Creating these gingerbread cupcakes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to achieve cupcake perfection:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with 12 liners. This ensures that your cupcakes will bake evenly and be easy to remove from the pan.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground ginger
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a measuring cup, mix the molasses with buttermilk. In another bowl, cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the molasses mixture. Mix until just combined to ensure a tender crumb.

5. Bake Cupcakes

Divide the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting.

6. Make Frosting

Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until the frosting is creamy and smooth.

7. Frost Cupcakes

Use a piping bag to frost the cooled cupcakes. You can also use a spatula if you prefer a rustic look. Get creative with your designs!