Saturday, December 17, 2011

Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes

gingerbreadmini (5)


Everyone needs a little Christmas spirit in their lives. Even if they're not really into Christmas.

I have been known to be a grinch every now and again. When I see those Black Friday videos or the hundreds of cars lining up to get to the mall, my heart does a little flip-flop. There's so much greed floating around, it's hard to celebrate this holiday season as one that advocates charity. This is why Mr. C and I don't exchange gifts - we don't really need anything, so why go out and fight the crowds to get something useless for one another? Instead, we travel, have a nice dinner and a bottle of wine (or two), and celebrate the little things in life.

So, maybe this year, think about making a new Christmas tradition with your family. Instead of buying endless amounts of stuff, just spend the day together. Go out and experience the world (as long as you're not snowed in). Spread some real Christmas spirit.

Here's some mini Christmas spirits to get you started:


gingerbreadmini (11)

Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes
adapted from Martha Stewart

Makes about three dozen mini cupcakes

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 cup boiling water
1 1/4 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup butter, warm
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons fresh ginger
1/2 cup fancy molasses
1 egg

1) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, all the ground spices, salt, and baking powder. Set aside. Combine the baking soda with the boiling water in a small cup and set aside as well.

2) Whip up the butter and the brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the molasses and ginger, and mix for another 1 to 2 minutes and then add the extra egg, mixing well. Add your baking soda mixture and continue to mix until everything is incorporated. Sift in the flour mixture and mix with a wooden spoon until your batter has just come together.

3) Add a tablespoon of batter to each one of your mini cupcake liners. Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until your cupcake liner comes out clean. Set out to cool completely before icing.

Simple Cinnamon and Nutmeg Frosting
6 ounces cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Confectioner's sugar (about 1 1/2 to 2 cups)

1) Use your electric mixer to whip up the cream cheese and butter. When the mixture is light and fluffy, add your cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, then continue to mix. Add the confectioner's sugar, a half cup at a time, until nice and thick. Pipe a small amount on the top of each cupcake (it's a sweet frosting, so you don't need too much). Enjoy your little Christmas spirit!

4 comments:

Monet said...

I love your simple, people-focused, version of Christmas...and I love these cupcakes too. Thank you for whetting my appetite. Now I don't want to go to work, I just want to get in the kitchen and cook! I hope you have a blessed week, my friend!

Unknown said...

Such nice looking cuppies! Have a great holiday!! xo

Anonymous said...

Yummy to the Tummy! :-)

Greetings from Southern California.

I am your newest follower.

Take care and have a gr8 day :-)

Grace said...

This article describes everything very well.

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