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Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting

December 10, 2012 by Audra 87 Comments

One of my favorite parts of December are Holiday Parties! I can’t get enough of mistletoe, spiked egg nog, mulled cider, carols, and secret Santas, (I’m actually taking part in three this year!) Of course, the delicious bite-sized snacks and treats make these parties even better. I’m not hosting one until we move into a bigger place, but I’m planning on hosting a few small friend get-togethers so I get a chance to spread some cheer and show off my cute tree! If I were having a big party though, with a full dessert table- these cupcakes would be on it without a doubt.

The base of these cutie little cupcakes is a soft and fluffy gingerbread cake that is topped with a creamy mascarpone frosting and some candied ginger bits. The frosting is less sweet than normal buttercream and has just a hint of lemon added for a hint of tartness. It offsets the spices in the cake perfectly and the candied ginger is a sweet finishing touch.

This was actually my first time making gingerbread of any kind and I couldn’t be more in love with this recipe. I look forward to changing up the size and trying full size cupcakes or even a bundt cake. I also had never worked with mascarpone and think it is to die for. (if you want to splurge a little.) If not- cream cheese would also work in a pinch!

Print
Mini Gingerbread Cupcakes with Mascarpone Frosting
Yield: 36 mini cupcakes
 
Ingredients
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ cup molasses
  • 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 8 oz mascarpone cheese room temp.
  • ½ cup butter- room temp.
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-3 Tablespoons milk or cream
  • 1 tsp lemon extract (or 1 T lemon juice)
  • candied ginger for topping
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Beat in water and molasses. (Mixture may be a bit lumpy at this point- don't worry!)
  2. Combine the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg and cloves; add to the creamed mixture. Beat on low speed until well combined- but don't over-mix.
  3. Fill paper-lined mini muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
  4. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
For Frosting:
  1. Cream the mascarpone and butter until thick and well-combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar until thick and creamy. Mix in lemon extract or juice. If frosting seems too thick, gradually add milk if needed.
  2. Frost cupcakes and top with candied ginger.
3.5.3251

Cupcake recipe adapted from: Taste of Home

Filed Under: Christmas, Cupcakes, Holidays, Recipes Tagged With: Cream Cheese, Ginger

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Comments

  1. Kel says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:44 am

    Your cookies look great – I might serve those!!!

    Reply
  2. Halee219 says

    December 10, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    Carrot cake cupcakes would look great on that tray!

    Reply
  3. Rachel Jaggers says

    December 10, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    I think chocolate thumbprint cookies would look cute (with festive sprinkles!)

    Reply
  4. [email protected] says

    December 10, 2012 at 12:59 pm

    My hidden kiss cookies!

    Reply
  5. Julianne says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:22 pm

    My Christmas cookies!!

    Reply
  6. Carina says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:27 pm

    awh..they look delicious! i love a good mascarpone frosting. it’s so easy to make and tastes even better than the classic cream cheese ones!

    cakes-carina.blogspot.de

    Reply
  7. Sue says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    my famous fruitcake.

    Reply
  8. Rachel A Garber says

    December 10, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    my French cookies!!

    Reply
  9. Wendy F says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    I’d serve my delicious raspberry bars.

    Reply
  10. Elin Woods says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:29 pm

    Hmm…I’m thinking something sweet and savory. Like a mini carrot cake cheesecake.

    Reply
  11. Ariane says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    I would serve a variety of truffles: mint, Grand Marnier infused with candied orange, pistachio, hazelnut… Lovely tray!

    Reply
  12. Amy @ Elephant Eats says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    I’d serve a platter of my many Christmas cookies!

    Reply
  13. Susan P says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I would showcase many of my holiday cookies…..it would be beautiful on my table.

    Reply
  14. Khampton1031 says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    I would serve an arrangement of the desserts that I will make for Christmas on this beautiful platter!

    Reply
  15. maureen says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:48 pm

    What a great item to put the spinach balls that I make on . The shine of the silver of the Nambe and the green of the spinach would be festive pairings.

    Reply
  16. Kim says

    December 10, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    individual cheesecakes!

    Reply
  17. Kristen Pasewald says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    I’ve been baking up a storm this December! Next I want to try your cookies n cream cupcakes. They would be pretty on the tray!

    Reply
  18. kristine says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    Beautiful tray! Love Nambé. I have a kitchen and dining room with copper accents and LOVE gingerbread. Those cupcakes look great on that tray! i would use it for many things but I think it is time for some love cake. Cut into squares an arranged on that platter with pretty glasses of sherry, the colors, and flavors, would be perfect.

