Thank you Pompeian for sponsoring this post!

These Gingerbread Muffins are wonderfully soft, incredibly moist, and bursting with the warm, aromatic flavors of the holiday season. This delightful recipe is designed for simplicity, requiring just one bowl for preparation, making cleanup a breeze. Each golden-brown muffin is generously crowned with a sweet cinnamon sugar glaze, adding an irresistible extra burst of pure yum!

Hello, fellow food lovers! Get ready to embrace the cozy spirit of the season because it’s Muffin Monday, and I’m thrilled to share a recipe for truly spectacular Gingerbread Muffins. Just look at that glistening, gooey glaze delicately draped over those little gems! That’s no ordinary topping; it’s a homemade sweet cinnamon sugar glaze, so utterly delicious it might just inspire you to sing its praises from the rooftops. These aren’t just muffins; they’re a celebration of classic holiday flavors, made effortlessly for your enjoyment.

I am absolutely delighted to have partnered with Pompeian for this festive recipe, utilizing their exceptional Extra Virgin Olive Oil. As many of you know, Pompeian has long been my trusted brand for both olive oils and vinegars, a staple in my kitchen for countless dishes. Their commitment to quality shines through in every product, making them an indispensable ingredient for home cooks and bakers alike. I’ve previously crafted delicious Sausage Cheddar and Olive Oil Muffins using Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, showcasing its versatility beyond savory cooking. And my seasonal Harvest Wild Rice Salad with Pumpkin Vinaigrette, a crowd-pleaser for autumn gatherings, perfectly blends Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar and EVOO for a balanced, vibrant flavor.

The idea of a gingerbread recipe has been simmering in my mind for quite some time now. Perhaps not “ages,” but certainly for a good few weeks! Initially, I considered tackling a more elaborate gingerbread cake, having stumbled upon a promising recipe in the revered William’s Sonoma Baking Cookbook. However, as often happens in the whirlwind of daily life, that grand baking project hadn’t quite materialized. Then, just yesterday, as morning stretched into late morning, a sudden realization hit me: breakfast was desperately needed, and it needed to be quick! In that moment of delicious urgency, the humble muffin called my name.

What unfolded next was a delightful culinary experiment. Instead of rigidly following an existing gingerbread muffin recipe, I embarked on a journey of discovery. I delved into the essence of gingerbread, researching its traditional spice profiles and key ingredients. I browsed through various recipes, absorbing ideas and considering the essential components that would bring that iconic flavor to life in a muffin. With a clear vision in mind, I gathered my ingredients, threw everything together with a dash of hopeful anticipation, and into the oven they went. To my immense relief and utter joy – and lucky for you too! – the muffins emerged from the oven not just good, but absolutely perfect. They surpassed all expectations, delivering a tender crumb, rich flavor, and an aroma that filled the kitchen with pure holiday magic.

One of the best features of these Gingerbread Muffins, besides their incredible taste, is the unparalleled ease of preparation. This truly is a one-bowl wonder recipe, meaning significantly less cleanup for you – a busy baker’s dream! The process couldn’t be simpler: first, you whisk together all the wet ingredients until thoroughly combined. Next, gently fold in the dry ingredients, taking care not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for tender muffins! Once the batter is ready, scoop it effortlessly into your prepared muffin pan. Then, into the oven they go. While your kitchen fills with the intoxicating scent of baking gingerbread, you’ll whip up the star of the show: the sweet cinnamon sugar glaze. With just four simple ingredients, whisked together in a single mixing bowl, you’ll have a luscious, pourable glaze ready in under a minute. Seriously, it’s so incredibly delicious, you might be tempted to sneak a spoonful directly from the bowl. But I highly recommend resisting that urge and saving every drop for those exquisite gingerbread muffins; they truly deserve this decadent finish.

Contents

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Gingerbread Muffins with Sweet Cinnamon Sugar Glaze

Yield:
12 muffins

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

These Gingerbread Muffins are soft and full of flavor. A simple, one bowl recipe. Topped with sweet cinnamon sugar glaze for an extra burst of yum!

