Glazed Gingerbread Muffins

Glazed gingerbread muffins are soft, spiced, and finished with a sweet glaze that seeps into the tops for the perfect touch of shine. They’ve got all the cozy flavors of classic gingerbread thanks to molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Every bite tastes like the holidays wrapped up in muffin form.

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today because it’s one of those bakes that fills your whole kitchen with warmth. The smell of gingerbread coming from the oven is enough to make anyone smile. These muffins come out moist, flavorful, and balanced between sweet and spiced. You can enjoy them on their own, with glaze, or even topped with a little whipped cream. Either way, they’re festive, comforting, and just right for chilly mornings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Glazed Gingerbread Muffins mix together ease, flavor, and nostalgia in a way that’s hard to resist.

Warm spices: Ginger, cinnamon, and cloves create that classic gingerbread flavor.

Moist texture: The molasses and brown sugar keep the crumb tender and rich.

Sweet glaze: A simple glaze adds shine and a hint of extra sweetness.

Festive feel: Perfect for holiday mornings or as a cozy winter snack.

Simple prep: The batter comes together quickly with basic ingredients.

Versatile: Works as breakfast, snack, or even dessert with ice cream.

One of my favorite little tricks with these muffins is sprinkling coarse sugar on top before they go in the oven. It creates a sparkly crust that looks so pretty under the glaze. I also like folding in mini white chocolate chips now and then, which melt into sweet, creamy pockets that contrast beautifully with the spiced crumb. It’s those small swaps that make each batch feel fresh and a little different.

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Ingredients

For the Muffins:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
  
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  
• ½ teaspoon salt
  
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  
• ½ cup brown sugar
  
• ½ cup molasses
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• ¾ cup milk
  

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
  
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
  
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  
• ½ cup mini white chocolate chips
  
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling before baking
  

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners. Lightly spray them with nonstick spray if you like extra easy release. I usually set the rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.

2. Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures the spices spread evenly, so every muffin gets the same warm flavor.

3. Combine wet ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, brown sugar, molasses, eggs, and milk until smooth. The molasses gives a deep color and rich taste that makes these muffins so comforting.

4. Make the batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, since that can make the muffins tough. The batter will be thick and fragrant. If using nuts or white chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage.

5. Bake the muffins

Divide the batter into the lined muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the muffins cool slightly before glazing.

6. Prepare the glaze

In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Adjust with more milk or sugar to get your desired consistency.

7. Glaze and serve

Brush or drizzle the glaze over the warm muffins so it seeps in and gives a shiny finish. Allow them to set for a few minutes, then enjoy while still slightly warm.

Tips & Variations

• Healthier option: Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
  
• Different glaze: Try lemon juice instead of milk in the glaze for a citrusy twist.
  
• Add crunch: Top with crushed ginger snaps before baking for extra texture.
  
• Extra festive: Add a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a unique spice profile.
  
• Make ahead: Bake the muffins a day early and glaze before serving for the freshest look.
  

One trick I use is glazing them twice, once when they’re warm so the glaze soaks in, and again once they cool for a thicker, shiny layer. It makes them look bakery-style and adds extra sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee.

Serving Suggestions

Glazed Gingerbread Muffins shine at breakfast with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They’re also great as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up when you want something cozy. For dessert, try serving them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a treat that feels special but simple.

When I serve them during the holidays, I like to stack them on a tiered cake stand and dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. At casual gatherings, I’ll arrange them in a basket lined with a plaid cloth napkin. The presentation makes them feel homey, and they always disappear quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, bake the muffins and store them unglazed in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add the glaze just before serving.

Do I have to use molasses?

Molasses gives classic gingerbread flavor, but you can use dark corn syrup or maple syrup in a pinch. The taste will be lighter but still delicious.

How do I keep them moist?

Don’t overbake, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze also helps lock in moisture.

Can I freeze these muffins?

Absolutely. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze in a bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

Can I use muffin mix as a shortcut?

You can, but adding ginger, cinnamon, and molasses gives you that authentic gingerbread flavor you won’t get from a mix.

How long does the glaze take to set?

Usually about 10–15 minutes at room temperature. For a quicker set, place the muffins in the fridge for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

Glazed Gingerbread Muffins bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweetness to any table. The spiced crumb paired with the glossy glaze makes them look festive while staying easy enough for everyday baking. They strike the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable.

I love that this recipe gives space for creativity too. You can add nuts, white chocolate chips, or even a second layer of glaze to make them your own. Each time I make them, they bring the same cozy feeling, which is exactly what baking should be about.