    Reply
  19. Kara says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:01 pm

    I would serve the peppermint cake roll I am making for Christmas!

    Reply
  20. Ariane says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    I would serve the salted caramel cupcakes I’m making for our family Christmas party this year!

    Reply
  21. In Katrina's Kitchen says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:15 pm

    Cookies! And Buckeyes! And more cookies!!! :) These little cuppies are so cute ♥

    Reply
  22. In Katrina's Kitchen says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:17 pm

    I’m so glad I can finally comment on your blog again! Disqus would not let me comment with my version of Internet Explorer- I’ve now joined the 21st century and am using Chrome :) xoxo- K

    Reply
  23. Steflag says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:27 pm

    Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
  24. Souls_in_flight says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Ummm….love love love gingerbread! Thanks for another great recipe! And…would love to win this gorgeous serving tray! Thanks and Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  25. Ana Rodriguez Martinez says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    They look deliscious!!

    Reply
  26. Lauren says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:40 pm

    Yum, these look delicious. And what a gorgeous tray! I think some festive red velvet crackle cookies would look stunning and scrumptious on it.

    Reply
  27. Andrea Kitchen Witch says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:42 pm

    That’s a pretty tray! I love gingerbread. The mini bite size is perfect!

    Reply
  28. Kathy says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    Mini carrot cupcakes topped w/sugared carrot swirls would look great on that beautiful tray!

    Reply
  29. barbara n says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    I would fill it it delicious Christmas cookies and candies

    Reply
  30. Im At Home Baking says

    December 10, 2012 at 3:54 pm

    Those look wonderful!

    Reply
  31. Carolann says

    December 10, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    YUM! and thanks so much.

    Reply
  32. Mimi says

    December 10, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    I would serve chocolate chip cookies!

    Reply
  33. Becky says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    Yum! these look fabulous! I would serve a selection of cookies & other treats!

    Reply
  34. Charlotte T. says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    What a perfect Christmas treat… and love that tray!

    Reply
  35. Jordan says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    Maybe mini cupcakes or cookies??

    Reply
  36. Christine says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    I love gingerbread! I think the bundt cake version would be wonderful!

    Reply
  37. MaryB says

    December 10, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    I’d serve my mini desserts on this tray. These cupcakes look delicious. Gingerbread is a favorite around here.

    Reply
  38. Sallie Rego says

    December 10, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Santa Hat brownies – I made them last year and they were adorable and delicious!

    Reply
  39. Jordan Lynn (Ciao Cow) says

    December 10, 2012 at 6:04 pm

    These look so delicious, and I love anything Nambe!

    Reply
  40. marty says

    December 10, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Love the tray. I would serve cupcakes on it.

    Reply
  41. Kim says

    December 10, 2012 at 6:20 pm

    My husband loooooves gingerbread. Going to make these for him!

    Reply
  42. Amanda Thompson says

    December 10, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I might serve deviled eggs on it!

    Reply
  43. Jenny Paisley Zajichek says

    December 10, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    That’s a gorgeous platter–love your blog, Audra!

    Reply
  44. Keli says

    December 10, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    Would love this!!!

    Reply
  45. Jessica says

    December 10, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I would serve my Christmas cookies on this tray!

    Reply
  46. Jackie says

    December 10, 2012 at 7:45 pm

    I think mini cheesecakes would be nice on the tray.

    Reply
  47. Triciapaoluccio says

    December 10, 2012 at 7:55 pm

    i can attest to the deliciousness of these adorable cupcakes…i couldnt get over how soft they were…the frosting and the cake itself…thank you audra!
    and hey look i cant believe how easy it is to comment…sorry i thought it required new passwords etc :o

    Reply
  48. Meg S says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    I would serve some sugar cookies on that beautiful tray!

    Reply
  49. Monica De La Garza Treviño says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:15 pm

    Loved the recipe… Love the tray!!

    Reply
  50. Whitney says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:17 pm

    Those look delicious!

    Reply
  51. Joan says

    December 10, 2012 at 8:52 pm

    My Christmas Sandwich Cremes are always requested at Christmas.

    Reply
  52. Lynette says

    December 10, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    Definitely my chocolate peppermint bark!

    Reply
  53. Chelseytherese says

    December 10, 2012 at 10:24 pm

    Yum yum! And I LURVE the tray!!! :)

    Reply
  54. Dianne Shaw says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:26 pm

    I would use this tray to serve my Christmas cookies!

    Reply
  55. Holly says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:20 am

    I would serve cookies, probably a mixture of shortbread varieties,on that beautiful tray.

    Reply
  56. Clara says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:31 am

    your ginger cookies!

