put you in the holiday mood—gingerbread muffins! They are so easy to make and turn out fluffy, soft and full of spice. A generous sprinkle of sugar on top makes each muffin irresistible. You’re going to love this recipe!

Table of Contents

Why this recipe works

You don’t need an electric mixer to make these muffins and they are ready in less than 30 minutes. There is a blend of seasonal spices, which is complemented by a touch of molasses and brown sugar. The secret ingredient here is a teaspoon of cocoa powder, which brings out the gingerbread flavor!

Ingredient notes

gingerbread muffins ingredients in bowls labeled with text.

Molasses: Use unsulphured molasses (not blackstrap) for this recipe.
Brown sugar: The sugar brings sweetness and complements the molasses. Light or dark brown sugar will work.
Spices: Make sure your spices are fresh, not expired, for best results.
Cocoa powder: a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder is the secret to bringing out the gingerbread flavor.
Sour cream: This is what makes a moist and tender texture. Full fat is best. Plain yogurt is a good substitute.

Refer to the recipe card for ingredient details and measurements.

Recipe variations

Everyone loves a muffin with a little streusel on top! Use the crumble from my apple muffins recipe to add some topping to your gingerbread muffins. You can also mix in to the batter 1/2 cup chocolate chip or chopped nuts after combining the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Raisins or dried cranberries would work too!

Add a glaze. I prefer a maple glaze. My gingerbread pancakes prove that maple syrup is a natural complement! Whisk together 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup and 1 tablespoon milk. An orange or lemon glaze would work too (replace maple syrup with fresh orange juice or lemon juice).

Mini muffins are great for the kids or entertaining guests. Fill a mini muffin tin with batter, about 3/4 full, and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. This recipe also doubles easily or can be made into a gingerbread loaf.

How to make gingerbread muffins

Whisk dry ingredients: Flour, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder and spices. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients: Melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, egg, sour cream and milk.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Transfer muffin batter to prepared muffin tin. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
Bake at 400° F for 16 to 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with little to no crumbs.

Expert tips

I suggest using a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients (it’s more accurate than measuring). If you don’t have a scale, spoon your flour into a measuring cup and level it with a knife (don’t pack it in). Also, be sure all ingredients are at room temperature unless otherwise noted. This helps create a smooth batter for tender muffins.

Avoid over mixing the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients to prevent dense muffins. When they are done baking, turn them on their sides in the pan to prevent soggy bottoms!

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Let muffins cool completely, and then wrap in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Defrost in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and serving.