Gingerbread Cupcakes

Did you hear that??

Yup - That's the sound of a collective sigh as everyone celebrates making it through all the Christmas festivities without stabbing one of our relatives with a plastic fork*.

I don't know about you.. But for me, Christmas time can be a little trying.
Emotions are heightened after a long tiring year; we miss loved ones that are unable to join our celebrations - some are interstate and others no longer with us. And alcohol makes some family and friends merry, whilst others become melancholic.

And so when it is all over, we are relieved. And finally, we can relax.

But what I have learnt is that cupcakes are always a source of Christmas Cheer.

G I N G E R B R E A D   C U P C A K E S

Christmas Cupcakes

These are my gingerbread Cupcakes with Maple Frosting.

Gingerbread Cupcakes

Cupcakes

1 + 1/2 cups plain flour

2 tablespoons ground ginger

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 + 1/2 cups butter

1 + 1/2 cups sugar

3 tablespoons golden syrup

4 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 180 degrees

In a large bowl, sift together flour and spices; set aside

In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light

Add golden syrup

Beat in eggs, one at a time

Add vanilla

Add flour, mix on low speed until combined

Fill cupcake liners

Bake for approximately 25 minutes

Allow to cool before frosting.

Maple Frosting

1/3 cup butter

28 grams cream cheese

1/4 cup brown sugar

pinch of salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 cup icing sugar

Cream the butter, cream cheese, brown sugar and salt until light and fluffy;

Beat in maple syrup and vanilla;

Gradually add icing sugar until combined.

*Note: Yes.. sadly we are the family who use plastic cutlery on Christmas Day. The table is covered with a plastic Christmas themed table cloth and we pop cheap bon-bons and wear the tacky paper hats. Don't judge us.

xx