Tis' the Season for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Cream CheeseFrosting

It was a dark and stormy night...oh wait, that really isn't relevant...Actually, it was dark and stormy and I had seen this recipe on FoodNetwork the night before.  On my way home, I called to see if I had all the ingredients to make these yummy things and Hallelujah! I did.  I needed something to begin putting me in a festive mood.  I think these have done it! 

I took this recipe from Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Icing from the episode, "Potluck Thanksgiving".  I've changed it up a bit just simplifiying it some (leaving out the rum-soaked raisins...not a favorite).  I think they are absolutely wonderful AND they make your whole house smell truly delicious!  Hope you try them...let me know!

Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Icing

For the cupcakes:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin pan with paper liners.

¼ pound (1 stick)  butter
1 cup unsulfured molasses
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1½ teaspoons grated orange zest (this makes all the difference in the world!  Don't skip it!)

1 teaspoon of vanilla (I added this)

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon kosher salt

Place the butter and molasses in a small pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour the mixture into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cool for 5 minutes, then mix in the sour cream and orange zest.  Sift the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together into a small bowl. Mix with your hand until combined. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the flour mixture to the molasses mixture and mix only until smooth. (this part is important!)


 
For the frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
¼ pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
½ pound confectioners’ sugar, sifted

Mix the cream cheese, butter, orange zest and vanilla in a mixer.  Add confectioners sugar until well blended. 

Enjoy!

Joy~~~~~~~