Gingerbread Cupcakes with Orange Frosting

Cupcakes:

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup molasses

2 eggs, room temperature

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. allspice

3/4 cup water

 

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup butter, room temperature

zest from 1 orange

1 lb. powdered sugar

1-2 tsp. orange juice

Cupcakes:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line 18 muffin cups.

In the bowl of a stand mixer cream the butter and sugar together until well combined. Add the molasses and eggs. Blend together until well blended. Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined. Evenly divide batter into the 18 muffin cups. Bake for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool 5 minutes in pan , then remove to cool on a wire rack.

Frosting:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl of a stand mixer and beat until fluffy. Place in a piping bag and pipe on top of each cupcake.