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When making gingerbread cookie cups, having the right ingredients is key for great taste and texture. Here’s what you need: - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 tablespoon ground ginger - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed firmly - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup unsulfured molasses - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting) - Edible decorations (e.g., colorful sprinkles, mini candies) These ingredients come together to create a soft, spiced cookie that holds a creamy filling. Each bite is a blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making them a true holiday treat. The combination of molasses and spices gives the cookie its classic gingerbread taste. I always recommend using high-quality molasses for the best flavor. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, tangy contrast. You can use any fun decorations to make them festive. Get creative! Your cookie cups will not only taste great but look amazing too. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients, and let the holiday spirit inspire your baking. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the muffin tin. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your muffin tin or use paper liners. This makes it easy to remove the cups later. 2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. Set this aside for later. 3. Cream butter and sugars together. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together 3/4 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Beat this for about 3-4 minutes. The mix should look light and fluffy. 1. Add eggs and molasses. Next, add in 1 large egg and 1/2 cup of unsulfured molasses. Beat everything until smooth and well mixed. 2. Mix in vanilla extract. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the wet mix. This adds a warm, sweet flavor. 1. Incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Use low speed to mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as it can change the texture. 2. Fill muffin cups with dough and baking time. Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to fill each muffin cup about halfway with dough. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should feel firm to the touch. 3. Cool and prepare frosting. Let the cookie cups cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they cool, prepare the frosting. Beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese in a bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in 1/2 cup of sifted powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Now you are ready to fill and decorate your gingerbread cookie cups! - How to avoid over-mixing Mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined. If you see flour, stop mixing. Over-mixing can make your cookie cups tough. - Ensuring even baking Fill each muffin cup halfway for the best rise. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even heat. This helps them bake evenly and stay soft. - How to achieve the perfect frosting consistency Start with soft cream cheese and beat it until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until it’s creamy and thick. It should hold its shape but spread easily. - Tips for filling the cookie cups Use a small spoon or piping bag. This helps you fill each cup generously and neatly. Don’t be shy; the more frosting, the better! - Arranging for festive display Place your decorated cookie cups on a bright platter. Use colorful decorations to make them pop. A simple layout can make your treats shine. - Customization ideas for guests Set out extra edible decorations like sprinkles or mini candies. Let guests add their favorite toppings. This makes each cookie cup unique and fun! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help improve the texture and prevent spreading, resulting in a thicker cookie cup. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your butter and cream cheese are at room temperature will help achieve a smoother frosting and better incorporation of ingredients. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional spices such as nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a unique twist on the traditional gingerbread flavor. Presentation is Key: Use a variety of edible decorations to make each cookie cup visually appealing. A mix of colors and shapes will enhance the festive look! {{image_4}} You can change the frosting to make your gingerbread cookie cups unique. Try chocolate or vanilla frosting for a new taste. You can also add spices to the cookie dough. A pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can boost the flavor profile. These spices add warmth and depth, making each bite special. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. This change will keep the cookie cups tasty and safe for everyone. For dairy-free frosting, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. It will still be creamy and delicious, perfect for those who avoid dairy. Make your cookie cups festive by using holiday-themed decorations. Think red and green sprinkles or tiny candy canes. You can also fill the cups with seasonal fruits like cranberries or pomegranate seeds. These additions not only look great but also taste fantastic. To keep your gingerbread cookie cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and flavor. It is best to keep them at room temperature. If you store them in a cool, dark place, they will last about five days. You can freeze cookie cups for longer storage. To freeze them, first let the cookie cups cool completely. Then, wrap each one in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, remove the cookie cups from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you need them fast, you can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Enjoy your treats whenever you crave them! What is the best way to soften butter quickly? To soften butter fast, cut it into small cubes. Place the cubes in a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave it on low for 5-10 seconds. Be careful not to melt the butter. Can I use different types of flour? Yes, you can use different flours. Whole wheat flour adds a nutty taste. Almond flour makes it gluten-free. Just remember, different flours can change the texture. You might need to adjust the amount of flour too. Why are my cookie cups spreading? If your cookie cups spread too much, your dough could be too warm. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, check that you measured ingredients correctly. Too much sugar can cause spreading. How can I fix dry cookie cups? To fix dry cookie cups, add a bit more molasses or butter. This will add moisture. Make sure not to over-bake them, as that can also dry them out. Keep an eye on the baking time. What can I serve with gingerbread cookie cups? You can serve gingerbread cookie cups with hot cocoa or spiced tea. They pair well with ice cream too. Add a scoop of vanilla or peppermint for a fun twist. How can I incorporate them into holiday desserts? Use gingerbread cookie cups as a base for mini desserts. Fill them with eggnog mousse or whipped cream. Top with festive sprinkles for a holiday treat. They make great party snacks or gifts! This article laid out the tasty path to making cookie cups. We explored each ingredient, the simple steps for crafting them, and tips to ensure success. From frosting to festive decoration, creativity is key. Remember, you can adjust flavors for your liking and store them well for later enjoyment. Happy baking! Enjoy sharing these treats at your next gathering.

Festive Gingerbread Cookie Cups

Delicious gingerbread cookie cups filled with creamy frosting and topped with festive decorations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar, packed firmly
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 0.5 cups unsulfured molasses
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • to taste edible decorations (e.g., colorful sprinkles, mini candies)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners for easy removal after baking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and fine salt to combine. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter together with the packed brown sugar and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add in the large egg, molasses, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated and smooth.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can affect the texture of the cookie cups.
  • Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, fill each muffin cup with the dough, ensuring each is about halfway full for even rising during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookie cups are firm to the touch. Allow them to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the cookie cups are cooling, prepare the frosting: beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined.
  • Once the cookie cups have cooled to room temperature, use a small spoon or a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to fill each cup generously with the creamy frosting.
  • For a festive touch, garnish each frosted cookie cup with a variety of edible decorations such as sprinkles or miniature candies, making each one uniquely delightful!

Notes

Arrange the beautifully decorated gingerbread cookie cups on a festive plate or platter.
Keyword cookies, dessert, gingerbread, holiday