Cupcakes for Thanksgiving: 7 Magical Recipes to Delight

Name: Cupcakes for Thanksgiving: 7 Magical Recipes to Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

October 23, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Thanksgiving is such a magical time of year, isn’t it? It’s all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious food. And let me tell you, these cupcakes for Thanksgiving are the perfect addition to any holiday spread! Imagine the joy on everyone’s faces as they bite into fluffy cupcakes infused with the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s like a little celebration in each bite! Plus, they’re super easy to make, so you can whip them up without any fuss and focus on what truly matters: making memories with family and friends.

Ingredients for Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful cupcakes that will bring a smile to your Thanksgiving table. Trust me, these ingredients come together to make something truly special!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Make sure your butter is softened — it really makes a difference in how fluffy your cupcakes turn out! And don’t skimp on the pumpkin puree; it’s the star of the show here! You’ll want to gather everything before you start so you can dive right into the baking fun!

How to Prepare Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

Alright, let’s get into the fun part — making these scrumptious cupcakes! I promise, it’s a straightforward process that’ll have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to Thanksgiving cupcake bliss!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring that your cupcakes bake evenly and come out fluffy. While it’s warming up, go ahead and line your cupcake pan with liners. I like to use festive liners to get in the holiday spirit!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. You want to mix it until it’s almost pale in color, which helps to incorporate air and makes your cupcakes super soft. Trust me on this — it’s worth the extra time!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Mix

Now, it’s time to add those eggs! Do this one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to fully blend the eggs into the batter, creating a smooth mixture. I usually mix for about 30 seconds after adding each egg, so don’t rush this part!

Step 4: Incorporate Pumpkin and Vanilla

Next, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. Make sure to combine these ingredients smoothly. I recommend using a spatula or a wooden spoon here; it allows you to really fold everything in without overmixing. You’ll start to see that beautiful orange color come through, and trust me, it’s just the beginning of the deliciousness!

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice. Make sure they’re well combined — this helps ensure every bite is equally delicious! I like to whisk them together for a minute to break up any clumps and evenly distribute the spices.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start with a third of the dry mix, followed by half of the milk, and keep alternating until everything is just combined. This keeps the batter nice and light. Be careful not to overmix; you want it to be smooth but still fluffy!

Step 7: Fill Cupcake Liners

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to fill those cupcake liners! I usually fill them about 2/3 full. This gives them room to rise without overflowing. It can be a little messy, so I like to use an ice cream scoop — it makes it super easy and fun!

Step 8: Bake the Cupcakes

Pop the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end! You can do the toothpick test by inserting a toothpick in the center of a cupcake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they’re done. If it’s still wet, give them a couple more minutes.

Step 9: Cool and Frost

Once baked, let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important; if you frost them while they’re still warm, your frosting might melt away! I love topping these little treats with cream cheese frosting — it adds a delightful tang that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin flavor.

Why You’ll Love These Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

They’re super easy to make — perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
Deliciously moist with the warm, inviting flavors of pumpkin spice that scream Thanksgiving!
Perfectly portioned, so you can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging.
They make your kitchen smell heavenly while baking — trust me, your family will come running!
Great for sharing at gatherings or for a cozy dessert at home.
Versatile enough to pair with various frostings, but cream cheese frosting is a must-try!
The festive colors and flavors add a cheerful touch to your Thanksgiving spread.
Leftovers (if there are any!) stay fresh and delicious, making them a perfect treat for days after the holiday.

Tips for Success with Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

If you want to ensure your cupcakes for Thanksgiving turn out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by! Trust me, a little attention to detail goes a long way in baking.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before you start. This helps them blend together more smoothly and creates a lighter, fluffier cupcake.
Measure Flour Correctly: When measuring flour, fluff it up with a spoon first, then spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents you from packing in too much flour, which can lead to dense cupcakes.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, making your cupcakes tough instead of tender.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cupcakes a minute or two before the suggested baking time. You want them to be just set and a little springy to the touch.
Let Them Cool Completely: This one’s crucial! Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting. If you rush this step, your frosting will melt and slide right off.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel to the batter for an extra special touch.
Chill Your Frosting: If you’re using cream cheese frosting, chilling it for a bit in the fridge before frosting will help it hold its shape better when it’s time to decorate.

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to impressing your friends and family with these delightful cupcakes! Happy baking!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve baked up a batch of these irresistible cupcakes for Thanksgiving, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh for enjoying later. No worries! Storing them properly is super easy!

First off, make sure the cupcakes are completely cooled before you store them. This is key to keeping that lovely frosting intact and preventing any sogginess! Once they’re cool, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Trust me, they’ll still be delicious and moist!

If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last about a week. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving — they taste best that way!

Now, if you have some leftover cupcakes that you want to save for a special treat later on, you can freeze them! Wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and let them sit at room temperature for a bit before indulging.

Reheating isn’t really necessary for these delightful cupcakes, but if you’d like to warm them slightly, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back some of that fresh-baked magic! Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a hot, gooey mess!

So there you have it! With these simple storage tips, your Thanksgiving cupcakes will stay as delicious as the day you baked them! Enjoy every last crumb!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional information for these delightful cupcakes for Thanksgiving. While I’m all about enjoying treats, it’s nice to have an idea of what’s in them, right? Here’s an estimated breakdown per cupcake:

Calories: 180
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 2g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients you use or any delicious additions you might throw in. But hey, it’s Thanksgiving! Enjoying these cupcakes is definitely worth it. Just remember to savor each bite!

FAQ about Cupcakes for Thanksgiving

Got some questions about making these scrumptious cupcakes for Thanksgiving? No problem! I’m here to help you out with some common queries that come up. Let’s dive in!

What frosting works best with these cupcakes?

Oh, you can’t go wrong with cream cheese frosting! It adds a lovely tang that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully. But if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a maple buttercream or even a simple vanilla frosting. Just make sure it’s delicious!

Can I make these cupcakes vegan?

Absolutely! To make them vegan, just substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit until it thickens), replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, and use vegan butter. They’ll still be deliciously moist and flavorful!

How can I make these cupcakes gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too! The cupcakes will still turn out light and fluffy — no one will even notice the difference!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can elevate these cupcakes to a whole new level. Just fold them into the batter gently before filling the liners. You’ll be in for a delightful treat!

How should I store leftover cupcakes?

Great question! Once they’re completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. If you’re freezing them, wrap each cupcake tightly and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be just as tasty when you bring them back out!

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I wouldn’t recommend making the batter too far in advance, as it’s best when baked fresh. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients and store them in a sealed container until you’re ready to bake. Just mix in the wet ingredients when you’re set to go!

What if my cupcakes sink in the middle?

Oh no! If your cupcakes sink, it could be due to overmixing the batter or not baking them long enough. Make sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. They should be springy to the touch!

Have more questions? Feel free to reach out, and I’ll help you make your Thanksgiving cupcake experience as delightful as possible! Happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.