The Best Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Bring the warm, nostalgic flavors of the holidays into your kitchen with these perfectly spiced Gingerbread Cupcakes topped with a silky cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Made with lighter ingredients and a touch of wholesome goodness, these cupcakes are rich in flavor but won’t leave you feeling overly full. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just craving something seasonal and sweet, these cozy treats are a comforting win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Warm Holiday Flavor – Ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses in every bite.
Lighter Ingredients – Just as satisfying, with fewer calories.
Frosted to Perfection – Sweet, tangy cinnamon cream cheese tops it off beautifully.
Perfect Portions – Built-in portion control makes enjoying a treat simple and stress-free.

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup whole wheat flour (or more all-purpose)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup molasses
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp light butter, softened
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners or lightly spray with nonstick spray.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine applesauce, brown sugar, egg, molasses, vanilla, and milk. Whisk until smooth.

4. Combine & Fill
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet, mixing until just combined. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups.

5. Bake
Bake for 18–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and light butter until smooth. Add cinnamon, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Mix until creamy.

7. Frost & Serve
Spread or pipe frosting over cooled cupcakes. Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or crushed ginger snaps, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Cupcake, Approximate)

Calories: 160
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined for a soft, tender crumb.
• Use Unsweetened Applesauce: It keeps the cupcakes moist without extra sugar.
• Make Ahead: Bake cupcakes a day in advance and frost just before serving.
• Add a Festive Touch: Top with a tiny gingerbread man cookie or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Why This Recipe Works

These cupcakes hit all the right seasonal notes—spiced, soft, and satisfying—while using smart ingredient swaps to lighten them up. The cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds that cozy, creamy finish without being too heavy, making each bite perfectly balanced.

Cozy Gingerbread Cupcakes are the perfect lighter treat for the holidays or whenever you’re in the mood for warm, nostalgic flavor. With the comforting spices of ginger and cinnamon, a moist and fluffy base, and a velvety swirl of frosting, they’re a sweet way to indulge—without overdoing it.