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 C all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/3 C granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 C Pompeian EVOO
• 1 egg
• 1/2 C milk
• 2 tbsp molasses
• 2 tbsp maple syrup

For the glaze

• 1 1/2 C confectioners sugar
• 2-3 tbsp of milk, plus more, if needed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray the muffin cups of a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray. For a clean finish, gently wipe away any excess spray with a paper towel.
3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), egg, milk, molasses, and maple syrup until smooth and well combined. Next, add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and salt. Carefully mix everything together using a spoon or spatula until the ingredients are just incorporated. Be mindful not to over-mix; a few small lumps are perfectly normal and will result in a more tender muffin. Do not mix briskly.
4. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, distribute the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Fill each cup approximately 1/2 to 2/3 full. Gently smooth the top of the batter in each cup with your index finger or the back of a spoon for an even bake.
5. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. This indicates they are fully cooked.
6. Once baked to perfection, remove the muffins from your oven. Allow them to cool in the muffin pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely for 20-30 minutes before glazing.
7. While the muffins are cooling, prepare the irresistible glaze. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and free of lumps. Add more milk, a tiny bit at a time, to achieve a thinner consistency if desired, or more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it. Spoon or drizzle the glorious glaze generously over the cooled gingerbread muffins.

Notes

For optimal freshness, store any leftover Gingerbread Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Any unused glaze can be stored separately in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 1 week. If the glaze thickens in the fridge, you may add a tiny drop of milk and whisk to restore its consistency before serving.

As the festive season draws near, these Gingerbread Muffins are not just a treat for your taste buds but also offer a wonderful opportunity for thoughtful gifting. Speaking of personalized gifts, don’t miss out on a truly unique offering from our friends at Pompeian! This holiday season, visit Pompeian on Facebook to explore their special promotion where you can create your very own customized olive oil bottles. Imagine the delight of your friends and family receiving a beautifully personalized bottle of premium olive oil, perhaps even with a custom message or design. These make for incredibly thoughtful and practical gifts, perfect for anyone who appreciates quality ingredients in their kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of good food and thoughtful gestures this Christmas!

Every bite of these gingerbread muffins transports you to a cozy, spice-filled haven. The rich, deep notes of molasses and ginger are perfectly balanced by the sweet, delicate hints of cinnamon and maple syrup. The Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil plays a crucial role here, contributing to the muffins’ incredibly moist and tender crumb, a texture that simply melts in your mouth. It’s truly a testament to how quality ingredients can elevate a simple recipe into something extraordinary. Whether you’re enjoying them warm from the oven on a chilly morning, serving them as a festive brunch item, or packaging them up for a homemade gift, these muffins are guaranteed to bring smiles and holiday cheer.

Beyond being a delicious breakfast or snack, these Gingerbread Muffins are also incredibly versatile. Feel free to add a handful of chopped candied ginger for an extra kick, or perhaps some toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch. A sprinkle of orange zest in the batter could brighten the flavors beautifully. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these muffins are a simple yet sophisticated way to bring the heartwarming essence of gingerbread into your home without the fuss of more complicated holiday baking. They truly embody the spirit of the season: warmth, comfort, and a touch of sweet indulgence. Get ready to make these your new go-to holiday muffin!

Discover More Gingerbread & Holiday Inspired Treats from Other Talented Bloggers:

Expand your festive baking repertoire with these incredible creations from my fellow food enthusiasts:

Gingersnap Chocolate Ganache Truffles | This Gold Lining Girl – A decadent twist on classic holiday flavors.
Gingerbread Caramel Poke Cake | What’s Cooking, Love? – A moist cake infused with gingerbread and rich caramel.
Cranberry Gingerbread Mug Cake | Frugal Foodie Mama – Quick and cozy, perfect for a single serving treat.
Gingerbread Pancakes | Sugar Dish Me – Start your holiday mornings with these fluffy, spiced pancakes.

Explore More Festive Recipes from This Gal Cooks:

If you’re loving these Gingerbread Muffins, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other popular holiday and seasonal recipes:

Chocolate Ginger Cookies

For those who adore the combination of chocolate and the warm spice of ginger, these cookies are an absolute must-try. They are chewy, perfectly spiced, and wonderfully rich – an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter or a delightful treat with a cup of tea or coffee.

Pumpkin Spice Gooey Magic Bars (with a gingersnap crust)

These magic bars are truly enchanting! Featuring a flavorful gingersnap crust that beautifully complements the creamy pumpkin spice layers, they are gooey, sweet, and utterly irresistible. They’re a fantastic dessert for any gathering and a wonderful way to enjoy the comforting flavors of autumn and winter.