Nothing says Christmas like waking up to the smell of these generously spiced, deliciously moist Healthy Gingerbread Muffins. These incredibly fluffy, slightly sweet muffins are the perfect Holiday treat to wake the family up to. They're not only quick and easy but come together in one bowl and under 30 minutes….and as a mom of three kids, that's always a win!
Christmas is just around the corner, and I'm ready for all the Holiday baking. So, break out the cake pans, the rolling pins, and the cookie sheets! Dust off your grandmother's recipe book and let the baking begin!
And, if you're looking for a rich and creamy dairy-free hot cocoa recipe, you're going to love this delicious, kid-approved Oat Milk Hot Chocolate recipe.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY BAKING TRADITIONS
It's not really about the breads and the cakes and the cookies. Looking back, it's about the memories. It's about the stories shared while baking bread, the laughter and giggles overheard while little girls stick their fingers in bowls of batter and melted chocolate.
And, it's about feeling close to lost loved ones while making favorite old fashioned recipes and creating new family traditions. The magic of the season is the time spent with family and friends...the food is just what brings us all together.
HEALTHY WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS
These muffins are considered healthy due to the healthier choice of ingredients. This delicious recipe is slightly sweetened with molasses instead of refined sugar. Coconut oil replaces butter. Greek Yogurt is added to keep these gingerbread muffins moist and fluffy. And, White Whole-Wheat flour is used to increase the whole-grain and fiber content instead of using refined white flour.
COCONUT OIL
The health benefit of coconut oil comes from a medium-chain fatty acid called lauric acid that makes up a substantial amount of the fat in this oil. Lauric acid may have health benefits such as, increasing beneficial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels that are easily processed in the body. This is the main reason that despite the high saturated fat content (90%), coconut oil is considered a good nutritional alternative to other saturated fats like butter.
WHITE WHOLE-WHEAT FLOUR
White whole wheat flour isn't bleached or refined. The term "white" refers to the type and color of the kernels. Instead of a brown outer shell, the outer shell of these kernels is white. White whole-wheat flour is simply made hard white spring or winter wheat - the bran, germ, and endosperm are all ground to make a 100% whole-wheat flour. This flour is lighter in color and texture, milder in flavor, sweeter in taste, and considered nutritionally the same as whole-wheat flour. Using white whole-wheat flour in baked goods is a terrific way to boost whole-grain intake with minimal effort.
MOLASSES
Using molasses in place of refined sugar is a no brainer for these gingerbread muffins! Molasses has the lowest sugar content of any sugar cane product. Unlike refined sugar, which has zero nutritional value, molasses contains vital vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, selenium, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
HOW TO MAKE WHOLE-WHEAT GINGERBREAD MUFFINS
Measure all ingredients.
Whisk together the egg, coconut oil, greek yogurt, molasses, milk, and vanilla in a medium size mixing bowl.
Add in the salt, spices, and whole wheat flour. Mix together just until everything is incorporated.
Stir in the baking soda being careful not to over mix the batter.
Spoon gingerbread batter into a muffin pan with muffin liners. Fill the cups to the top. This recipe makes 12 gingerbread muffins.
Top batter with Coarse Sugar in the Raw to give the muffin top that added crunch, optional.
Bake muffins at 350F for 15-18 minutes. Cool and dust with powdered sugar, optional.
CHOCOLATE GINGERBREAD MUFFINS
Wondering if chocolate and gingerbread pair well together? They do!
For chocolate gingerbread muffins add ¾ cup of chocolate chips to your batter before filling the muffin cups. I like dark chocolate chips, but you could use what ever kind you have on hand. Milk chocolate or semi-sweet work well with gingerbread muffins too.
RECIPE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Store these gingerbread muffins in an airtight container for 2-3 days in a cool-dry place. Or, refrigerate muffins in an airtight container for up to one week.
Most homemade muffins freeze well. Simply wrap each muffin tightly in plastic wrap then wrap again in aluminum foil and place all muffins in a freezer zip-top bag. Muffins in the freezer are good for up to 3 months. To thaw, remove from the freezer, sit muffin out at room temperature for at least one hour. Or, unwrap muffin and microwave at half power for 20 second intervals until warmed though.
Regular (white) all-purpose flour will work well in place of white whole-wheat flour for this recipe. No extra steps or changes are needed.
MORE HEALTHY BAKING RECIPES YOU MIGHT LOVE:
Salted Chocolate Espresso Nut Clusters
Easy Banana Nut Bread with Pecans
Healthy Homemade Granola with Hemp Hearts
Blueberry Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
LOVE THIS RECIPE?
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📖 Recipe
Whole Wheat Gingerbread Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup molasses
- ⅓ cup greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with 12 muffin liners.
- In a medium mixing bowl add coconut oil, egg, molasses, vanilla, greek yogurt, and milk. Whisk together or use an electric mixer.
- Stir in salt and spices.
- Add flour and mix to incopoorate then mix in baking soda.
