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Gingerbread Frosting

Gingerbread Frosting
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This gingerbread frosting recipe delivers a warm, festive blend of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves combined with a creamy, sweet base. Perfect for cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and more, it offers a versatile, quick-to-make topping that adds rich holiday flavor and texture to your seasonal treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or cream

Optional Variations

  • Substitute 1/2 cup butter with 1/2 cup cream cheese for tangy frosting
  • Use vegan butter and plant-based milk for dairy-free version
  • Replace part of powdered sugar with maple syrup for softer texture and earthy sweetness
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for additional spice depth
  • Mix in 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate gingerbread frosting

Instructions

  1. Cream the Butter: Beat softened butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy to create a smooth base for your frosting.
  2. Add Spices and Sugar: Gradually sift in powdered sugar along with ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves while mixing on low speed to prevent mess and ensure even blending.
  3. Mix in Vanilla and Milk: Add vanilla extract and milk or cream a little at a time, mixing until you achieve a smooth, firm but spreadable consistency.
  4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the frosting and adjust sweetness or spice levels as preferred to suit your family’s tastes.
  5. Use or Chill: Use immediately to decorate cookies, cakes, or cupcakes or cover and chill to maintain freshness for later use.

Notes

  • Use room temperature butter for smooth blending and lump-free frosting.
  • Sift powdered sugar to avoid gritty texture and create a silky finish.
  • Add milk slowly to prevent runny frosting that is difficult to work with.
  • Chill frosting before piping to help it hold shapes and peaks.
  • Start with minimal spices and increase gradually to balance flavor without overpowering sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: gingerbread frosting, holiday frosting, spiced frosting, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, festive frosting, easy frosting, cream cheese frosting alternative, vegan frosting

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/gingerbread-frosting/