    Reply
  57. Holly Klopfenstein Clark says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:52 am

    Some adorable thumbprint cookies would look fantastic on that gorgeous tray!

    Reply
  58. Jenny Lee says

    December 11, 2012 at 1:42 am

    I love the Nambe products

    Reply
  59. megan says

    December 11, 2012 at 1:42 am

    sugar cookies!

    Reply
  60. Nancy Piran says

    December 11, 2012 at 1:52 am

    These look so yummy especially with the mascarpone cheese on it!

    Reply
  61. Christina says

    December 11, 2012 at 3:00 am

    They look super cute! And what a gorgeous tray!

    Reply
  62. Sam Jennifer Musil Lindley says

    December 11, 2012 at 3:21 am

    I think I would serve Canapes on this tray

    Reply
  63. Patty says

    December 11, 2012 at 3:40 am

    I would serve my Christmas cookies on this tray.

    Reply
  64. Jubinsky2114 says

    December 11, 2012 at 4:20 am

    i’d love to serve these cupcakes on the platter! my grandfather has been requesting gingerbread!

    Reply
  65. Kristy says

    December 11, 2012 at 4:22 am

    I would put my fudge on that tray.

    Reply
  66. Sarah Arsenault says

    December 11, 2012 at 6:11 am

    I would serve sugar cookies

    Reply
  67. Meep Meep says

    December 11, 2012 at 9:40 am

    I’d be serving up some cinnamon roll cookies :)

    Reply
  68. Erinmmauro says

    December 11, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    these look adorable!

    Reply
  69. Kali Orkin says

    December 11, 2012 at 2:05 pm

    Love the fresh take on gingerbread, I am really into that flavor this year. I wonder if you can make ginger bread cinnamon rolls?

    Reply
  70. Jenny @ The Brunette Baker says

    December 11, 2012 at 3:21 pm

    Absolutely love, want, and need this tray!

    Reply
  71. Becca - Cookie Jar Treats says

    December 11, 2012 at 5:03 pm

    The tray really is beautiful and I love your little gingerbread cakes. I’m looking into trying some eggnog recipes, so I’d probably use the tray to store those :P

    Reply
  72. Noellepuanani says

    December 11, 2012 at 5:13 pm

    what a pretty tray! i love these cupcakes too. my mother in law just gave me a mini muffin tin, so i can christen it with these little beauties!

    Reply
  73. Minda says

    December 11, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Always wanted to own a copper something! This would be perfect!

    Reply
  74. Carley Leavitt says

    December 11, 2012 at 6:37 pm

    I would serve decorated Christmas Sugar Cookies!!

    Reply
  75. Lizzie says

    December 11, 2012 at 8:54 pm

    Where do you find the mini muffin cups? I never seem to be able to track them down!

    Reply
  76. Lynnette Moore says

    December 12, 2012 at 12:53 am

    I would serve my Christmas Supper on this tray! Nettie

    Reply
  77. Kimi says

    December 12, 2012 at 1:21 am

    Awesome giveaway

    Reply
  78. BigFatBaker says

    December 12, 2012 at 2:32 am

    These are so cute!! I love gingerbread, egg nog, and all of the previously mentioned goodies :) I would love to have a gorgeous serving tray like this..! I bet it would be perfect for serving cookies

    Reply
  79. Amelia says

    December 12, 2012 at 4:37 am

    Peanut Butter Blossoms!

    Reply
  80. gabriela says

    December 12, 2012 at 8:27 am

    I love it, and will serve sweet potato minis.

    Reply
  81. Teresa says

    December 12, 2012 at 6:32 pm

    What a pretty tray! I’d serve classic chocolate chip cookies on it- maybe with a sprinkle of sea salt :)

    Reply
  82. Kelly Burks says

    December 12, 2012 at 8:09 pm

    Those look delicious! Can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
  83. Serena says

    December 13, 2012 at 7:16 am

    My family makes this jello during every occasion. The coconut ones are just white and then there’s a multi coloured one. Imagine arranging them on this tray. It would look beautiful !

    Reply
  84. Kristin says

    December 14, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    I’m thinking I’d put a slew of thumbprint cookies on this tray!

    Reply
  85. Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says

    December 16, 2012 at 4:10 pm

    These cupcakes are just too cute! And that size is most definitely dangerous.

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I’d love to make cute little cupcakes like these or frosted cookies to put on this tray!

    Reply
  86. Kkpkayleigh says

    December 16, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I make a gingerbread cupcake every year! never with mascarpone frosting though… something new to try!

    Reply
  87. Amanda says

    December 17, 2012 at 2:56 am

    The tray is beautiful, and this recipe looks very tasty!

    Reply

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