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Gingerbread Frosting

Gingerbread Frosting

This delightful Gingerbread Frosting is a rich, spiced frosting that blends warm flavors of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses to perfectly complement gingerbread cookies, cakes, or cupcakes. Creamy, smooth, and easy to make using simple pantry ingredients, this frosting adds a cozy, festive touch to your holiday baked goods with customizable sweetness and spice levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons molasses
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons milk or cream (room temperature)

Spices and Flavorings

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Soften the Butter: Start with unsalted butter at room temperature to ensure it beats up fluffy and smooth. Let it soften for about 30 minutes before mixing.
  2. Beat Butter and Molasses: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with molasses until combined and creamy. This infuses the frosting base with that signature dark, rich gingerbread flavor.
  3. Add Spices and Vanilla: Mix in ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract until well incorporated, allowing the warm spices to permeate the frosting mixture.
  4. Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: Slowly add powdered sugar while continuing to beat to avoid lumps. Ensure the frosting becomes fluffy and spreadable without any graininess.
  5. Adjust Consistency with Milk: Pour in milk or cream one tablespoon at a time, mixing until you reach your desired frosting consistency — smooth enough to spread but firm enough to hold shape.
  6. Final Whip and Taste Test: Give the frosting one last whip for airiness, then taste and adjust spice or sweetness levels if needed before decorating your holiday treats.

Notes

  • Always use room temperature butter and milk for the smoothest frosting.
  • Beat each step thoroughly to incorporate air for light and fluffy results.
  • Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent lumps in the frosting.
  • Taste as you go and adjust spices to suit your preferences.
  • Use high-quality molasses to elevate the depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Gingerbread frosting, holiday frosting, spiced frosting, gingerbread cookies topping, gingerbread cake frosting, Christmas frosting, festive frosting