Spice Cupcakes: Perfect for the Winter

Spice Cupcakes

There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cupcakes wafting through the kitchen, especially when they’re made with a little extra love. This weekend, our family had the absolute best time diving into The Sprinkles Baking Book by Candace Nelson and whipping up a batch of her incredible Spice Cupcakes. If you’ve ever been lucky enough to enjoy a treat from Sprinkles Cupcakes, you already know her desserts are second to none, and this recipe did not disappoint!

We laid out all the ingredients—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, buttermilk, and more—and got to work. Here’s a quick rundown of the recipe.

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Spice Cupcake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp ground cloves

• 1/4 tsp ground allspice

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature

• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 12-cup muffin tin.

2. Whisk together the dry ingredients in one bowl.

3. Cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.

4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk/applesauce to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry.

5. Divide batter evenly and bake for 18-22 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy. Frost cooled cupcakes generously.

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Getting some help from the boys

Baking with the kids was an adventure full of flour clouds, sneaky tastes of batter, and lots of laughter. The smell of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg filled the house, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere. Once frosted, the cupcakes were a hit—perfectly moist and bursting with flavor.

If you haven’t picked up The Sprinkles Baking Book, it’s a must-have. It’s packed with recipes that bring people together, just like these cupcakes did for us. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this book is an invitation to create sweet memories in the kitchen.

Have you tried baking anything from this book? Let us know which recipe you’re most excited to try next!