Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
– 1/3 cup molasses
– 1/2 cup plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the frosting:
– 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
– 4 tablespoons vegan butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons plant-based milk
– Vegan-friendly food coloring (optional)
– Vegan-friendly candies or sprinkles for decorating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, molasses, plant-based milk, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well combined.

4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want a light and fluffy texture.

5. Spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about two-thirds full. This recipe should make approximately 12 cupcakes.

6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

7. In the meantime, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened vegan butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, alternating with the plant-based milk, until you achieve a smooth and spreadable consistency.

8. If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls, add a few drops of vegan-friendly food coloring to each, and mix well to create different colors for your snowmen.

9. Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them using a spatula or piping bag, creating a rounded shape on top. Leave about a quarter of an inch on the edges to resemble snowbanks.

10. Decorate the frosting with vegan-friendly candies or sprinkles to create adorable snowmen faces. Get creative! Use different colors for scarves or add pretzel sticks for arms.

11. Serve these Vegan Gingerbread Cupcakes immediately, or refrigerate and enjoy them the next day. They stay moist and flavorful!

Tips and Variations:

– For an extra kick of spice, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
– If you prefer a creamier frosting, replace half of the vegan butter with vegan cream cheese.
– Experiment with different flavors by adding a teaspoon of orange zest or grated fresh ginger to the cupcake batter.
– If you’re not a fan of snowmen, feel free to explore other festive designs like gingerbread houses or winter landscapes.

Whether you’re baking these vegan gingerbread cupcakes for a holiday party or simply to enjoy the cozy flavors at home, they are sure to become a staple in your seasonal recipe collection. Indulge in the softness, savor the warm spices, and embrace the festive joy of the frosting snowmen. Happy baking, and may your holiday season be filled with these scrumptious delights!