- Spoon into muffin liners. Sprinkle with coarse raw sugar if desired and bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Optional - When Gingerbread muffins have cooled, dust with powdered sugar.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
The nutritional information provided here is approximate and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. We strive to give you accurate information, but many factors can cause this data to vary widely. For more information, please read our full Nutritional Disclaimer.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Leave me a comment or tag @healthywithachanceofsprinkles on Instagram so we can admire your whole food yumminess!
Arya Kurien says
Really cool recipe! I can't wait to try it!
Jessica says
So happy you think so!
Leslie says
Excellent Healthy Gingerbread Muffin recipe!
Jessica says
So happy you liked the recipe!
Maryanne Kindle says
Yum! Thank you so much for including a dairy free option!
Jessica says
You're welcome!
Kristina says
These sound so delicious! Can't wait to try them.
Jessica says
I hope you love them as much as we do!
Halimeh Salem says
I will definitely try this out
Jessica says
Thanks so much!
michele h peterson says
Thanks! Made these tonight and loved them.
Jessica says
Yay! Thank you!!
Brianna says
These look like the perfect treat for Christmas morning!
Jessica says
So good!
Adriana says
What a great idea to use whole wheat for gingerbread; in Mexican cuisine, there is a similar breed. Now I need to try your version.
Jessica says
I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing!
Tiffany says
I love gingerbread cookies but never thought of gingerbread muffins. Brilliant!
Jessica says
They're so good! And much easier 🙂
Jeannie says
Still have a few days to bake great cookies! Thanks for this!
Jessica says
You're welcome!
Audrey says
I'm such a huge fan of whole wheat baking. Love these!
Jessica says
Thank you!!
Alexandra says
So delicious and perfect festive breakfast!
Jessica says
Thank you!
Kim Guzman says
Yum! This will be perfect for Christmas morning!
Jessica says
So Good!
Lisa says
So delicious! I love the gingerbread flavor and these little muffins are so cute. They would be perfect to make for all the cousins coming next week. 🙂
Jessica says
Perfect for little hands! Happy Holidays!
Donna Garrison says
The smell of gingerbread takes me back to my childhood, and memories of gingerbread baking in the oven and CHristmas delights. These whole wheat muffins look absolutely delicious, and easy to make. Perfect for the busy season. I bet these would also make great gifts.
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Lillie says
My husband is such a fan of gingerbread cookies, and I'm a fan of whole wheat goodness, so this is a match made in heaven!
Jessica says
Yay! So happy you loved them!
Raquel says
Thanks for this delicious recipe!
Jessica says
You're very welcome!
Christina says
These were so good!!
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Laura says
Very good muffins. Thanks.
Jessica says
Yay! So happy you liked the recipe!
Lindsay Fuce says
These look so perfect for this season!!
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Carrie Pankratz says
These look delicious and perfect for our holiday week off of school. Thank you for another great recipe.
Jessica says
You're very welcome! Happy Holidays!
Lindsay says
I don't know what I love more, this recipe or the photo with the darling little hand reaching in for one! I'm making these for the neighbors - I'm sure all the little ones in their household will also love these! Thanks for the healthy recipe!
Jessica says
You are so kind! And your neighbors are going to love you!!
Mckayla says
I know it’s fate to try your recipe if it pops up multiple times per day! ? I’m not much of a gingerbread person but I’m always down to try new things and it just looks delicious!
Jessica says
Yay! I hope you love them as much as we do!
Ally says
Yum!! These sound delcious. I can't wait to try making them 🙂
Jessica says
Thanks, Ally!
Megan Weimer says
Absolutely delicious! So excited to make them this week!
Jessica says
It's the perfect week for them! Enjoy!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I meant to rate it as well:))
Jessica says
You are so kind!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I absolutely loved the video you made of this recipe - fabulous! You gave me the courage to try as well! Your kitchen must have smelled intoxicating from all the spices when you made them!
Jessica says
Thank you for saying that! It's a steep learning curve for sure, but you gotta start somewhere. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
Suzqnne says
Yummmmmmmmy
Jessica says
Thanks!
Ally says
Yum!! These look amazing. I can't wait to try making them 🙂
Jessica says
Thanks, Ally!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh says
I love making gingerbread muffins, especially when they’re healthy. I appreciate your addition of Greek yogurt!
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Christi says
These look so delicious! Can’t wait to try! Thanks for sharing!
Jessica says
Thank you, Christi!
Giangi Townsend says
What a great recipe and so easy to make. Definitely on my to-make list
Jessica says
I hope you love them as much as we do!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady says
I absolutely LOVE gingerbread and these muffins look and sound amazing. I love your photos!
Jessica says
You're so sweet! Thank you!
Katie says
Oh my! Thank you for sharing this recipe, it looks delicious and I’m needing a recipe like this!
Jessica says
Thank you so much!!
Jimmy Clare says
this looks tasty
Jessica says
Thank you so much!
Neli says
This looks absolutely delicious! I love baking and I will definitely try this recipe!
Jessica says
Thank you!